Sure, the greenest option is to wear a certified organic perfume that’s free of harsh chemicals or artificial anything, or to wear nothing at all! But if you love a conventional fragrance, there’s one thing you can do to make it better for you: Wear the solid version. Spray scents use chemicals called phthalates, which help fragrances last longer. Phthalates are hormone disrupters that have been linked to cancer, and many people are choosing to avoid them. Solid scents let you apply directly to your skin, which lessens the risk of harm the perfume can cause your system.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do your hands smell like onions or garlic after you’ve cooked up a storm in the kitchen? While it can seem like no amount of handwashing can get rid of the smell, one kitchen condiment can work wonders: mustard. Grab a jar of the yellow stuff from the fridge or open a packet from the junk drawer and rub on your hands. It works for two reasons: The vinegar in mustard helps break down smells, and the mustard seed itself is a rubefacient, which means it causes dilation of capillaries when it comes in contact with skin. This combination makes mustard a naturally amazing deodorizer.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here’s a reason to start saving empty milk and juice cartons (and ask your neighbors and friends to save for you!) a few weeks before you move: They can help protect your fragile items. Just insert breakable items like glassware into the cartons. Gallon-size containers can hold larger items and quart sizes can hold thinner items like drinkware or vases. Insert, pinch closed and voila! A protected possession ready for the journey to its new home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION