Did you know more than 1 billion people all over the world suffer from diseases that are waterborne? The Lifestraw product is a modern drinking straw that removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and 98% of viruses when a person drinks water through it. To help get Lifestraws in the hands of people who need them, you can donate your old cellphones and smartphones to the LifeCell Project. They’ll recycle the devices and use the proceeds to buy Lifestraws for people in need. The organization will even send you a postage-paid label so it doesn’t cost you a thing to donate. Learn more at lifecellproject.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you are an animal lover with pieces of jewelry you wouldn’t mind donating to a worthy cause, consider the nonprofit organization Indigo Rescue. Since 1999, Indigo Rescue has been accepting jewelry -- whether it’s fine or costume quality –- and reselling it through a variety of events to raise money to help homeless cats and dogs. You can mail your jewelry to the organization, and you’ll receive a tax receipt for your donation. To learn more, visit their website at indigorescue.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Have leftover red or white wine? Why not pour the extra in ice cube trays so you have small cubes of wine to add to stock, sauces or even to blender drinks in the future? Or use white wine as a kitchen countertop disinfectant (but not on granite). The natural disinfecting properties of wine and the residual alcohol do a great job in cleaning, and it doesn’t stain, either. You can also use it to clean up grease stains on the floor, kitchen cabinets or appliances. The combination of alcohol and acidity is a powerful way to break up grease stains so they’re a cinch to wipe up.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION