Reed diffusers are an easy way to add natural scent to a room without burning candles or spraying artificial fragrances. But buying new diffusers -- the vial of oil, the container and reeds, in addition to all the packaging -- can be wasteful and expensive. To save money and packaging, get a refill oil and reuse a glass jar or bottle as the base. Then fill it with bamboo chopsticks from Chinese takeout food to help diffuse the scent. Bamboo is porous, so it’s a great tool to help absorb and gently release fragrance into the air.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you’re filling your vehicle’s gas tank, don’t “top off” the car when the pump stops. When you do, you’re not only wasting gas, but you’re wasting money. Adding that little bit of extra gas actually increases the chances that excess fuel will simply evaporate in the atmosphere. And if your car is newer, it may have something called an “emissions canister” that is designed to prevent fuel vapors from leaking. Adding too much gas renders the safeguard of the canister useless and increases the likelihood of gas leaking or spilling out of the tank.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you’re shopping for a new lamp at the store, it’s a good idea to bring an energy-efficient lightbulb from home, to see how it looks in the light fixture. Retailers often use higher-wattage bulbs in floor models to help the product look its brightest and best. These bulbs typically produce much more light than the energy-efficient, lower-wattage ones you’re using at home. Swapping out the store’s bulb to see what kind of light the fixture will produce at home will give you a better assessment of your possible purchase.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION