A new company called Helpsy is aiming to radically change the way we recycle our old clothes. Nearly 85% of old clothing ends up in landfills, which accounts for around 100 pounds per person, per year. Helpsy says when you donate clothes, you should donate the old and dirty items (think old socks and ripped T-shirts) with the lightly used ones. That way, textiles that can't be resold can be recycled (which costs more) and items that can be resold (sneakers, jeans and items with tags still on) make the whole textile recycling process worth a recycler's effort.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that cardboard and paperboard boxes are the No. 1 component of solid waste generated by households, according to the Environmental Protection Agency? Even more staggering, that waste increases by 25% during the holiday season (think of all those gifts!). While cardboard and paperboard are recyclable, it’s essential to flatten them when putting them out for recycling. When left intact, boxes take up extra room, leading to more pickups, more wasted fuel and higher costs.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

With millions of pounds of food wasted every year due to spoilage or improper storage, we need all the tricks and tips we can get to help us do our part to throw away less. The website SaveTheFood.com is loaded with useful tips that cover everything from the proper way to store beans, nuts and proteins to what fruits and vegetables can be stored in the fridge, in the freezer or not at all! One great example: Don’t wash your veggies until you’re ready to use them. Any excess moisture on veggies speeds up the decomposition process.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION