Office paper recycling has become more common everywhere, including in residential communities, where large recycling bins are available to collect bags of old paper for recycling. Generally, used paper is recycled by pulping it to create new paper products. One way to help maximize paper recycling is to leave recyclable paper flat. Crumpled paper takes up significant space and can fill a recycling bin too quickly with air, leading to inefficient paper recycling. And avoid shredders if possible; shredding makes the fibers shorter and less strong, which makes it the least desirable recyclable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us reach for salt to de-ice sidewalks and driveways during the winter. It's effective, but when the ice melts, the salty mixture can wreak havoc on plants and our waterways. A more natural alternative is alfalfa meal, which you can find at gardening and feed stores. Totally natural, this fertilizing compound melts ice and adds traction to prevent slips and falls. Plus, your lawn and plants will feed on it come spring. And unlike most fertilizers, alfalfa meal smells nice, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The best places to pick up a gallon of milk or a carton of eggs when shopping at the store is from the back of the fridge unit. When shopping for perishable groceries at the supermarket, it's best to choose your eggs and milk where they've been stored the coldest. Since refrigerator doors at the store are constantly being opened and closed, items up front have been continually exposed to higher temperatures, giving them a greater chance of expiring more quickly. Items from the back typically have a longer shelf life once you get your groceries home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION