Do you toss out food items because they’ve met or are slightly past their expiration date? You might want to consider saving them before throwing them in the trash. The date is really a “use by” or “best by” date, which indicates the date when the food item may begin degrading in quality. It doesn’t mean the food is unhealthy or inedible. Go with your gut instinct and give the food a smell or taste test. And if you find food on its expiration date, consider using the item right away, before eating anything else.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Would you turn on your shower for 90 minutes and let it run unused? Of course not -- that would be completely irresponsible and wasteful! But if you throw a barbecue and toss out a few uncooked hamburgers, that’s pretty much what you’re doing. Each hamburger patty that’s tossed into the trash equals about 90 minutes’ worth of water used to produce that amount of meat. If you do eat meat, be cautious and treat it like a special delicacy rather than as a disposable ingredient. And since meat isn’t compostable, eat it all or save it for future meals.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’re only going to have one reusable bottle, consider investing in a high-quality stainless steel bottle that can hold both cold and hot beverages. Having one bottle that serves double-duty can help you cut down on waste, whether you’re refilling with cold water or ordering a double latte at your local coffee shop. Stainless steel doesn’t absorb odor, so there’s no residual flavor or scent after you rinse out the cup. And if you ever need a new one, stainless steel is easily recyclable, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION