I Don't Like This: Now What?

Buying online and returning items you don't want is great for convenience but terrible for the environment. This widespread "returns culture" increases greenhouse-gas emissions and leads to increased waste ending up in landfills. Consider the following alternatives to traditional return-shipping.

• Reach out to the company and let them know the reason you're returning a purchase. You may be eligible for a refund without having to return the item.
• Sell the unwanted item through an online marketplace or a local consignment store.
• Donate the item to a thrift store or charity. Some organizations will arrange for pick up at no cost. There may even be a free collection service in your area that serves multiple charities.
• Order from retailers that have a brick-and-mortar shop in your area, and make returns to these retailers in person.
• Use a shared drop-off site, such as an Amazon locker, where returns can be combined and shipped together.

Morning Drinks Other Than Coffee

Not a coffee person? Try these morning drink alternatives.

Lemon Water
Simple water with lemon may be beneficial for skin and digestion. High potassium levels allow more oxygen to reach the brain and improve cognitive function.

Green Tea
If you're looking for a morning jolt, green tea has benefits similar to caffeine. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to decrease anxiety and increase dopamine and serotonin.

Berry Smoothies
Berries are rich in antioxidants and can improve long-term brain health and memory. Blend up a morning smoothie for a healthy, satisfying morning drink.

Hot Cocoa
Cacao is rich in flavanols that benefit cognitive function, including memory, learning and attention. Cocoa must be at least 70% dark chocolate to reap these benefits.

Show the Love With Thoughtful Teacher Gifts

Educators will soon be completing another year of juggling COVID-19 protocols. The end of the term offers a perfect opportunity for parents to show gratitude to their children's teachers after a tough year. Consider expressing your appreciation with a thoughtful gift. Here are some ideas that are sure to earn high marks.

• At first glance, gift cards may seem run of the mill, but a generic card allows teachers to buy something they want, whether it's for themselves or the classroom. Based on the teacher's interests or the classroom needs, consider cards for bookshops, craft stores, spas, or restaurants.
• Coffee mugs and water bottles are always great, especially if they're monogrammed or specific to an area of expertise, such as molecule designs for the science teacher or a Shakespeare quote for an English teacher. Or look for a design that appeals to a particular interest or hobby.
• Museum memberships, magazine subscriptions, public television memberships, or theater tickets are thoughtful gifts for those who teach history, art, drama, and more.
• If the teacher or coach is a sports fanatic, consider team gear like posters, hats, T-shirts, or tickets to a game.
• Self-care items, such as scented hand sanitizer, luxurious lotion, candles, or a decadent box of chocolates, also make the grade.
• Instead of individual gifts, consider donations for a class gift and splurge on something more extravagant, like AirPods, a trip to a day spa or even a weekend at a bed and breakfast.

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Ingredients
1½ cups flour
½ cup rolled oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter, softened
¼ cup shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (12 oz.) bag chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350^° F. Stir together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until combined. Gradually add dry mixture until fully incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.

Evenly spread cookie dough in a 10-inch iron skillet. Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is firm to the touch and edges have pulled away from sides of skillet. Let cool 15-20 minutes. Serve in skillet or on a serving platter.

Cut into 12 pie-shaped slices