Danny Seo

Do Just One Thing

Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem because they pollinate flowers and food crops — in fact, about one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators like bees. Still, having bees hover around when you’re outdoors can be inconvenient. Instead of reaching for harsh insect-killing sprays, you can try a gentler, bee-deterring option. Fill a reusable spray bottle with witch hazel and add a few drops of tea tree oil, then shake well before use. Lightly mist the solution on clothing or exposed areas when spending time outside; the strong, medicinal scent can help discourage bees and other insects from lingering — without harming them.

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Witch hazel is a natural astringent distilled from the flowers of a shrub native to North America. It’s often used to soothe acne-prone or inflamed skin because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, witch hazel has natural antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Pour it into a small spray bottle and you’ve got an easy, one-ingredient shoe deodorizer — just mist the inside of your shoes to help disinfect and neutralize odors naturally.

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Do you have a container of old glue that has dried out and hardened? It may be useless to you, but depending on its chemical composition, it could spell trouble if thrown into the trash. Even in a hardened state, solvent-based glues are very flammable and should never be tossed in the trash. Instead, dispose of them with your household hazardous waste at a designated collection site. If the old glue is water-based and hardened, you can safely throw it away in your regular trash.

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While they don’t have to be sparkling clean, it’s important that the glass containers you put in your recycling bin are reasonably clean. This often means using running water and scouring the last bits of food out of a jar. Here’s a win-win: Use the remaining space in your dishwasher to get them clean. Since a dishwasher is the most energy- and water-efficient way to wash your dishes, adding a few dirty glass jars is a smart way to save resources. When they’re clean, just toss them in your recycling bin.

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When you upgrade your cellphone, a new model often requires a completely different charger. If your old charger becomes obsolete, here are a few smart ways to handle it. First, keep it on hand in case guests visit and need that type of charger. Second, many retailers, including Best Buy and Staples, accept old chargers for free recycling. Lastly, if the charger is still in good working condition, thrift stores such as Goodwill may accept it for resale, since there is often a market for older accessories.

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If you receive dry ice with frozen food deliveries, you can reuse it to help pop out small, shallow dents in your car. Wearing thick gloves, gently rub the dry ice over the dent for 30-60 seconds; the rapid cooling can cause the metal to contract and sometimes snap back into place. This trick works best on minor dents where the paint isn’t cracked and the metal hasn’t been sharply creased. Always handle dry ice carefully to avoid skin burns, and use it in a well-ventilated area. If the dent doesn’t release after a few tries, it’s best to stop and consider professional repair to avoid damaging the finish.

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Even though vegetable oil comes from plants, it should never be poured directly into the ground or garden soil. Once used, it breaks down and can coat soil particles, blocking water and air from reaching plant roots. It can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors as it degrades. Over time, it may contaminate surrounding soil and potentially seep into waterways. Instead, let it cool, strain it if possible, and dispose of it in a sealed container with your household trash, or take it to a local cooking oil recycling program.