Heloise

Dear Heloise: We spend all this energy saving things to recycle, but I wonder just how much of it actually gets recycled. Do you know? Thanks for all your advice. We love you in the Tribune Chronicle. — Bob S., in Cortland, Ohio

Bob, the most recent data estimates that the overall recycling rate in the United States is 32.1%:

— Paper and paperboard accounts for 79.1%.

— Plastic is sadly only 5% to 9%. The difficulty with plastic centers around added dyes and the lack of machinery needed for various plastic types.

— Recycling rules and regulations depend heavily on state, city and regional directives. For example, some recycling centers will take shredded paper while others will not. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I know it’s fun to shop at a big-box store, but I wish more people would shop locally, especially for common items such as casual clothes, groceries, and other things that help small businesses stay afloat. My sister drove to another city to buy a baby gift, a greeting card, and wrapping paper when she could have gotten it at a better price in a local mall.

I know there is nothing you can do about this, but I just wanted to remind people that small businesses need to keep their doors open and usually offer better service because the shopper is the lifeblood of their community. No one likes offices and shops that stay empty for years. So, shop local and help your community thrive! — Hilary G., in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Dear Heloise: How long after my wedding should I wait until I thank everyone for their gift? And my mother said “no” to the idea of having a generic card printed up that simply says, “Thank you for the lovely wedding gift.” She thinks it’s tacky. We need your help. — Holly and Russell D., in Minnesota

Holly and Russell, as soon as you get back from your honeymoon, you both need to sit down and start writing out your thank-you notes. Your mother is correct; a generic “thank you” is not appropriate. Handwrite a few thank-you notes every night, and soon you’ll be done. Be sure to mention the gift and how you’ll use it. Always remember good manners are classy! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I made a discovery. Many deli trays from the super markets have foam trays to display their food. These can be carefully cleaned and reused as picnic plates. Just make certain you never use a tray that contained raw meat of any kind. — Wayne T., in Falmouth, Maine

Dear Heloise: If your cat or dog has fleas, you can use dandruff shampoo to get rid of them. Just use some warm water in the kitchen sink or bathtub (depending on your pet’s size) and scrub away the dandruff with dandruff shampoo.

For dogs, you can also cut an orange in half and rub it on their fur to get rid of fleas. Sprinkle coffee grounds (ones that haven’t been used) around your yard to drive off fleas. — Ralph E., in Santa Rosa, New Mexico

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.