LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Today, it is hard to find anyone who doesn’t own a cell phone. In the United States alone, people upgrade to a new phone every year or so. This means thereare millions of phones waiting to be recycled. Throwing them into the trash is not ecologically friendly, since cell phones contain metals, copper andother hazardous-waste components.
The best way to recycle is to research which groups or companies are accepting them in your community. Many phone retailers, state or local waste-management companies and charities collect them to refurbish and give to battered-women’s shelters or those in the military. You can keep up with technology and do the right thing for the environment.
DEAR READERS: We bathe our dogs as needed, but rarely do we clean their collars and leashes! Here are a few hints to help you:
For canvas or nylon leashes and collars, brush to remove dirt and other yuck! Take off all metal tags. Use a little detergent in the washing machine, and put the leash and collar into a cotton pillowcase and tie (or safety-pin) it closed. Place in the washing machine on the gentle cycle,and let the items air-dry. Don’t put them in the dryer.
For leather items, wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth and clean periodically with saddle soap, if needed.
DEAR HELOISE: After reading your article about giving coupons to other people, I had to write. I take coupons for diapers and baby food to a Laundromat and put them on a table or a bulletin board. My grandson has a girlfriend who’s a real collector of coupons, and I give her all the ones I don’t use. She has used so many that at times she has even gotten cash back.
- Paula D., Canton, Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: I am an artist and have to change paintings often. That can leave an ugly nail hole. I just use an old sewing-machine needle. They are strong and sharp, and sewers change them often (recycle!). I nail gently, up to the hilt (like a small nail), with a hammer, to where the needle gets fatter. When I pull it out, it won’t leave a big hole.
- Andy P., via e-mail
DEAR READER: I’ve done this for years, but please note that this is for lightweight items. I’ve also used several needles for one painting.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Weekend, Pages 36 on 05/31/2012