Using cloth dish towels is an economical and ecological way to quickly clean up spills and keep your kitchen tidy. But over time, they can get smelly and dirty, and actually spread germs and bacteria in the kitchen. The solution is not to bleach the towels. Instead, soak the towels in the sink in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar for 20 minutes. When the towels cool, ring out the excess water and wash in the washing machine. The towels will be deodorized, disinfected and ready to use in the kitchen again.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever wonder what to do with a broken terra cotta pot? First, there are myriad uses around the house. You can fill a new terra cotta pot with shards to help with drainage and aerate the potting soil. But if you ever dispose of terra cotta, there's no need to feel bad: It will eventually biodegrade. Some organic food brands are forgoing plastic and using terra cotta to package everything from condiments to yogurt, too. So choosing these items can help you go plastic-free in case you're more brown thumb than green.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Pre-moistened makeup remover wipes are all the rage for their convenience to take off even the most bulletproof makeup. But with that ease of use comes an environmental price. Despite feeling like cloth fabric, they are actually made from knit plastic fibers, making them non-biodegradable. The alternative is to use a makeup balm and cotton or reusable wipes to remove makeup, which the pros agree is better for your skin: Wipes tug, tear and don't remove all the makeup completely. A balm is gentler and more effective for your skin, and better for the planet.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION