Do Just One Thing

Before you toss out bath towels that smell like mildew, try this eco-friendly solution: Wash them in white vinegar. White vinegar is a gentle acid that effectively kills the fungus that causes mildew growth on towels, all without discoloring the fabric whatsoever. It's a cinch to do: Place your towels in the washing machine and add two cups of white vinegar. Do not add any detergent or fabric softener, and wash the towels on the hottest setting possible. When the towels are finished being washed, add liquid laundry detergent and wash them again in hot water. Remove and dry thoroughly in the dryer or hang outside.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The Buy Nothing Project is aptly named: It is a community dedicated to the simple idea that it's great to "buy less and share more." The community believes that buying less stuff can help "make us all richer and the planet cleaner." It's also a network where people can connect to find things they need being offered up by those who have it and want to give it away. You can ask, share or borrow and post. And because it's the Buy Nothing Project, of course nothing offered in the community is ever for sale. Use the new app on your phone and learn more at buynothingproject.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you're planning to travel to see family during the holiday season, be sure to pick a time to drive that's likely to have less congestion to help cut back on fuel waste (and personal aggravation!). Driving in stop-and-go traffic on the highway can significantly lower your fuel efficiency -- often by as much as 30%. And using real-time GPS apps on your phone (which suggest routes to your destination by factoring in up-to-the-minute traffic conditions) can save you another 10% in gas mileage.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION