We throw away so many things without a second's thought that we often miss great possibilities for re-using them, often in really inventive ways. Here's a handy list of ideas that give a new lease of life to all manner of things that are normally seen as 'junk'. After reading these suggestions you'll probably feel guilty about having to throw anything away ever again. Feel free to tell us your own!
1. Dry Cleaning Bags: Use to pack suits, dresses and other glad-rags when travelling; this will help protect it from wrinkles when packing. When storing the bags make sure to keep them safely out of reach of children, as they really are that dangerous.
2. Butter Wrappers: Once you've removed a block of butter from its wrapping, place the wrapping in a plastic container or bag and refrigerate. Use it to grease baking pans - very useful when you run out of foil!
3. Business Cards: Use the other side to label storage boxes and tubs and tape to the outside of the lid or side so you can see at a glance what the container is holding.
Follow the jump for more tips!
[Via Tipnut]
4. Used Envelopes: Never throw away an envelope - they make excellent lists for groceries, To Do lists, bookmarks and labels. Bigger ones (especially the padded sort) can almost always be re-labeled and used again.
5. Cardboard Egg Cartons: You can use these to make homemade firestarters (and endless craft projects if you've got kids about the place).
6. Tissue Boxes: Once they're empty you can use these as a plastic bag dispenser, just fill with grocery bags and you'll be able to neatly pull out one at a time.
7. Plastic Grocery Bags: Use as rubbish bin liners, paint tray covers, packing material.
8. Plastic Bread Clips: Save a few of the square plastic clips that keep bread bags closed to use as tiny scrapers. They come in handy to remove labels, price tags, and even do a good job scratching lottery tickets!
9. Newspaper: Line kitty litter boxes for easy cleanup (top with kitty litter), protect work surfaces from crafts & interior paint jobs, giftwrap, use as packing material when moving or shipping.
10. Plastic takeaway cartons: these can be used in the microwave and make excellent food storage containers and/or lunchboxes.
11. Cleaner Spray Bottles: Clean thoroughly and use to hold your homemade cleaners, use to spray plants...very important to clean thoroughly first.
12. Mesh From Veggie Bags: If you buy veggies that are bagged in nylon mesh, you can use that mesh for various cleaning jobs around the house and yard. Just wad up the bag and use it as a scrubber.
13. Styrofoam Food Trays: Clean thoroughly, wrap in foil then use as trays for giving gifts of baking.
14. Old tights: Use in the garden to tie plants to stakes, or make shower spa bags. Great for crafting with, especially when making dolls and toys.
15. Paper Towel Cardboard Rolls: Use to wrap extension cords, Christmas lights (keep untangled).
16. Citrus Peels: Use to make your own homemade citrus cleaners, candy peels to use in baking or freeze the peels to use for zest in recipes as needed, Save your peels from citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. You can toss them in the fire place when you have a fire going to give the room a nice, fresh smell.
17. Packing Foam "Peanuts": These can be a real annoyance and are almost impossible to recycle. So why not save them and reuse when packing breakables, storing Christmas decorations or sending gifts in the post.
18. Brown Paper Bags: Once used, twist into small rolls and use as fire starters.
19. Laundry Bottle Caps & Scoops: Wash thoroughly and use as sandpit, pool, bathtub toys or pet food scoopers (for dried food).
20. Cereal Liner Bags: Clean and use for stacking meat patties before freezing, store bread crusts, cover food in the microwave.
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