Did you know that most yoga and stretching mats are made from hard-to-recycle PVC material? They can off-gas chemicals, and they don’t degrade in landfills. Instead of plastic mats, look for greener alternatives like cork, which comes from a fully renewable resource and offers more grip to help you achieve the perfect pose. There are also natural rubber mats that have the feel of the PVC ones but are much better for the environment, since the material is tapped from trees.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s not always necessary to send your wool and cashmere sweaters to the dry cleaner to get them clean. If the reason for cleaning is odor, just spraying the sweater with vodka can help neutralize the odor-causing bacteria and freshen your clothes right up. If they’re in need of a wash, the delicate or slow cycle on your washing machine is all you need to get them clean. Just wash a few at a time by themselves using cold water. Roll in a dry towel to remove the excess moisture and lay flat to dry.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While most public tap water is safe to drink, it’s always a good idea to be aware of certain red flags before you take a sip. One of the easiest ways to assess your water's safety is to use your sense of smell. If water smells musty, metallic, fishy or like rotten eggs, that could indicate the presence of bacteria, organic matter or high levels of metals, including lead. Even a faint chlorine smell can mean excessive levels are present and should be filtered out before consuming.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION