Did you know typical bandages are made from plastic or PVC, and that they can have a whole host of chemicals in the adhesive, too? There are safer alternatives to conventional bandages, including bamboo fiber and silicone. And while silicone is not biodegradable, it is hypoallergenic and non-irritating, and it is nontoxic to aquatic and soil organisms. Bamboo and silicone bandages aren’t easy to find right now, so look online for sources that sell them.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When the last dill pickle is eaten, do you just dump the leftover pickling down the drain? Here's a clever use for that remaining pickle juice: Use it as a weed killer! Most pickling brines contain salt, which does an effective job at not only killing weeds, but preventing them, too. Pour your extra pickle juice over pesky weeds where they keep sprouting up and you'll keep them away without the use of chemical herbicides.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Mouthwash works because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to help keep your mouth fresh and clean. But did you know you can use it to help fix other problems? Smelly gym clothes build up odor-causing bacteria in the synthetic fibers over time that normal laundry routines won’t kill. Adding a cup of mouthwash to the laundry when washing these types of clothes eradicates those odor-causing germs. And spitting mouthwash into the toilet after rinsing instead of spitting it into the sink can help disinfect the bowl until the next time you flush.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION