What's one simple thing you can do to help your refrigerator work as efficiently as possible? Cover your food. When your leftovers or pitchers of water are inside your fridge, they release moisture, and that moisture forces the compressor in your fridge to work harder to keep everything else inside cool. Use food storage containers with lids or pitchers with caps on them to keep your fridge running like a lean, green, refrigeration machine.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Whether they're filled with down feathers, polyester or buckwheat hulls, pillows lose their shape and feel over time and are also nearly impossible to recycle, so do one thing to extend the life of your investment. A pillow protector is an inexpensive way to protect your pillows. These zippered cases wrap around the pillow and have one job: to prevent moisture and allergens from getting inside. Your pillowcase goes over the protector, and together the two will help you get a better -- and more sanitary -- night's sleep.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know batteries inside personal electronics and toys can still be drained down, even if the item isn't being used? Make a habit of removing batteries from infrequently used items like remote controls, children's toys and other electronics. Removing them after use will extend the life of the batteries over time, saving you money and the hassle of constantly having to replace dead batteries.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION