Juice Containers to Fill Empty Freezer SpaceWe drink cranberry juice. To fill in the empty spaces and build up the bottom of our chest freezer, I freeze water in the 64 ounce cranberry juice containers. They lay flat and fit perfectly between the dividers. This helps to keep the freezer full.
Media Case Used To Store Art SuppliesUse an old DVD case as a child's colouring case. Just decorate it and make a little pocket inside with either paper or fabric to hold pencils or markers. You can also turn one into a make-up case to hold liners, lip gloss, and mascara.
Reusing Spray BottlesI always had empty spray bottles, like colognes and perfumes. I don't throw them away that easily, I will reuse them instead. I put alcohol in those spray bottles and put them in every part of the house. In case of emergency, I can just grab my alcohol anytime, anywhere.
The Many Ways to Utilize PaperThe best way to not waste paper is to avoid using it, but that is nearly impossible. Many people don't have digital access and still have to rely on paper copies of everything. Instead, we need to recycle it and find ways to utilize every inch of paper so nothing is wasted.
My Retired Tea TowelsWe all have them, the old tea towels that are worn out, faded or stained, that we don't care to use anymore and that we would never put out when company is coming over.
Recycled Jar as a Dime BankWhen you clean out a mayo squirt bottle, you get a bank for dimes only. The bigger ones might hold bigger coins, but I don't have one to show you. The mayo with olive oil cleans very easily so that is my recommendation.
Coffee Can Lid as Cutting BoardI am a compulsive recycler and not all of my recyclables go into the pickup bin. I emptied a large container of coffee this morning and discovered that the plastic cover makes a perfect cutting board for a small item. When I get to the point of cutting too many things on it I'll toss it in the bin.
Recycle Silica Gel PacketsI save all those little packets of silica gel. You can find them in purses, shoes, etc. They are used to soak up the moisture. I throw them into a jar and save them and use them to mix into my soil, as they tend to soak up the moisture and slowly release it.
No More Paper ProductsThis was something that put more money in our pockets instantly! We stopped using napkins and paper towels. We were spending at least $5.00 a week just to wipe our mouths and clean our house.
Prescription Bottle Auto Air FreshenerI had my husband drill several small holes in the lid. Then I stuffed cotton balls inside and poured scented oils in it. It doesn't leak. I put them in my vehicle to make it smell good.
Reusing Crisco Shortening PackagingMake your own cheese and crackers for pennies! needing just a bit of shortening, I came upon a great idea. These Crisco tubes, containing baking sticks, are perfect for 12 crackers and a hunk of cheese. You can also use them for veggies, fruit, nuts, and other things you can't eat like meds, change, and so much more.
Egg Crates for Veggie StorageUse egg crates as a base for vegetables. If a veggie becomes "weepy" before you can use it, it won't drip onto the others. Cut the crates to fit your basket or shelf.
Repurposing Old Ironing BoardsI have bought some old wooden ironing boards at the thrift shop to use as buffet tables for parties in the yard. I add a table cloth and line the boards along the deck or along the edge of the flower bed.
Shred Wrapping Paper for PackagingHaving run out of tissue paper for packing around gifts, I shredded some wrapping paper. It looked great. Now instead of paper gift wrap (even the most crumpled bit! ) going to the bin it goes in the shredder and I have my recycled packaging.
Uses for Stocking Tops and PantyhoseCut off the elastic tops of your tights and stockings before throwing them away. I use the stocking tops for hair bands and scrunchies. I use the elastic from the waistband of tights to secure my rubbish bag around the bin and also to keep the cat litter bag in place.
Reusing Egg CartonsI would never have thought to use empty egg cartons for ice trays. You can make ice using an egg carton, same way as you use your trays. The ice forms in a neat shape, larger then usual trays.
Milk Jug Electric Cord ReelI use the electric leaf blower frequently to blow off the porch and carport. I've just been looping the cord and laying it across the blower for storage and having to untangle it every time I use it.
Use CDs to Make Driveway ReflectorsI live in an area that does not have street lights and at night it is difficult to "see" my driveway. I checked on red reflectors and they are quite expensive.
Reuse Garlic Bag as Soap BagDon't throw away the little net bag that your garlic came in! Put all your little chips of soap inside, tie the ends and use it as an exfoliator. You won't believe the amount of suds you will get out of your soap when using your new little bag.
Amazing Uses for Plastic BagsSave money on rubber and plastic! Want to re-purpose and re-use those plastic grocery store bags and get the most bang for your buck? Here are some answers that are sure to make you smile.
Use Eyeglass Case To Store Small ItemsWe always have a lot of empty eyeglass cases around. I use them to carry my scissors, toe nail clippers, tweezers, etc. in my purse. I carry lipstick and other small items when traveling; like buttons, thread and needle just in case.
Reusing Parts From A "Shake" FlashlightRemember a few years ago when everyone bought 'shake to charge' flashlights? You'd shake them a few times and they'd charge up enough power to get around in an emergency which was VERY handy.
Make Your Own Shopping BagsI don't know about you but I hate having to unload 20 bags of groceries that only hold a few items each. seems like it takes forever to haul them all in. I love using my own handmade fabric grocery bags.
Saving Plastic Food LinersDespite my husband's concerns that I'm becoming an episode of Hoarders, I like to save the waxed paper bags from cereals and other boxed foods. I use them when I microwave frozen veggies and other small dishes.
Bottle Cap Screen DoorPlastic bottle caps can be used to make fly and insect door curtains. Measure a piece of timber dowel the width of the door. Drill a small hole in the centre of each cap and string them together like beads, with knots along the string to keep them separate from each other.
Use 3 Ring Binder Hardware For Hanging StorageOld school or work 3 ring binders can be reused by removing the back plate and rings. Use pliers to remove the rivets and separate the back plate from the cover. Screw the plate and rings to a wall or the back of a closet or cabinet door.
Deodorizing With Used Coffee GroundsAfter making coffee, let the grounds dry then put them into a new filter, a thin fabric bag, socks, or stockings. Secure with thread or staples. Put these coffee bags inside your shoes, in closets, and shelves. They work really well as deodorizers.
Recycled Cart for RainwaterTake an non-working lawnmower and remove the engine. Make sure the lawnmower still has its wheels and handle. Build a wooden frame around the base large enough to anchor a barrel or large pail.
Wax Car FreshenerI love scented candles, and now I use the wax that is left to freshen my car. I always have a big chunk of wax left when the wick has burned through. Put the wax in a baggie or on a paper plate and pound or cut into chunks.
Uses for Baby Wipes ContainersI always buy 13 gallon kitchen garbage bags in the economy rolls. The roll fits perfectly in a baby wipe container, and I just fed the first bag up through the opening at the top.
Turn Microwave Plate and Turntable Into A Lazy SusanI recently saw a tip about recycling a microwave plate. Besides keeping the glass microwave plate when replacing your microwave; be sure to also keep the plastic piece the plate sits on that works as the microwave turntable.
Laundry Detergent Caps For Bathroom OrganizingThe house I live in does laundry a lot. And, they didn't recycle till I showed them the error of their ways.
Make A Thrifty Recycled Drink ContainerI took a large plastic mayonnaise jar and a bendy soda straw and voila! a car cup. DH drilled the holes in the plastic jar lid since he doesn't like me playing with his power toys.
Recycled Wrapping Paper Organizer Shoe BagI made another project from some recycled bags. These came from empty bird seed bags that a friend gave me. They are colorful and the pretty birds made them nice and bright.
Repurposing ContainersSave the containers that grocery and consumable items come in and repurpose them!
Reuse Chip Bags as Gift BagsWash the inside and let dry. When dry, turn inside out and you have a beautiful silver gift bag. Tie the top off with ribbon, put on a pretty bow, and you have a beautiful and frugal gift, wrapped and ready to give.
Recycle Tank Top into a BagI came across a couple of tank tops that I know I would never wear again, and considered giving them to the Goodwill or Salvation Army but I paused thinking, "Hmm, turn it inside out and sew up the bottom of it!"
Making Junk Mail UsefulI cut the envelope open with a letter opener (unless the flap can easily be opened without cutting). Uses: store coupons, to do lists, store receipts. If it has see through window on back, with plastic then when I am done with the envelope, I cut that out with border to use for crafts.
Upcycle What You HaveUpcycle what you have to enjoy in new ways! I am using my broken screen door guard as a bracket in my bedroom to hold a birdcage planter and outside on my back patio to hold a small set of windchimes!
Ideas for Used Birthday CandlesThese tiny candles work wonders for sticky locks and zippers. For sticky locks, simply rub the candle on the key then insert in the lock several times. For sticky zippers, open the zipper then rub the birthday candle on both sides of the zipper.
Use Steel Cans In The GardenOne of the ways I recycle is by burying my steel cans in my garden, I leave the bottoms on and I bury them about 12 in. deep open side up. I fill the canned with compost and then plant above it.
Garden Hose as a Saw Blade CoverMy garden hose has been left outside neglected too many times but it still has a purpose as saw blade covers! Cut the hose to the length of the blade and slit down the side so that it can be slid over the blade as protection.
