Do Just One Thing

Coffee shops are a competitive business, and they're typically willing to meet your requests to ensure that you're happy with your order. When placing your order for whatever keeps you caffeinated, be sure to specify "for here" to make sure it's served in a reusable cup. And to be extra sure, ask "for here in a ceramic cup," which would ensure that no disposable products are used for your order at all. Bring your own reusable thermos to fill up, and you can reduce your single-use consumption to zero.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it's time to replace an old kitchen sponge, don't toss it. Old sponges are a perfect growing medium to use as seed starters for flowers and vegetables. It's easy: Just place seeds inside the natural holes of the sponge (or make small slices with the tip of a knife) and mist the sponge well with water. Place it in a dish with a little more water and be sure to keep it moist. In a few days, you'll see the seeds sprout. When the seedlings are strong enough, you can transplant them into a growing medium or just trim the sponge and plant the seedling with the remaining sponge material still attached.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Is your teakettle in need of a good cleaning to remove mineral deposits inside? It's important to not use harsh products like bleach or chemical cleaners, since you'll be sipping tea using water you've boiled in the pot. Instead, fill the teakettle with citrus peels from lemons, limes and oranges. To clean your kettle, fill it with citrus peels and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then turn off the heat and let the kettle sit for an hour to give the mixture time to work. The natural citric acid helps break down the mineral deposits.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION