If you’re an avid composter, it may seem like a no-brainer to toss avocado skin and pits into the compost bin. And why not? They’re totally organic and biodegradable. But the reality is avocado waste is very slow to decompose and can ruin your compost if you have too much rind in the mix. If you want to compost it, cut the peels into small strips or squares. And for something adventurous, toss a pit into rich, finished compost. It actually could grow into a mini avocado tree.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you buy only two houseplants, buy ivy and cacti. The ivy plant is one of the most powerful air cleaners you can get. It absorbs harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. In fact, if you set out an ivy plant in a house, it’ll absorb about 90 percent of the benzene pollutant in just 24 hours. Besides being a pollution fighter, arid environment-loving cacti are among the easiest plants to care for. And another great bonus: Most cacti are succulent plants that emit oxygen at night, which means having them in your bedroom can help you sleep better.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s common knowledge that houseplants can help clean your indoor air. But did you know they can also “signal” for help? Aloe is an easy-care plant that can help purify the air inside your home. And it’s a powerhouse: It absorbs formaldehyde, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. But when the toxicity of the air in your home is excessive, the aloe plant actually becomes spotted. It’s a natural way the plant reacts to help signal that something may be awry inside.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION