Take a look in your pantry for old, forgotten packets of yeast. Expired yeast may not be good for making a loaf of bread, but it can still be used to protect your garden from pests. Mix the yeast with a little salt, sugar and warm water. This sugary, salty, yeasty mixture is irresistible for slugs in your garden. Just pour it into shallow dishes and the slugs will crawl right in and drown. Place the dishes of yeast mixture every six to eight feet for the best results.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here’s something you should always buy the organic version of: raisins. Raisins are just dried grapes, and grapes have been shown to be one of the most heavily sprayed produce items, with up to 26 types of pesticides found in independent studies. Since raisins are made from fresh grapes, it’s very questionable how well-washed they are before the drying process. Plus, grapes are thin-skinned, which means they absorb whatever is sprayed on them. Finally, raisins are a popular snack for kids, so to protect them from pesticides, go with organic.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have a collection of new or lightly used pens and pencils, you can help give the gift of writing to those in need around the world. The nonprofit Right-to-Write collects writing instruments and dispenses them to children in developing countries. They go to places like schools, orphanages and hospitals and are brought over by volunteers and travelers who hand-deliver them. Learn more about how you can help distribute or give your pens and pencils by visiting right-to-write.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION