Hints From Heloise: Recycling is in the bag

Dear Readers: Who doesn’t love CHIPS? But did you know that most “snack” bags are recyclable once the treats are all gone? A major manufacturer states that the bags are a number “7,” which means the bags are recyclable!

If you have curbside recycling, check with your city’s trash or recycle program (providers have specific items that they can and will accept) before putting anything out for pickup. Call your provider for a list of accepted and not accepted items, or ask the representative about a specific item. You may be surprised at the things that can be picked up and recycled right outside your doorstep! -- Heloise

GRATE STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I had a pile of earrings tangled in the bottom of a jewelry box, and I decided to put them on display. The large, four-sided cheese grater from my kitchen made a unique, space-saving stand to hook pairs of earrings in. Each hole makes a perfect place to hang one pair of earrings. A quick coat of spray paint, or even some decorative ribbon tied on top, makes it personal. -- Kara P., via e-mail

FOUND MONEY

Dear Heloise: Here are a couple of hints regarding money: When I find money on the ground as I’m walking or in a parking lot, I put it in a special container. Twice a year, I count all the found money and sometimes add to it, and then I make a donation to some deserving organization.

Another hint: When I grocery-shop, I look at my bill and see how much I saved with coupons and store sales. If possible, I put that much money in a special envelope and let it add up. When I go on vacation, I take along this money and put it toward meals or souvenirs. -- Maryann G., Scotia, N.Y.

WRAP UP

Dear Heloise: Quilts and comforters have a tendency to crease when stored, no matter how carefully you fold them. Try this hint: Lay the comforter or quilt flat. Place a “pool noodle” (Heloise here: A new one, not one that has been used in a chlorinated pool, etc.) against the top hem, and begin rolling it back toward you, wrapping the bedding around it. When you’ve reached the bottom hem, tie the bedding with a ribbon or string, and your quilt or comforter will be crease-free! This also is a great way to store large amounts of fabric for crafting or sewing! -- Helen S. in Kentucky

It’s also a good way to prevent creases for short-term storage. -- Heloise

NO ODOR

Dear Heloise: After my child was done wearing diapers, I saved the diaper-disposal container that wraps the diapers individually. After finding the container in the garage, I discovered a new use for it. I now scoop up after my cat uses the litter box and place it in this container. No worry about odors anymore, and I just empty it out on garbage day. -- N.H. in Oregon

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