A salad spinner is a great kitchen tool to help remove excess water from freshly washed greens. But what if you don't have a spinner at home? Start by soaking your greens in a large bowl of ice-cold water; let it sit while the dirt and debris sink to the bottom of the bowl. Pull the greens straight up out of the water and lay them on a clean kitchen towel, then fold the towel and twist the ends so it's fully closed. Spin the wrapped-up towel of greens outside so it mimics what a salad spinner does. Voila! Clean, dry greens.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Getting takeout food usually results in a small mound of trash you have to throw away after your meal. If you can't dine in, here are a few simple ways to reduce your impact. Start by refusing a bag if you're getting one item; you can use a rubber band to keep the container closed. Decline single-use condiment packets, utensils, straws and napkins. And look for foods that come in low-waste recyclable takeout containers, like burritos wrapped in aluminum foil, or a pizza in a cardboard box (ask for a sheet of aluminum foil under the pizza to prevent any spillage onto the cardboard).

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When buying cleaning products, try to use ones that are unscented or fragrance-free whenever possible. Many products will have fragrances like "April fresh" or "lavender fields," formulations that are artificial fragrances added to help mask the chemical odors of the product. People with chemical sensitivities can be harmfully affected by artificial fragrance, so it makes sense that a truly clean home is one that smells like nothing at all.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION