How many times have you forgotten about something in your refrigerator, and by the time you remember it, it's spoiled and you have to toss it out? Before running to the grocery store to pick up food, try to use what's in your fridge for a meal. Make it a challenge: Do the "clear the shelf" game, where you have to completely empty out a shelf to make a meal. It's easy to come up with crowd-pleasing meals like soup, stir fries or a frittata. You'll save money and cut down on food waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

For those of you who are thinking of taking on a home improvement project yourself instead of hiring someone, do this: Rent your tools. Sure, you can spend a lot of money and create an ultimate tool shed at your house, but there's a good chance this DIY spirit may be short-lived. To save money and reduce waste, rent your tools through apps like SpareToolz, which connects people who need to borrow items with those in their neighborhood who have signed up to rent out their tools.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If your home has its own private septic tank, you can help increase its life span by taking a few simple measures inside the home. Never flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet, and never pour flammable or toxic products (like chlorine bleach and fertilizers) or chemical cleaning products like rug cleaners and floor waxes down the drain. Also, be aware of the types of body washes and body oils you use in the shower and bath; excessive amounts can discourage the growth of natural microorganisms that are vital for breaking down organic matter in your septic tank.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION