Forgo using plastic bags

Jul 29, 2023

DEAR HELOISE: Some readers of your column use plastic bags to grease a pan. When finished, they just discard the plastic bag, and there's no mess or cleanup required.

We, as a society, use too many disposable items such as plastic bags, utensils, paper towels, paper plates, plastic water bottles, etc. Many of these can't be recycled, or if they can, not many people take advantage of it. While it is easier to toss it in the trash, plastic bags and bottles end up in our oceans, and microplastics have been found in the marine life.

To grease a pan or cookie sheet, I use a silicone pastry brush to spread the grease. It works just as well and is washable. One can also use a clean hand. For our barbecues, we use the odds and ends of dishes and utensils. Yes, it does create more work in that they need to be washed, but the dishwasher takes care of that. We all should be concerned about the environment -- not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren as well. -- Lucia F., Staten Island, New York

TIPS FOR A LOW-SODIUM DIET

DEAR HELOISE: Here are some tips for the reader who is on a low-sodium diet. First of all, toss out your salt shakers. You don't need them. Never put salt on cooked food on your plate. There are salt substitutes. I use sea salt with cooking and baking. There are many spices and herbs you can add to flavor your food. If you don't want to use fresh herbs, dried herbs are perfect. Be sure to get them in powder, not salt, form (garlic powder, for example, not garlic salt).

Read labels. Buy fresh fruit and veggies if possible. Frozen foods are better than canned foods, which sometimes have added salt. Avoid potato chips and junk food.

I read your column every day in the Republican-American, which is published in Waterbury, Connecticut. -- Carolyn McDonough, Canaan, Connecticut

SMELLY HANDS

DEAR HELOISE: Love your answer about deodorizing smelly hands. However, I have a simpler solution. Just wet the smelly hands and rub on the stainless steel faucet or on a stainless steel sink. So simple! -- Jo Ann (Queen-Ager Over 85!), in Metairie, Louisiana

VACATION MEMORIES

DEAR HELOISE: Whenever I travel, I always buy two things. One is scented hand lotion or perfume, and the other is a kitchen dish towel with the name of our destination. Upon returning home, as I do the dishes, I can recall our wonderful trip. And if I'm having a bad day, I use the perfume to recall special times. -- Jan Mahaffey, via email

PET PAL

DEAR HELOISE: My cat, Fanta, would be terribly excited to be featured in your column. Well, perhaps not as excited as I am ... -- Robert Sole, via email

Readers, to see Fanta 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 HeloiseHeloise.com. -- Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected]. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

King Features Syndicate

Print Headline: Forgo using plastic bags

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