We all know about recycling, but we have trouble still with reusing. Buying new and buying double can cost you. If you are careful and creative about reusing, repurposing, and rewashing, you can end up saving.
Paper Products
- Reuse egg cartons by ripping them up and using for packaging fragile items to send or store.
- Peanut and Styrofoam packaging can be used for drainage in the bottom of plant pots. No need to buy stones.
- Envelopes you get with bills or for donations can be reused to send in your payments and for correspondence. Just white out or cross out any addresses on the envelope and re-address. Envelops can also be used as paper for notes and lists.
- Speaking of paper, reuse paper that comes in the mail. As long as there is a blank side, no need to buy packages of paper for copying or printing.
Household Re-use
- Plastic grocery bags can be used as small trash can liners; don’t buy liners from the store. And, plastic bags have handles for tidily tying up that trash.
- Liquid hand soaps can be refilled at lower cost than buying new hand soap pumps, and don’t forget body wash and shampoos are the same as hand soap.
- Coffee filters can be rinsed and left to dry for reuse up to 4 times.
- Plastic zip-lock bags can be washes and reused.
- Dryer sheets shouldn’t be thrown away. They are great for cleaning soap scum, dusting furniture, or washing pots and pans.
- Use old clothes for reuse as rags and washing cloths and even to make baby clothes.
Electronics
- Cameras, computers, and MP3 players can be reused. Go to sites like Gazelle.com. They will send you a box for free shipping. Others will get the use of the electronics, and you won’t have to pay a disposal fee.