Last Updated on December 8, 2020

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People all over the world are becoming more and more conscious about the importance of reducing waste, reusing the things they already have, and recycling the things they no longer need. Many countries have already banned plastic bags and many of us are already used to bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. It’s good to know that we’re all becoming more aware of our own ecological footprint.

However, our planet is still suffering and we certainly can still do more to consume less. One easy way to do so is to start from your own home by giving a new life to certain household items instead of throwing them away.

Protect the environment and save money by saving these 10 household items from the trash.

10. Containers, cans, or glass jars

Although metal and glass can be recycled, you can still reuse them to reduce excess packaging and waste. Turn your old coffee canisters and glass jars into efficient containers for your desk organizers, bulk pantry items, or bathroom organizers. Moreover, those mason jars and pasta sauce jars can be perfect for food preservation. And if you’re left with empty beer bottles that are narrow-necked, just turn them into drinking glasses to use again and again and again…

9. Plastic bottles, gallon jugs, and any other plastic container

We all buy something in a plastic bottle without having any idea of how to reuse it. You can simply use bottles and jugs to store homemade cleaners or make a little effort to turn those plastic containers into convenient items that you can use around the house, such as a plastic bottle groom or cute pots for your plants. You can also turn old soda bottles into bird feeders or use plastic jugs to create dustpans, shoe cubbies, or food bins. And instead of throwing away that empty shampoo bottle, why not turn it into a phone charging station or a self-watering seed pot! Takeout containers can also be reused in the kitchen since they’re typically sturdy and dishwasher-safe.

8. Papers bags, magazines, and newspapers

If you have loads of paper in your home, you’d like to know that there are plenty of wonderful ways to reuse it all. You just need a bit of creativity to turn newspapers and magazines into practical and great woven baskets and trays. An easier option is using your old magazines, newspapers, and grocery bags as wrapping paper or compostable seed pots. You can also get crafty and create your own envelopes out of calendar pages. There are just too many ideas that you’ll end up thinking that your loads of paper aren’t enough, which is wonderful.

7. Bedding, towels, and clothes

You can simply cut your old clothes, towels, and bedding into washable cleaning rags to use around the house. You may also enjoy creating lovely braided rugs out of torn or old t-shirts. In case you have some sewing abilities, make reusable dusters out of old flannels. And if you’re a Pinterest user, make sure to check out the endless different ways to make beautiful and useful things out of old clothes.

6. Seeds

Make sure to always let some fruits, vegetables, and flowers go to seed at the end of the growing season. Then, collect the seeds and store them safely until you can use them the next season. Harvesting and saving seeds to reuse multiple times is a wonderful way to create your own garden effortlessly while saving money. If you’re a beginner when it comes to gardening, do a little research before proceeding to harvest and store seeds for later use.

5. Old dryer sheets

If you already use them, you can turn old dryer sheets into great dusting rags. These actually work like magic when it comes to removing pet hair from almost any surface. Moreover, you can also use old dryer sheets to polish chrome and scrub off soap scum.
The lint from the dryer can be used as well! Collect it to create your own compostable seed pots or recycled paper.

4. Plastic bags

We all have them, right? You can reuse your plastic bags as trash bins around the house, pet waste bags, stuffing for outdoor pillows, or simply take them with you while grocery shopping. A better option is to upcycle plastic bags by creating a lovely grocery tote that you can use multiple times, just make sure to make it sturdy enough.
And remember the empty plastic bag inside the box of cereal? Take it out, wash it, and use it to wrap foods.

3. Old and empty bathroom items

Once your toothpaste tubes are empty, you can offer them a new life as a funnel by removing the bottom. They can also make great frosting tubes for icing cakes. As for your old toothbrushes, they’re really effective when it comes to scrubbing a wide variety of difficult-to-reach places as well as cleaning electronics and delicate tools. Or you can clean and dry your old toothbrushes and turn them into hair color applicators or eyebrow brushes.

2. Broken dishes

Most of us would simply toss broken dishes with a lot of disappointment. But you know what! Dishes get broken so why not make something beautiful out of them! Next time you break something, don’t be upset, but rather get creative and go re-tile your garden paths, flower pots, or outdoor tables. If you’re crafty enough, you can even make jewelry out of broken china. And if you have old coffee mugs that are stained or scratched, place small plants in them. They’ll look really adorable!

1. Old furniture

Never throw your old furniture! Instead, either repair or refinish them. In case you have broken furniture, you can just disassemble it and reuse the wood to create new furniture.
You can easily make bulletin boards, shadow boxes, or shelves by hanging drawers on the wall. You may even paint them to fit your home decor or add glass for a more beautiful touch.

It only takes a little bit of creativity to cut down on waste, save money, and reuse your junk.
Do you have other brilliant ideas to reuse, recycle, or upcycle household items? Feel free to tell us in the comments.

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