Have you heard of "wish-cycling"? It's when someone is so passionate about recycling they toss items into the recycling bin "wishing" it was recyclable and hoping someone at the recycling facility can figure out if it can be recycled. While it's nice to have an optimistic viewpoint on recycling, this is actually more like downcycling. When questionable recyclables get tossed into the bin, it costs time and money for these items to be sorted out and tossed away. When in doubt, toss it out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you like to use a motorboat on lakes and other large waterways, there are two simple things you can do to lessen your environmental impact. While a motorless boat is the greenest option, it may not suit your needs to travel a great distance. Be sure to go slow and steady on your boat to avoid big wakes; fast movements lead to erosion of soil on the shorelines. And when choosing a boat, opt for a 4-cycle engine instead of a 2-cycle one. They are more efficient and release less gasoline into the water.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you do a lot of baking or stock up on dry goods like grains, rice and beans? One of the best things you can do to ensure your pantry staples stay fresh is to invest in small packets called "oxygen absorbers." These little pillows go right into your dry foods and are designed to absorb oxygen inside airtight sealed food storage containers. They stop oxidation and prolong the freshness and shelf life of your foods.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION