It's way past the holiday season, and you might be on a decluttering kick and think, "Why not donate these old holiday decorations?" If it's the dead of winter and you're boxing up fake evergreen wreaths and ornaments, you're not doing a service by giving it to stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. They depend on household donations that are sellable, and they can't move seasonal merchandise when it's out of season. Instead, save and store those unwanted holiday items for a few months; weeks prior to a major holiday is a great time to give, since these stores will gladly take them and be able to sell them, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Dog waste can be a problem in communities if it isn't properly disposed of; it can pollute waterways and raise the harmful bacteria level in public water. A good rule of thumb is this: Don't just leave dog waste in the yard or in the woods and let nature take its course. You need to properly dispose of it. There are two options: One, save and reuse your plastic grocery bags to scoop up the waste and dispose of it in the trash. Or, for the greenest method, dig a hole in the ground around 12 inches deep and bury the waste. This will help it slowly decompose properly over time.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you're shopping at the supermarket, it's important to know what different expiration dates actually mean on food packaging. Something that's marked with a "sell by" date is actually for retailers to know when food won't be at its peak freshness; it doesn't mean the food is bad or unsafe to eat. A "best by" date is an estimate of the latest date when you can enjoy the food at its best quality; you still have time after that date to safely consume unopened goods. A "use by" date notes when whatever you're buying will have passed the point of being safe to eat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION