One way to help extend the life of food is to freeze perishables and leftovers so they can be defrosted later to be enjoyed. But how do you know if your freezer is actually cold enough to preserve food? Do the ice cream test: If a container of ice cream is soft when you take it out of the freezer, your freezer is too warm. Turn down the temperature until your ice cream is solid, and you'll know everything else is at the optimum temperature to stay preserved.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Traditional kitchen sponges are notorious for not lasting very long; they're also made from nonrenewable resources like plastic and other synthetic materials. They aren't recyclable, and over time, as they are used to wash dishes, they break down and shed microplastics into the water. When choosing kitchen cleaning aids, opt for greener alternatives like cotton scrubbing cloths and natural coconut coir scrubbers. They get the job done without any plastic waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Another item to always buy organic: raisins. Up to 26 pesticides have been found in independent studies on conventional grapes. Fresh grapes are often plucked and dried to make raisins, but it's up for debate how well-washed the grapes are before drying. And since grapes are thin-skinned, whatever is sprayed on them is often absorbed into the grape. Choosing organic means they haven't been treated with chemical pesticides and will be cleaner and safer for everyone to enjoy.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION