Do just one thing

POOL WATER FOR LAWN

You might wonder if the water from a backyard pool can be used to water plants. The answer is yes and no. Unfortunately, if you have a chlorinated pool, the chlorine can harm plants, since chlorine is meant to kill bacteria and algae in the pool. But if you use the water on the lawn, it’s fine. As long as the water is spread over a great deal of space and the lawn receives a ton of sunlight to neutralize it, chlorinated pool water won’t damage your lawn at all.

RECYCLABLE GIFT BOXES

Are gift boxes with the thin plastic “window” on the front recyclable? The good news is yes, they are. But you have to do just one thing to prepare them for recycling: Peel off the plastic sheet (it’s usually barely adhered), then flatten the box for recycling. Leaving the plastic on can be a problem for recyclers, since it can muck up the recyclables during the pulping process. Paperboard boxes are recyclable in most curbside programs.

CUT BACK FOOD WASTE

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, an astounding 40% of food in the United States ends up in the landfill. To help cut back on food waste, try this simple tip to save leftovers at home: Invest in reusable, small flat containers with matching lids and divide leftovers into them. This will help the food cool down faster and prevent bacteria spores that can germinate when food is stored in one large container. The smaller containers also help with portion control, so family members can opt to reheat one serving versus an entire batch of food.

LONG LASTING FOOD

If you’re not sure what’s safe to eat after your house has lost power for a lengthy period of time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a website that lists the foods you can keep and the ones you should toss. They warn that appearance and odor are not good indicators of which foods are safe to eat. Dairy products like milk should be tossed, but butter and processed cheese are fine to keep. Fresh fruits that are cut should be tossed, but an open jar of fruit juice is fine to keep. For the whole list, visit foodsafety.gov.

USE NEWSPAPERS AROUND HOUSE

Nearly 16 million printed newspapers are sold every week in the United States, which means many homes have stacks of newsprint. Yes, it’s recyclable, but it’s also a great material to use around the house. Stuff shoes with newsprint to deodorize them; the paper absorbs odors and excess moisture. Cover an area of the yard that has weeds with newspaper; it’ll block out the sun and slowly kill them (plus, the paper will break down into beneficial mulch for the yard). And wrap a present with newspaper for a last-minute hack.

USE PLASTIC UTENSILS ONCE

Reusing is one of the simplest, most impactful green things you can do. But when it comes to plastic disposable utensils like forks, knives and spoons, it’s best to use them once. When you wash plastic utensils, microscopic spaces are created that can harbor food particles, eventually resulting in bacterial growth. So if you must use plastic utensils, use them once; but try to opt for reusable ones, like stainless steel, whenever possible.

‘COMPANION PLANTING’

Smart planning can lead to significant water and time savings when caring for your flowers. National Geographic recommends “companion planting” — grouping certain plants together to help them mutually grow. When taller, sun-loving plants are planted in the back, with shorter, shade-loving plants in front, they help each other thrive. The taller plants filter the sun’s rays and help reduce evaporation of water on the shorter plants. The symbiotic planting will help your flower beds thrive and grow almost all on their own.