DO JUST ONE THING

• Keeping your jeans in rotation for just one extra year instead of replacing them can have a significant environmental impact. That simple choice can save enough energy and carbon emissions to equal the electricity used to charge a smartphone every day for 10 years.

Dater disappointed to learn man rents basement

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had an amazing date with someone who’s been interested in me for some time now. I was too scared to agree to a date before as I am only about one year out from getting divorced.

Caterpillars come before beautiful butterflies

It’s caterpillar season.I remembered this yesterday as I sat out on the deck with my parents and two of their oldest friends at their cabin “up north.” We noticed as a tiny, furry ball began descending from the trees far overhead. Lower and lower it dropped until it was just over our heads.

Teacher jealous of own cousin’s success

DEAR HARRIETTE: For our whole lives, my cousin has had it so much easier than me. Our moms are sisters, and we were born only a year apart. Growing up, her family was significantly wealthier and more connected than mine.

DO JUST ONE THING

• It’s common knowledge that planting non-native bamboo in your yard can create ecological problems, from blocking natural light and crowding out native plants to damaging foundations and spreading into areas where it doesn’t belong.

Mom of three wants to prioritize herself

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had three children in four and a half years, and I want to get my spark and confidence back. Throughout these back-to-back pregnancies, I gained about 30 pounds, and now I don’t feel comfortable in my own body.

Balancing fluids is key for managing CHF

Dear Doctors: I’m 74 years old, and I was diagnosed with advanced congestive heart failure. I take a diuretic and a heart failure medication. With moderate cardio therapy and the medications, my thirst runs rampant in the evening. When I drink fluids, am I nullifying the intent of the diuretics?

Neighbor yells at child about street safety

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my neighbors yelled at my 10-year-old for not being careful while crossing the street.My family’s house is a few doors down from a turn where it can sometimes be difficult to make sure that it is clear to cross the street.

DO JUST ONE THING

• It’s long been considered that the proper way to retire an American flag is to burn it.But since most flags today are made from synthetic fibers – not natural fibers like they were decades ago – burning an old flag can release harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Spouse concerned about husband’s business

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband recently screwed over his business partner by taking significantly more of the profit for himself. I feel so appalled this is the man I married.