Many of us keep an older refrigerator for beverages and other items. These second appliances often are much older, and you may not realize how horribly inefficient they are or how much energy they use. In fact, if you have a refrigerator that was made before 1990, it likely uses twice as much energy as a new fridge. Even models that are made after 1990 are not as energy-efficient as today’s Energy Star-rated models. If you’re not really using that second fridge, unplug it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Organic bone meal fertilizer is an excellent way to enrich your garden with minerals and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Instead of buying it from a garden supply store, you actually can make your own. The process to do it yourself can be found online, but it generally involves boiling the bones to strip them clean, baking them until the bones are dry and brittle, and then pulverizing them with a rolling pin until they turn into dust. Late fall is an excellent time to amend your soil with DIY bone meal fertilizer.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Your microwave is both faster and better for the planet when it comes to thawing or reheating food, especially over the conventional stove or oven. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the microwave is about 50% more efficient in energy usage. But if you want the kind of crispiness or toastiness a microwave can’t create, opt for a smaller appliance like a toaster oven or an air fryer, which are still far more efficient than large kitchen appliances.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION