If you're doing some cleaning and organizing around your house, it may be tempting to purge boxes of old holiday decorations like Christmas ornaments, artificial trees, wreaths and garland. But while the weather outside may be saying anything but "White Christmas," consider holding onto your unwanted decor until the fall months. Starting in early November, charity shops like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will be in need of used holiday decor, which they stock up on and sell to raise money. Like any other business, charity shops are able to sell holiday items and decor best during the holiday months, and they often will not accept these items for donation during the offseason.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it's time to replace your mattress, you might wonder what you should do with your old one. If it's in decent shape, you should try to find a friend or family member who needs or would be willing to take it, since most nonprofits do not accept used mattresses. But if it's in bad shape and ready to be disposed of, the good news is that it is recyclable. Approximately 90% of the materials used to make a conventional mattress can be recycled. To find a recycler near you, just visit the website byebyemattress.com and enter your zip code to find local drop-off facilities near you.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Taking a hike through our parks is a wonderful way to get exercise and see the beauty of Mother Nature. But according to the American Hiking Society, there are some simple rules to follow to ensure that your next trek is a green one. First, focus on using the trails and avoid walking on vegetation and grass; even if there's a mud puddle, walk through it and get dirty to avoid widening the trail. And leave with no souvenirs. That means no picking wildflowers or leaves, and no picking up rocks, as they may be a vital part of an ecosystem that's invisible to you.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION