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Several types of plastic and other waste surround a green chasing arrows emblem.

Whether you recycle or not, you probably are familiar with the “chasing arrows” emblem found on plastic products. But many consumers don’t know that this symbol denotes only the type of plastic an item is made from, not its ability to be recycled. Check out these tips that can help you reduce your plastic waste.


Chicken nuggets coated in golden brown panko breadcrumbs on an aluminum-foil lined baking sheet.

Chicken Nuggets for Grown-Ups

March 19, 2019

Chicken nuggets for grown-ups is one of our most popular recipes from the original television series. They are a fun, fast, and easy weeknight meal that cuts calories, since they’re baked instead of fried. 

Close up of a pink rose bloom.

Plant Roses Now!

March 15, 2019

If you’re thinking of planting roses, spring is one of the best times. MSU Extension/From Extension Publication 2835 “Roses in Mississippi” 

A medium-sized black and white dog lies on green grass.

Protect Your Pets from Fleas

March 11, 2019

It’s a given. Our beloved pets will attract some unwelcome guests: fleas. (Photo by Susan Collins-Smith)

Red grapes dipped in a mixture of peanut butter and Greek yogurt lined up on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.

Peanut Butter Yogurt-Dipped Grapes

March 8, 2019

Looking for a snack that will tide you over until your next meal but not derail your health goals? These peanut butter yogurt-dipped grapes are a fun way to get a serving of fruit and a hit of protein, without racking up major calories!

Pouring planting potting soil mix into pots in the garden.

How to Choose Potting Mix

March 5, 2019

Choosing a potting mix may seem simple, but not all mixes are created alike. When buying potting mix for containers, you want to look for mixes with ingredients that will help your plants thrive. (Photo by CanStockPhoto)

Shredded chicken breasts coated in barbecue sauce in a rectangular, clear-glass container.

Making the Most of Leftovers

March 1, 2019

Leftovers can be a huge time-saver, but they also have the potential to go to waste. Food tossed is money lost! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

Close-up of small magnolia tree with glossy green leaves. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

What To Do in Your Garden in March

February 26, 2019

There’s a lot to do in your garden during the month of March! Get your spring garden in shape with these easy tips. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

A closeup of a gloved hand holding a pair of bypass pruning shears.

Essential Pruning Tools

February 22, 2019

February marks the beginning of pruning chores in the garden. This task will be a breeze if you have the right tools. MSU Extension horticulture specialist Gary Bachman recommends three pruning tools every gardener should have. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

Three small sandwiches made with whole wheat slider buns, shredded chicken, and barbecue sauce on a white plate.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Sliders

February 19, 2019

Y’all know I love a good slow cooker recipe. This one is fast and easy, and, depending on your barbecue sauce, can also be healthy. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish / Cindy Callahan)

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts coated with Panko breadcrumbs on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper.

The Food Factor | Shake & Bake Brussels Sprouts

February 15, 2019

Growing up, Brussels sprouts were the vegetable every kid on TV loved to hate. Most people think they hate these cute little veggies that resemble tiny cabbages, even if they’ve never tried them. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

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About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living.

Blog content is created by a core team of communicators, including Susan Collins-Smith, Ellen Graves, Natasha Haynes, Qula Madkin, Michaela Parker, and Jonathan Parrish. But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu