HELOISE Recycled three-way light bulbs help save money

Dear Heloise: This money-saving hint should help many people in reference to three-way light bulbs. How many times does one function of a three-way light bulb become inoperative and we discard the bulb?
I have a simple and practical method that will save homeowners many dollars by marking the defective wattage in the bulb. The wattage not working in the bulb is indicated on the face of the bulb by a black dot over that particular number. For example: For a 50, 100, 150 bulb, if the 50 expires, a black dot is placed over the 50. This bulb is now marked and can be used for wattage necessary in other locations. When the bulb is placed back in the paper container that held it, the bulb can be easily read and used accordingly. I, for one, for many years would throw bulbs in the garbage due to being upset about not knowing what function in three-way bulbs was working. All you need is just a small dot on the wattage number that is no longer functioning. Frank, Via E-mail
Frank, we took your hint to a leading light-bulb manufacturer, and the company had a couple of good points I wanted to share.
First, the best place to mark the bulb is down where the metal part is, as this is the coolest part of the bulb.
Second, although three-way light bulbs offer you three settings, keep in mind that there are really just two filaments. What this means is that you have 50 and 100 watts, and the highest setting is the two combined. So, if the 50-watt bulb burns out, you only have the 100-watt setting. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Do you have trouble wrapping a package for mailing? Fret no more. Take a box apart and turn it inside out. Put it back together, and you have the perfect carton for mailing. The package does not need to be wrapped -- just seal it with mailing tape. This saves postage, too. H.D., Via Fax
H.D., this is a good recycling hint, but please be sure the box is sturdy enough to protect its contents and survive mailing. Heloise
Dear Heloise: After too many frustrating experiences trying to find our bags at the airport baggage claim, my wife, Carol, stenciled all of our bags with unique figures on four different sides. Now when 30 almost-identical black bags come rolling out ours always stand out! Bruce, Via E-mail
Dear Heloise: Here's a great way to keep paint splatters easy to clean up. Before painting, cover doorknobs and other metal hardware with a thick layer of petroleum jelly. This will make cleanup a snap. Carl from North Carolina
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