Are you throwing away things you could use?
Here are some ideas for Re-using things you probably have around the house.
1. Glass Jars
If you buy mayonnaise or peanut butter, it probably comes in a glass jar. I treat myself to some extra-special clotted cream occasionally, and it comes in a lovely small glass jar.
I also buy some delightful little sweets which come in a nostalgic glass jar, reminding me of old-fashioned sweet shops with their huge glass jars of oh-so-delicious treats stacked up behind the counter.
Although glass can be recycled (an infinite number of times), it’s better to re-use it. And you can re-use glass jars in so many different ways!
- I
use the small jars to burn incense – I put some sand or gravel in the jar to support the stick and it burns away happily, giving an exotic aroma to my home but also (and more importantly!) discouraging the hungry mosquitoes which arrive each summer afternoon. - Small jars are also perfect for storing leftovers and fruit juice in the refrigerator.
- Taller jars are ideal for storing cereals, flour, salt and sugar.
And of course for preserving fruit and veggies!
2. Plastic Tops
If you buy coffee or nuts in a tin can, re-use the plastic lids as coasters under glasses, or place them under the feet of your furniture to stop it damaging your floors and carpets.
3. Bath Towels
Bath towels often wear out first in the middle. Don’t throw them away! Cut them and use the un-worn parts as hand towels, then later as face cloths and finally as cleaning rags.
4. Plastic Film
If you have clothes dry cleaned, they are often returned in a plastic shroud. Re-use the plastic to keep your clothes immaculate while they’re in the cupboard, or use it to store blankets or winter clothes when not in use.
You can also re-use the plastic in your linen cupboard or bookshelves. Spread the bottom end of the bag smoothly on the clean shelf (with the bottom edge against the back wall). While most of the bag hangs down, stack your linens or books on the shelf, then bring the rest of the plastic up in front of the stack, over the top, and tuck it down gently at the back.
Your books or linen are visible and protected from dust!
When you want a sheet or book, just lift off the top of the plastic.
Clean with an upward sweep of a damp cloth or sponge.
Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle
Of course you know the green mantra Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle, and you know they’re in that order for a very good reason:
- Reduce – the best of all – don’t buy it unless you really, honestly need it. Save resources (and money!)
- Re-use – don’t just use it once, take advantage of the resources that were used to make it and re-use it again and again
- Recycle – the last option, when you can’t do the first two
What other household items do you re-use? Let me know in the Comments below.
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Would not have thought of number 2 above – good ideas all in all.
Great ideas here. I reuse many of my glass jars and those I don’t go to our recycling. You put a new spin and clear dry cleaner bags and it’s a great idea but I haven’t used dry cleaners in well over 30 years. Yes, I’m old. I’ll look for something similar to keep my books dust free though. Have lots of bookshelves. 🙁 I reuse lots of plastic because so much comes in it. My son eats lots of cottage cheese and though it’s recyclable, I try to find ways to reuse them instead. Sending home leftovers in them means I don’t worry about getting my container back. I can put paintbrushes in them with water to keep them from drying out between coats. I don’t buy much of anything that comes in a can. Great post.
Thanks for your comment Marlene, and I love your creative ways of re-using plastic containers! I’m so glad you don’t use dry cleaners, I don’t either.
Lots of bookshelves – the sign of a perfect home in my opinion!