If you must use disposable paper plates, go with the most boring, uncoated, unprinted kinds. Party plates that come in bright colors with shiny coatings are not compostable, nonrecyclable and can be expensive to purchase. Generic white paper plates or durable "Classic White" Chinet plates get the job done and can be safely tossed into the compost bin at home to break down and become beneficial mulch.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If cooking isn't your best skill, the next time you're invited to a potluck party, volunteer to bring reusable dishes and utensils instead of paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. At the end of the party, you can either wash them at the house or box them up and use your dishwasher at home (which is the most energy-and water-efficient way to wash dishes). Everyone will feel better knowing the party didn't generate trash bags full of disposable waste. Cheers!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

They're probably something you're not washing every day, but when you do launder oily rags, never put them in the dryer. If you've cleaned up a spill of cooking oil or have oily work rags from the garage, washing them won't always get all the oil out of the fabric. And if you toss them into the dryer, the high heat has the potential to create a fire from the residual oil. The best solution is to hand-wash and air dry. If the rags are beyond saving, toss them into the trash.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION