Fluorescent recycling

Dear Heloise: What does an individual do with light bulbs once they’re changed? I’m talking about the FLUORESCENT ONES of the tubular variety. Although they are energy-efficient and provide plenty of light, they are filled with noxious gas and won’t fit in the average trash container. So, what do we do with them? -- A Reader in Ohio

You should never put fluorescent bulbs in the trash. They contain mercury and need to be disposed of properly, or better yet, recycled. Recycling not only helps the environment by reusing the glass, metal and other materials, it helps reduce the amount of mercury released into it.

Check with hardware stores in your area to see if they have a fluorescent-bulb recycling program. Many do, and will gladly take the old bulbs free of charge.

The Environmental Protection Agency also recommends checking Earth911.com for collection stations or schedules in your area. -- Heloise

PURSE SAFETY

Dear Heloise: When shopping in the supermarket, I place my bag where the child usually would sit and buckle my purse into the seatbelt straps. This helps secure my purse while shopping. The handles of my purse are enclosed in the buckle, and I can shop freely. -- J.D. in New Jersey

This is a hint we have printed before that I see more and more women doing in stores. Always remember, though, that a thief could still reach in and take your wallet or other items when your back is turned. So, NEVER turn your back or look away from your purse while shopping. -- Heloise

CLEANER COMPUTER

Dear Heloise: I have a computer-cleaning hint to share. Recently, the fan on my computer was making a louder-than-normal sound. I checked the back of it and found that the fan area was blocked with dust and pet hair. I used the attachment on my household vacuum to clean it. Now my computer runs much quieter. -- Amy G., Danville, Ky.

An added hint: While you have the vacuum out, run the attachment over the keyboard as well to get dust and crumbs out from between the keys. -- Heloise

STORING BEADS

Dear Heloise: I have enjoyed collecting beads and charms. I mix, match and change out the beads on bracelets and necklaces. The quantity of beads was getting unmanageable. I bought pipe cleaners and bent them in half. I strung beads of similar colors together on a stem, making it easy to store and sort. When I go on trips, I pack three or four different stems of each color to coordinate with the clothes I am taking. -- Susan K., College Park, Md.

APPOINTMENT COURTESY

Dear Heloise: Please remind readers that when it comes to scheduling their next appointment with a provider, they should not keep others waiting at the receptionist desk while their schedule downloads. Be courteous by accepting an appointment card and then entering it later into the selected electronic device. -- A Reader, Hamilton, Ohio

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate