There have been stories circulating that single-use Styrofoam cups are actually better for the environment than paper cups because foam cups are recyclable. While technically this is true (the coating on paper cups makes them hard to recycle), this does not make foam cups better for the environment. Styrofoam is recyclable, but it's also hard to recycle, with very few facilities that can turn it into new plastic products. And at the end of the day, it's still a single-use product that could easily be replaced with a much kinder alternative: reusable containers.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have some old tires in the garage, here's the good news: They are recyclable. And it's important to make sure your old tires go to the right place (and not the landfill). The easiest thing to do is to take them to a retailer who specializes in tire replacement; they are set up to properly dispose of old tires (there may be a small fee). Communities also have recycling drives throughout the year, so ask your municipality when the next one is. And remember: Never, ever try to dispose of them in a landfill. Tires are nonbiodegradable and flammable, making them a hazardous material to put into landfills.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A dying houseplant isn't a dead one, and there are steps you can take to give it a second chance at life. Start with the roots: Unpot the plant and look at the stems and roots. If you see any green stems, and if the roots are pliable, the plant has a good chance to recover. Just shake off the excess soil, trim the dead roots and repot with fresh soil. Use a slightly larger pot to give it room to grow, and make sure there are drainage holes. Keep it out of direct sun for a week, and make sure the plant is away from vents that might blow hot or cold air directly onto it. And avoid fertilizer; it'll add more stress to the plant and is more likely to kill it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION