HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: Today’s Sound Off is about companies that solicit donations.
“Dear Heloise: I get tired of all the pleas for contributions and the companies that sell your information to other companies. They spend all that money on staff, stamps, envelopes and address labels. Why not use the money for the charities instead of begging me for money?
“I finally stopped them, even the ones I liked. Just write ‘Do Not Solicit’ on the bill or request for funds and send it back to them. I kept a list so I’d be sure there were no repeats. It worked.”
— JoAnn A., Booneville, Miss.
DEAR HELOISE: We just bought our first home on an acre of land, and I want to compost materials for the vegetable garden we’ve started. I know there are things I shouldn’t compost, but what are they? — Molly K., Brookfield, Wis. DEAR READER: Molly, yes, there are several things that shouldn’t go into your compost:
No cat or dog droppings. These might contain parasites.
Coal or charcoal.
Anything that has fungus, such as fungus on plants.
Fish, cheese or meat leftovers. These attract raccoons, opossums and other critters.
Oil and grease.
No bones. Like coal and charcoal, these take a very long time to decompose.
So glad to know you’re starting a compost pile. This will enrich your soil with nutrients the natural way.
DEAR HELOISE: As a recent graduate of dental school, I can tell you there are many uses for old toothbrushes. After replacing your toothbrushes, try using them for:
Cleaning tile grout with baking soda. A toothbrush gets into the grout lines.
Applying hair dye to the roots is easier with an old toothbrush.
Use the handle to poke a hole in the ground, then drop in a seed(s) and use the brush part to cover the hole with dirt.
It’s wonderful for cleaning under your fingernails.
Use it to brush your eyebrows. A cheap child’s toothbrush works well for this idea. — Lana V., Fresno, Calif. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email