During the holiday season, many people love to give to their local food banks to help people who are less fortunate. But instead of emptying your pantry of food you really don't want to eat (pickled beets, anyone?), take a cue from the "wish list" of your local food bank. The No. 1 most requested item: 100% real juice boxes for kids. Not sugary juice drinks, but healthier versions made from only real fruit. Also, holiday food items like canned yams, cranberry sauce and boxed stuffing are typically high on the list, so when you are buying for your own pantry, buy a second set to give. Finally, canned vegetables that have "no salt added" are desired, since they are loaded with vitamins and help families create well-rounded meals.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Dishwashers are designed to be as water- and energy-efficient as possible, which makes them a greener choice than washing by hand. It may seem that opting for a "quick" or "one-hour mode" for your dishwasher would save energy, but it's actually the opposite. Just like driving a car more slowly saves on fuel, energy efficiency for your dishwasher is gained by extending cycle times, which reduces both electricity and water usage. A quick wash means more resources have to be used to gain the same performance in your machine.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Paper is paper, right? When recycling old office paper, magazines and other recyclable paper, you might be surprised to learn that shredded paper is not a desired recyclable, even if it was recyclable in pre-shredded form. Recyclers can't always tell what kind of paper was shredded when they receive bales of shredded paper. Sometimes glossy, shiny paper gets mixed in with plastic report covers and metal pieces, which contaminates the load of recyclables. When it's all shredded, you can't tell what's what. So limit your shredding to truly confidential material that will go out with the trash, and simply tear recyclable paper and add to your recycling rather than shredding it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION