These days we all know the importance of the three R’s- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Here are 5 ways to reuse items that you haven’t thought of before. The best thing about reusing something you already have is that you will save money.
1. Gift wrap- instead of buying wrapping paper just save those cheap plastic table cloths from parties. Instead of throwing them in the trash, wipe them off, fold them up and save them to use as wrapping paper or tissue paper in gift bags. Red or green ones are great for Christmas! They are especially useful for those large or odd shaped gifts.
2. Drop Cloths- Instead of buying a specially made drop cloth when you paint, use old sheets or blankets that you would normally get rid of. Another option is to use the tarp you put under your tent or kiddie pool. You’ll still be able to use it the same way you did before and yet be getting more use out of it without spending more money.
3. Kids crafts- add to your kids craft cabinet by saving jewelry boxes, paper towel rolls, lids of jars, the cardboard from frozen pizzas, bows, pieces of used wrapping paper, etc. Kids love creating new things using odds and ends you would normally toss out. Another idea is when you have a board game that you are missing too many pieces too to still use, put the pieces you do have in the craft cabinet and the kids can use them to create a new game! If you don’t have kids save items for kids you know. Another persons junk is a marvelous gift to a young child!
4. Toy containers- to organize all of those toy sets with many pieces, like Lego’s, tinker toys, Barbie’s and accessories, etc. Just save those plastic zippered bags that new sheets and blankets come in. You can even send out an email to friends and family a couple weeks before Christmas ( when many people receive new sheets and blankets) and asking them to save the bags for you. Most people will be happy to do so as you will be helping them to recycle also. Being clear and durable make the toys easy to find and still stay organized.
5. Reuse old toothbrushes- Dentist recommend using a new toothbrush every 3 months. Instead of immediately throwing them out, give them a second life. First throw them in the dishwasher to remove any bacteria. There are so many ways to reuse tooth brushes I’m sure once you start to think about it you’ll find many second uses for them. Here are some ideas to get you started, and don’t forget top label them for their new job so no one goes and uses them to brush their teeth!
let your kids use them as cool textured paintbrushes
keep one in the laundry room for scrubbing tough stains
use as a nail brush to clean under your nails
clean tile and grout in the bathroom
as a mustache comb for men
These are just some of the many ways you can reuse items from around your house. Before you throw an item in the garbage think about possible ways to reuse it first.
