Dear Heloise: I love a great pizza, but sometimes it gets delivered with one hang-up. The crust is not firm enough to pick up the pizza without folding away. It’s too “greasy”!

I solve the problem this way: I open the pizza box and slide the pizza to the “lid” of the box. The cardboard top is not soaked with drippings of the pizza. Let it sit on the “lid” for a few minutes. Presto! The crust is firmer. — Kevin K., in Helena, Montana

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Heloise@Heloise.com

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Dear Heloise: Men’s shirts are labeled long or tall for those who need extra length. One of these days the fashion industry may realize that women come in different sizes, too. — Anne

Anne, some women wear their blouses and T-shirts tucked in, and some wear them out. But if there is too much fabric tucked in, it makes us look fat and can be hard to zip up a pair of pants or jeans. If a woman wears it untucked, it may look like a dress on top of skirt or slacks. This is probably a no-win situation.

Personally, I just wish some designers would understand that women have curves, and not all of us are a size 4. — Heloise

NONPLASTIC OPTIONS

Dear Heloise: I cringe when I see anyone using plastic. Can you please suggest another option? Plastic is a scourge on our environment and our bodies. We used to wrap trash in newspaper. In California, we now recycle biodegradable waste by putting it in a compost can and putting it out with the garden waste at trash day. Thank you for your valuable information. — Susan B., in California

Susan, I have a big roll of thick brown paper, and I tear off a few sheets of it to wrap garbage in and take to the trash can. A tiny piece of paper tape seals it shut. It’s all biodegradable.

If I get a small package or a very small cardboard box, I have on occasion used it to store trash, then tossed it out. At the grocery store, I ask for paper bags because I can place recyclable things in it, then take it all out to the recycle bin. 

A friend of mine did not have a compost pile when she moved into her new home. So, she took her food peelings out to her backyard one day and buried them. A few weeks later, tomato plants began to grow in that same spot. She laughed and said she was “growing her garbage.” — Heloise

TOP-NOTCH DENTAL CARE

Dear Heloise: I work as a dental hygienist, and we see so many patients who are very careless about brushing their teeth. There are some things people need to do to keep their pearly whites shining:

— Buy a softer brush. Never use a hard-bristle toothbrush.

— Brush in gentle circles, and don’t forget the back of your teeth.

— Bristles fanning out? Time to buy a new brush!

— Brush in the morning and before bedtime, and take your time.

— Floss! This is very important. — K.E., Kennewick, Washington