Did you know the average size of a recycling bin is 65 gallons? It’s the standard size most trash haulers provide. If you’re recycling more and making less trash, you can do one thing: Ask for an upgrade. A 95-gallon recycling bin is usually free from your trash service, and all it takes is a simple phone call to get it. While you’re at it, if you downsize your garbage bin, many trash haulers will also reduce the price of your monthly service fee. Make less trash, save more cash!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Summer means it’s fresh corn season, so save those husks and use them around the garden or in potted outdoor plants. The husks make excellent mulch to lock in moisture and block weeds from germinating. (And if there’s residual silk, keep that in there, too!) Just take the fresh husks, soak them in water and lay them on top of the soil where you normally would use mulch (wet husks will stay in place). Over time, they'll degrade into the soil.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you always select the “extra rinse” option when washing your clothes? You might be wasting a few extra gallons of water. Turns out that extra rinse is only necessary when you’re washing heavily soiled items that require extra detergent or bleaching. If you’re doing a normal load of lightly soiled laundry, skip the extra rinse. The key is to use the right amount of detergent. Too much can leave a film on clothes, so when in doubt, use less.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION