More than 20 billion paper catalogs are mailed every year in the United States; many go unread and unrecycled, straight from the mailbox to the trash can to the landfill. The easiest way to stop this is to unsubscribe and get your name off mailing lists. But what do you do if you actually want to browse through catalogs? Good news: Most retailers are now offering free downloadable versions of their catalogs to smart tablet devices like the iPad. You can subscribe just like a magazine; when new ones are available, they're automatically updated and ready to browse.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you snack on pistachios, you're left with a pile of shells that typically gets tossed in the trash. But don't throw those shells away! Pistachio shells are slow-burners that make a perfect fire starter for the backyard grill or fire pit. You can also line the bottom of pots with unsalted shells to help give houseplants good drainage. Salted shells can be placed around the base of plants that are often attacked by slugs; the salty coating will deter slugs from climbing up on the plant. And finally, if you have orchids, mix shells with your orchid potting mix to give the right airy medium to help the exotic flowers thrive.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When choosing an eco-friendly candle to burn in your home, it's always best to look for non-paraffin wax candles like soy, beeswax and coconut. But the wick itself is important, too. Though metal wicks are less common than they used to be, make sure your wick is metal-free; you can feel it with your fingers, since the metal can be woven into the wick fibers. Also consider a wick that contains no cotton. New candles use a strip of wood, which crackles like a real fireplace and doesn't produce any soot or ash when lit.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION