Choose unbleached paper products to use in cooking and baking in your kitchen. Many white paper kitchen materials are bleached using chlorine, which has chemicals that can leach into your food. Instead of taking the risk on whether or not a bleached product is safe, opt for unbleached. Products like parchment paper, coffee filters and paper towels all have unbleached (brown-colored) alternatives you can find easily at almost any supermarket. The cost is comparable, and the unbleached products are just as effective as the bleached ones.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Cars built more than 10 years ago lack the efficiency and technology of cars built today, but many people still have their motor oil changed at the same frequency whether their car was built in 2000, 2013 or last year. You may be surprised to learn that you may not need to change your motor oil as frequently as you think. The simplest way to find out is to visit checkyournumber.org and enter the year, make and model of your car. This site will tell you the exact manufacturer-recommended oil change frequency for your car, not the average for all cars.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it's time to take down a natural wreath made from leaves, branches or pine, don't just toss the whole thing into the trash. First, take it apart by unraveling the florist wire that keeps everything in place. (This wire can be reused for craft projects you take on later in the year.) Once removed, save the wire frame or place it in the recycling bin. Finally, separate all the natural material and compost it or bury it in the ground to naturally decompose.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION