Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have been seeing lots of suggestions about recycling plastic bags. I save all my plastic (and paper) bags. The majority are donated to my local food pantry as they are always in need of bags for their shoppers.

I even save the plastic bags from items that I order online. Some of them are great for lining small trash cans. Some of these bags are silver on the inside and can be turned inside out if you prefer this look. Some of the bags have a strip that can be removed to seal the bag, in case you want to return the item(s). You have the option of resealing the bag once it’s full.

Some clothing items ordered online come in zip-close bags. I save these for food waste to reduce odors. I have also saved some for packing items like shoes or bottles of shampoo when I travel. I put my pill caddy in one so that the pills are contained should one of the compartments open while traveling. Thanks for all your tips! — Sandra, in Oxford, Ohio

KEEPING PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVATE

Dear Heloise: At this time of year, many organizations send out directories with updated personal information. When recycling old directories, I shred the old items or at least blackout anything personal with a black marker. You never know these days where your information can end up. — K.F., in San Pedro, California

UTENSILS IN THE DISHWASHER

Dear Heloise: This is for Mason Fairhope, in Alabama, who shared the hint of loading utensils in the dishwasher with the forks together, spoons together and knives together. When I was young and did the same thing, my mom told me that the proper way to put them in the dishwasher was to mix them up so that they don’t “nest” together. And she was right! For every dishwasher my husband and I have ever owned, the manual tells you not to put similar utensils together as they may not get cleaned thoroughly.

It might seem like a good idea to put the similar ones together, but there is always a chance that they won’t get thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. — Barbara, in Cedar Springs, Michigan

LEAVING A JOB ON GOOD TERMS

Dear Heloise: I just read a letter asking how to leave a job on good terms. Your advice on giving a two weeks’ notice and helping train your replacement was good, but one can go further. I used to teach a class on leadership for professional women. We recommended writing “Bob Hope letters.” Usually, they include thanks for the memories to bosses and co-workers when leaving a job.

Write a note about how you enjoyed or learned from the working relationship. The recipients will think, “What a nice/classy person,” and become a source for positive recommendations in the future. — Barbara Kogerman, in Tulsa, Oklahoma

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is Benedict, a Rhode Island Red Rooster who thinks he owns the world! — Vicky Henry, via email

Readers, to see Benedict and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

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Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.