Dear Heloise: I wanted to write in with a response to the reader in Ohio who travels frequently. The reader mentioned struggling with people who talk to them and don’t get the hint when they see you have a book to read.

Flight attendants have earbuds available for in-flight entertainment, or you can bring your own, even if you’re not listening to anything. Put on the earbuds and send a visual clue to the person next to you that you would rather read or nap and don’t wish to be disturbed.

You can always remove the earbuds if you want to talk. — Debbie M.M., in Torrance, California

PISTACHIO AMBROSIA

Dear Heloise: You had a dessert that was such a big hit with my family. I believe it was called Pistachio Ambrosia. Whatever it was called, it was very good. Would you please repeat this recipe so I can make it again this holiday season? — Jessica H., Bayonne, New Jersey

Jessica, I’d be happy to reprint this recipe for you and all the other readers who have been requesting it. It was always a big hit with my family, too:

Pistachio Ambrosia

— 1 small package instant pistachio pudding

— 1 (6-ounce) can chunky pineapple

— 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple

— 1 cup shredded coconut

— 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

— 12-16 ounces nondairy whipped topping, thawed

— 1 cup marshmallows

In a large bowl, mix the two types of pineapple and sprinkle the pudding on top. Let sit for about 3-4 minutes. Combine nuts and coconut, then fold into the mixture. Blend in whipped topping and marshmallows. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving. Enjoy! — Heloise

MAKING SOAP LAST ­LONGER

Dear Heloise: When you finish a bottle of shampoo, dish soap, or liquid hand soap, squeeze the bottle with the cap off to create a vacuum. Draw up some water into the bottle.  Then replace the cap and carefully turn the bottle in all directions to rinse the inside. You will have enough to use it several more times. — Margaret, La Mirada, California

EXCESS TRASH

Dear Heloise: I know most of my friends believe that using paper towels is the only method to keep their counters, stovetops, and the front of all their kitchen appliances clean. But our mother and grandmothers used a sponge or cloth that they washed frequently to clean these surfaces, and as far as I know, no one died because of it.

It may be easier to grab a paper towel, then toss it in the trash, but we have far too much trash already. People have said it helps to destroy bacteria when we use a paper towel once. And yet, I don’t know of a single person who died because my generation used sponges and towels to wash and dry objects.

With trash piles all over the world filling up rapidly, wouldn’t it be better to cut back on things like paper towels that only contaminate various landfill sites? — Holly W., Dallas

Holly, disposable items have become a serious problem with our planet. I wish I had a solution, but finding one isn’t always simple. It will be costly, and every country in the world will have to take some responsibility to solve this dilemma.

What do you readers think? Let us know at Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.