Reduce, reuse, recycle and ... refuse? Yes, refuse! We’re taught to be polite, and we often think it’s rude to refuse the stack of napkins, plastic utensils or the plastic bag given out at the takeout restaurant. But if you don’t want it, why take it? Learn to make a habit of ordering things and adding “I don’t need a bag” or “No straws or napkins for me, please.” The reality is, it’s not considered rude to refuse things that will end up in the trash. And if it’s a small business, they’ll probably appreciate it because they’re saving money, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the easiest ways to go green (and save money) is to simply not buy what you don’t need. Sounds easy enough, but it also means not giving in to huge money-saving deals during special sales and promotions. For example, does your TV work just fine? Then even if there is an outrageous sale on a brand-new flat-screen TV, don’t buy it, because you don’t need it! With just this one action, you’re helping to keep electronic waste out of landfills. And with an estimated 25 million used TVs in storage in homes right now, that’s one less thing to waste money on.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you love ice cream? One of the fastest ways ice cream can turn from tasty to tasteless is through the formation of ice crystals on the surface, also known as freezer burn. To prevent this, do this one thing: Simply store your ice cream lid-side-down. This blocks the airflow that freezes the ice cream (or sorbet) at the top of the container and will prevent your delicious frozen treat from turning bad. You can also use scissors to cut off the excess packaging at the top of the paper carton to decrease the air space within the container before replacing the lid.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION