Dear Heloise: Whether it is a spare ketchup bottle, a garlic powder spice container or a box of crackers, everyone usually has that “extra something” in their pantry waiting to be used and moved to the front of the kitchen cabinet.

So, when I buy more than one of something, I put a rubber band (I keep a small bag of them in my drawer) around the item that is in use. When I run out of said ketchup, I know not to put it on my grocery list and instead use the spare one from my pantry that will be expiring later on in the year.

I have used this new system of mine for over five years now, and it has come in handy so much that I just wanted to share it with you. Hope it works for you! — Amy Snyder, Marshalltown, Iowa

DONATING TO

SECONDHAND SHOPS

Dear Heloise: When it comes to recycling items, they must be cleaned first. When it comes to recycling plastic bags, newspapers and packing wrap padding, the local Salvation Army and antique shops really appreciate both paper and plastic bags, as do other secondhand shops. They also appreciate cardboard boxes of various shapes and sizes. Most of it can be reused. — Pendy Selking, Decatur, Indiana

ALTERNATE DRY SHAMPOO USE

Dear Heloise: I use dry shampoo on my wool-lined slippers. I spray the inside, let it dry and then fluff them with a dry paper towel. They come out dry, fluffy and smelling great. — L.H., via email

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