Did you know that magazines are not compostable, but corrugated cardboard and newspaper are? Wood pulp products that are processed with no colorful inks can be safely and easily added to your compost bin. Just tear them into small pieces and water well; they'll degrade quickly and turn into beneficial carbon for your compost. And don’t forget, you also have the option of breaking down boxes and bundling newspaper and placing them in your curbside recycling.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

An automatic dishwasher is more energy- and water-efficient than washing by hand. But if your dishwasher isn't doing the swell job it did when you first got it, it may be time to actually wash the dishwasher. Start by filling a large water glass with white vinegar and propping it upright inside the dishwasher; run the dishwasher as normal, and the vinegar will help break down stains and build-up inside. Also, just propping the dishwasher door slightly ajar after each use will help keep the inside dry and free of mold and mildew.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

There are new brands of all-purpose body/hair/face bar soaps hitting the market that do a wonderful job of getting you clean without the waste of plastic bottles in the shower. But over time, bar soaps of any kind break down and get soggy. One trick is to place a new sponge on the soap dish or shelf where you keep your bar of soap. Then simply place the bar of soap on top of the sponge. The soap will no longer be sitting in a pool of water, and it won’t stick to the dish or shelf, making it easier to handle and use.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION