Seasonal decorations like evergreen branches, pumpkins, gourds and dried corn wreaths can easily be taken apart and tossed into the compost bin after the holiday season is over. Since these items are compostable, be sure to avoid adorning them with paint, glue or artificial materials as added decor. Decorate with fully natural and compostable materials so these seasonal items are truly zero waste from the first day of use to the last.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you’re donating things to charities like Goodwill, do just one extra thing to make your donation even better. When giving shoes, take a rubber band or reuse a plastic bag to help keep them together; single shoes are often discarded instead of re-sold at stores. And if things belong together -- like a coffeepot and a coffee maker -- bundle them in a box so they can stay together from donation to store shelf.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever wonder what to do with the pickle juice left in the jar after the last dill has been eaten? All of that brine is a great thing to save and use. It’s made up of vinegar, water and salt (with a few other spices), so it’s a wonderful tenderizer for meat. Because of its acidity, the liquid mixture can help break down the protein strands in meats like steak, pork chops and chicken. And for an easy reuse outside, just pour the mixture on weeds; it’s a fantastic herbicide.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION