Doesn’t it make us feel good when we think of innovative new ways to reuse things, not just because we’ve been frugal financially, but environmentally as well?
Below are a few top ‘reuse’ items and info on how to extend their lives. If you have any other ideas or ‘reuse’ tips, just add them below in the comment section!
Old Clothes – If not in tatters, old clothes can be reused by someone else simply by donating them to charity. Otherwise, use them as rags or dusting cloths. They are also handy ‘scraps’ to have around for craft projects, such as using them as ‘stuffing’ to make your own cushions.
Milk Bags - Both the large outer bag and the individual milk bags (just cut open the tops) can be reused for packing lunches or storing or freezing food. Simply wash and let them dry and you’ll have strong, reusable bags that will save you from buying sandwich or freezer bags.
Old, Chipped Dishes – Fragments of pottery can be used to create a drainage bed for potted plants. Or, simply fill up that chipped mug with soil and use it as a planter itself. It’ll give uniqueness and character to your indoor garden.
Egg Cartons etc. – Many household items, such as egg cartons, coffee tins, toilet paper rolls etc., can return to childhood, or at least be used by children for all kinds of creative projects… a few pipe cleaners and some plasticine and… wow, that looks like fun!
Food Containers – A lot of our groceries come in plastic containers – margarine, salad, yogurt – and with a bit of soap and water, they’re ready to be used as reusable storage vessels, saving us from having to buy Tupperware!
Envelopes and Packaging Boxes – Simply stick a new label overtop of the old one on carefully opened envelopes and you’re ready to send your letter! Boxes that you’ve received mail in can do the same job again, just store and be sure to remember them when you’re sending a gift to someone else.
Scrap Paper – We’re always looking for a quick place to jot down a note or shopping list. Scrap paper is perfect for these tasks. Full sheets of scrap paper can be used for printing ‘draft’ quality printouts, just keep them by the printer to help you remember to use them.
Jars and Cans – These are especially useful because they have lids and can be perfect for storing odds and ends or for keeping nails, screws etc. organized in the garage.
Gift Bags, Ribbons, Bows – If kept in good shape, things that you’ve received gifts in, and the decorating accents, can be reused when you give to others. Tissue paper can also be reused to wrap delicate or breakable items.
Old Furniture – Ratty chairs or sofas can be reupholstered to give a fresh new look to your home… or a slip cover can be used to extend the life of an otherwise sturdy piece of furniture.
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I reuse the clear plastic grocery bags as kitchen garbage bags. Because they’re smaller than regular garbage bags, I throw them out more frequently, avoiding the buildup of smells in the kitchen.