It’s estimated that about 28,000 tons of single-use plastic is deposited into the ocean every single day. There are lots of ways all of us can reduce our use of plastic, ranging from saying no to bottled water to cutting back on plastic usage in things we use every day. One product growing in popularity is shampoo bars. They look like bars of soap, but are formulated to lather and clean your scalp and hair just like shampoo does. The only difference is there is no plastic bottle, and they are practically waste-free. To find shampoo bars, search online or look for them at your local health food store.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Does your refrigerator stink? Cut a potato in half and poke a few dried cloves into it. The potato acts like a sponge and will absorb smells, and the cloves have a natural scent that can mask overpowering and lingering odors. If your microwave is also smelly, skip chemical cleaner and do one thing: Fill a bowl with dried cloves and leave it inside the microwave overnight. No heating and no other steps are necessary; the powerful and pleasant-smelling cloves will leave a nice, spicy, herbal fragrance inside the microwave.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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