Do Just One Thing

Any HVAC technician will back up this claim: Your thermostat is not a gas pedal. Pushing the setting way up over your target temp does not get your home warmer faster. It does not create larger volumes of heat; a thermostat is just a switch that turns the heating system on and off. The best practice is to find an appropriate lower temp you're comfortable at and leave it there. This will make your heating system run as efficiently as possible.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Coming out Jan. 2, 2024, my book "Do Just One Thing: 365 Ideas for a Better You, Life, and Planet" is a compilation of my favorite tips from my many years of penning this column. The tips, hacks and ideas range from simple ways to be more sustainable, to brilliant tips for cutting waste, to my go-to steps for saving money. My all-time favorite hack? Giving an aspirin to a dying plant to help it overcome stress and combat disease. It really works!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know plastic bags, cling wrap, sandwich bags, produce bags and plastic that covers your clothing from the dry cleaner can all be recycled? They're just not EASILY recyclable for most of us. The website How2Recycle.info has made it easy: By simply typing in your ZIP code, you can see all the local stores in your community that will take these materials for recycling. Stores like Lowe's, Kohl's and major supermarket chains participate, and all you have to do is drop off your bags in designated recycling bins.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION