Get Those Reuse Ideas Flowing

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Though we usually buy products for the long haul, some items have short, but necessary, lives. Below are some great reuse tips for common items that usually just get thrown away.

Aluminum Foil

• After use, wash and let dry or use to store food. You can get a few rounds out of foil with a little care.

Blankets, Comforters and Sleeping Bags

• Keep one in your trunk, in case you need it (either for warmth or wrapping fragile items) so you will always have one on hand.
• Use for recreation such as concerts, sports games, camping or days in the park.

Compact Discs

• Make them into coasters. Attach rubber or felt “feet” to the CD so they don’t slide.
• Use fishing line or string and hang them outside as sun catchers.

Egg Cartons

• Use to sprout seedlings for your garden.
• Break them into smaller pieces and use them to protect items while shipping or in storage.
• Use to store different odds and ends like ping-pong balls, rings, watches, hair ties or bobby pins.

Eyeglasses

• Remove the lenses and use for games of dress-up.
• Have your local eyeglass boutique reuse the frames for new glasses or sunglasses.
• Donate to a non-profit or your optometrist for those who need glasses but don’t have access.

Fabric Softener Sheets

• Place in your sock drawer to help keep your socks smelling clean.
• Use as dusters throughout the house.

Film Canisters

• Use for storage for all things small.
• Fill with change and place in your purse or backpack.
• Use as a mini medicine cabinet while on the go.
• Store extra sewing items such as straight pins, buttons and snaps.

Garden Hose.

• Turn an old hose into a soaker or sprinkler by poking holes along its length.
• Cut it up, and put a slit on one side of the rubber. Wrap it around bucket or paint can handles for easy carrying.
• Use for a ‘u’ cushion when tying up leaning or growing trees.

Glass Jars

• Use for storage of anything small.
• Add wax and wick to make a new candle.
• Use for storing food.
• Reuse as drinking cups.

Laundry Baskets

• Keep in your car to help keep groceries from falling over or rolling around while you drive.
• Use for storage of rags or other items in your garage or laundry room.
• Turn it into a garbage can.

Plastic Grocery Bags

• Use to line garbage cans in your bathroom or office.
• Use to discard pet waste from litter boxes or dog walks.
• Use as a travel recycling bag – keep in your car, purse or suitcase to collect recyclables while on the go.

Plastic Food Containers

• Use to store leftover food or to for packed lunches.
• Use as children’s bowls.
• Use as water or food bowls for pets or wild birds.

Plastic Utensils

Store leftover plastic utensils from take-out meals for:

• Car Rides
• Plane Trips
• Picnics
• Eating at work
• Camping

Shoe Box

• Use to store special items such as family documents and photos. These can easily be decorated and kept out for all to see.
• Use them to store medications and personal care products that you keep under the bathroom sink.

Shower Curtain

• Use as a tarp for covering outdoor equipment.
• Use as a drop cloth for painting or crafts.
• Cover outdoor plants to prevent freezing.

Three-Ring Binders

• Use to organize and store bills and financial statements.
• Use as a recipe book.
• Use as a photo album.
• Use as a journal or for work.

Tires

• Hang from a tree and use as a swing or a hoop for throwing footballs.
• Use as a planter for your garden, front yard or porch.
• Take your used tires to be shred for use around your home, such as cushion under play equipment.