Ever wonder what to do with an apple core? If you've chopped up a bunch of apples to make a pie or homemade apple sauce, save the cores. The easiest DIY is to brew hot apple tea; just pour boiling water over apple cores and toss in some red apple skin to give the tea a bright pink hue. The delicious brew is loaded with magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. It's the perfect tea to sip before bed to help promote healthy sleep and to reduce inflammation. You can also search online for how to turn apple cores into homemade apple cider vinegar. It's easy and delicious.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you get a cut or scrape, it's imperative to keep it clean and protect it by using a bandage. But did you know the majority of bandages are made from plastic and are not biodegradable (and obviously not recyclable)? When shopping for bandages for your first-aid kit, consider alternatives like bamboo fiber, natural latex (actually tapped from a rubber tree, not synthetic) and "fabric" bandages made with lightweight natural fibers. They'll do the same job as conventional bandages and are biodegradable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's common knowledge that having houseplants can help clean the air and also create a happier environment at home. But not all houseplants are the same. Some can actually be toxic if improperly ingested by pets or children, or even just by touching them. When shopping for a plant, consider easy-to-care-for and nontoxic plants for your home. Sure winners include the Boston fern, African violets, Swedish ivy and the parlor palm plants. These are all common varieties you can find at almost any home center.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION