Reducing the use of environmentally unsafe plastics

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day. I appreciate the suggestions that you and your readers impart. I do have one issue regarding reducing waste. Many of the suggestions involve reusing items like the one today regarding microwaving.

I don’t know about coffee filters, but paper towels biodegrade, while the microwave lids do not. Eventually they get thrown away and live forever in landfills or dumped in the ocean.

The less plastic we buy, the better. Not all plastic is recyclable. We think we are being environmentally aware when we put plastic in the recycle bin. A lot of it goes into the ocean and is eaten by fish and, in turn, eaten by us. Birds and other animals think bits of plastic are food and eat it or feed it to their babies, which is deadly. The first “R” is the most important: Reduce.

— Susan Bernard, West Hills, Calif.

Gift ideas for graduate

Dear Heloise: Another good graduation gift is a small toolkit with a hammer, both types of screwdrivers and maybe pliers. Very helpful in a dorm or apartment.

— Kay Walsh, via email

Credit cards

Dear Heloise: Years ago, a lawyer in your column said, “Never sign the back of a new credit card.” Instead, print “See photo ID.” I have done this for years. This way, a server can confirm that you match your ID and the name on the ID matches the name on the credit card. You will be shocked at how few people ask you for an ID.

— Pat Baker, The Villages, Fla.

Vinegar to the rescue

Dear Readers: Have white rings of salt built up on the outside or inside of your clay pots? To remove them, wipe with a cloth that’s been soaked in undiluted white vinegar.

Vinegar is such an indispensable and safe household product that can be used for cleaning, deodorizing and cooking. I’ve put together a six-page pamphlet full of vinegar uses that you can have by visiting www.Heloise.com, or by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (78 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: Wipe counters with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to keep ants away.

— Heloise

More on tomato paste

Dear Heloise: To continue the conversation about tomato paste, I think I’ve come up with a dandy way of storing it. Tomato paste is also sold in tubes that are packaged in cardboard boxes. When using it, squirt out the amount you need, replace the lid on the tube and put it back in the box. It’s easier to find the tube in your refrigerator if it’s in the box.

— Joyce Cauthen, Birmingham, Ala.

Pet pal

Dear Heloise: This is Bridget, a Shih Tzu-poodle mix. (I think.) We rescued her about a year ago from the Humane Society here in Omaha, Neb. She is about two and a half years old. Last December, I lost my husband, and she has become a lifesaver for me. We are best friends. No matter which room I am in, Bridget is right here beside me. A big plus: She loves to cuddle at night in “our” bed.

— Teresa Cavanaugh, Omaha, Neb. Readers, to see Bridget and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise. com.

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@ Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.