Did you know 25% of American households own a single-cup brewing machine like those produced by Keurig? If you’re one of them, one way to ditch single-use plastic pods is to invest in a reusable pod that you can refill yourself. Not only does this cut back on waste, but it can also save you money. When shopping for a reusable pod, try to avoid those made from plastic, which can chip and fall apart quickly over time. Instead, invest in stainless steel; these pods have no plastic, are very durable and don’t absorb odor from whatever you fill them with.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A tidy yard may look nice, but a messy garden is a wildlife buffet in the winter. This fall, allow your yard or garden to go to seed and grow wild to provide needed feed for birds and wildlife during the harsh winter months. Let leaves stay on the ground, allow flowers to dry and go to seed, gather branches and make a mound of them, and let grass grow tall, too. And forget the lawn care chemicals. In the spring, you can clear it and let your garden grow again.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to feeding the family dog, it’s key to make sure the food you purchase is stored properly at home. Unfortunately, it’s very easy for dog food to go rancid, develop mold and bacteria, and even worse, to become infested with insects and rodent waste. First, never store any type of dog food -- canned or bagged -- in the garage, where it can get too hot. Instead, store the food in a cool, dry place. And keep it in the original bag; the bags are designed to keep dog food as fresh as possible.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION