This isn’t a groundbreaking tip, but it’s one worth repeating. When washing your clothes, opt to use the cold water setting whenever possible. The reason is simple: As much as 85% of the energy used to wash clothing is from heating water! By choosing the cold water setting, you’re significantly reducing the energy used for each load of laundry. Plus, cold water works well with modern detergents and helps reduce wear and tear on clothes, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you would love to adopt a dog as a companion animal but simply can’t offer the time or proper home for him, do the next best thing: Help train adoptable dogs. Volunteering time at a shelter to train dogs to walk calmly and obey basic commands like “sit” and “stay” helps make them more adoptable to potential families. You'll get your one-on-one time with a dog while helping your local animal shelter, too. And don’t forget: Use your social media platforms to promote adoptable dogs! If you love him, maybe one of your followers will take the leap and adopt him.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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