Lots of retailers now have convenient recycling bins for plastic shopping bags to be recycled. What many people don't realize is this: You don't have to bring back the specific retailer's bags to recycle; you can bring back any store's bags and deposit them in the bins. Plastic bags have value as a recyclable product (often made into plastic lumber), which is why stores are more than willing to accept them. So whether it's a supermarket or a clothing store, feel free to fill up those bins with any of your plastic bags.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When donating food to your local food pantry (or depositing food in a donation bin), consider going one step further to help. Raid your home for any reusable bags you don’t use and fill those bags with your donations. This accomplishes two things: It cushions your food donation, and it also provides reusable bags for your local food pantry. Durable, reusable bags also make it easy to separate your food donations from non-food items like detergent and cleaning supplies.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have area rugs that have absorbed odor from food, pets or cigarette smoke, baking soda offers an easy (and cheap) way to deodorize them. Baking soda particles penetrate deeply into the fibers of the carpet and absorb like mini sponges. Simply sprinkle baking soda liberally on the carpet and let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum away the next morning. You can use this trick on wall-to-wall carpet, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION