A refrigerator can become a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria that can make the food you store inside unhealthy very quickly. Twice a year, make it a priority to clean the inside of your fridge and freezer, and purge any food items that are past their expiration date. Wash the interior of the fridge with a solution of warm water and baking soda to loosen hard spills so they can be wiped out. If it's possible, pull the fridge out from the wall and vacuum underneath and behind it, since dust buildup can force a fridge to work harder.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Is there anything more enjoyable in the spring and summer months than grilling dinner outdoors? It's a great way to enjoy the warmer weather and turn a chore into a real joy. When choosing a grill, you might wonder which is better for the environment: propane or charcoal. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Review, the answer is propane. This is all due to the production that goes into making charcoal, which creates significant CO2. If you want charcoal, opt for bamboo varieties, which emit little smoke and are made from renewable sources.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Now is a good time to start planning a backyard vegetable garden by sketching out a plot and choosing your seeds. Not only is gardening fun, but growing food for yourself can also save you about $800 a year in produce costs. For the best success at growing vegetables, go for the easiest types to cultivate at home. These include lettuces, green beans, spinach, cucumbers, squash, radishes and tomatoes. And while you're working on your small plot of farmland, also plan for a backyard compost pile so you can feed organic matter back to your plants.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION