When you're shopping at the supermarket, it's important to know what different expiration dates actually mean on food packaging. Something that's marked with a "sell by" date is actually for retailers to know when food won't be at its peak freshness; it doesn't mean the food is bad or unsafe to eat. A "best by" date is an estimate of the latest date when you can enjoy the food at its best quality; you still have time after that date to safely consume unopened goods. A "use by" date notes when whatever you're buying will have passed the point of being safe to eat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know most water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees when installed in homes? Not only is that too hot -- water at that temperature causes third-degree burns in just six seconds -- but it's also a waste of energy. One easy thing you can do is to lower your default water heater setting to 120 degrees, which will still give you water hot enough for everyday use that won't accidentally scald you, and this one simple step can reduce your overall water heating costs by up to 6-10% over time, saving energy and major dollars.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It seems harmless enough: There's a recycling bin at your local coffee shop or office, and you think, "What could possibly be the harm in throwing in a dirty napkin or plastic fork with recyclable cans and bottles?" Turns out, a huge deal of harm. According to The New York Times, buyers of recyclables will reject a whole load if it's more than .5% contaminated. Small amounts of contaminants like that fork and dirty napkin add up, and they can cause an entire load of recyclable material to be turned away from a recycling facility and sent to the landfill instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION