Sunday, January 11, 2009

Green Tip of the Day

Reuse:

Aluminum Foil
  • After use, wash and let dry or use to store food. You can get a few rounds out of foil with a little care.

  • Blankets, Comforters and Sleeping Bags
  • Keep one in your trunk, in case you need it (either for warmth or wrapping fragile items) so you will always have one on hand.
  • Use for recreation such as concerts, sports games, camping or days in the park.

  • Compact Discs

  • Make them into coasters. Attach rubber or felt “feet” to the CD so they don’t slide.
  • Use fishing line or string and hang them outside as sun catchers.

  • Egg Cartons
  • Use to sprout seedlings for your garden.
  • Break them into smaller pieces and use them to protect items while shipping or in storage.
  • Use to store different odds and ends like ping-pong balls, rings, watches, hair ties or bobby pins.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Remove the lenses and use for games of dress-up.
  • Have your local eyeglass boutique reuse the frames for new glasses or sunglasses.
  • Donate to a non-profit or your optometrist for those who need glasses but don’t have access.

  • Fabric Softener Sheets
  • Place in your sock drawer to help keep your socks smelling clean.
  • Use as dusters throughout the house.

  • Film Canisters
  • Use for storage for all things small.
  • Fill with change and place in your purse or backpack.
  • Use as a mini medicine cabinet while on the go.
  • Store extra sewing items such as straight pins, buttons and snaps.

  • Garden Hose
  • Turn an old hose into a soaker or sprinkler by poking holes along its length.
  • Cut it up, and put a slit on one side of the rubber. Wrap it around bucket or paint can handles for easy carrying.
  • Use for a ‘u’ cushion when tying up leaning or growing trees.

  • Glass Jars
  • Use for storage of anything small.
  • Add wax and wick to make a new candle.
  • Use for storing food.
  • Reuse as drinking cups.

  • Laundry Baskets
  • Keep in your car to help keep groceries from falling over or rolling around while you drive.
  • Use for storage of rags or other items in your garage or laundry room.
  • Turn it into a garbage can.

  • Plastic Grocery Bags
  • Use to line garbage cans in your bathroom or office.
  • Use to discard pet waste from litter boxes or dog walks.
  • Use as a travel recycling bag - keep in your car, purse or suitcase to collect recyclables while on the go.

  • Plastic Food Containers
  • Use to store leftover food or to for packed lunches.
  • Use as children’s bowls.
  • Use as water or food bowls for pets or wild birds.

  • Plastic Utensils

Store leftover plastic utensils from take-out meals for:

  • Car Rides
  • Plane Trips
  • Picnics
  • Eating at work
  • Camping

  • Shoe Box
  • Use to store special items such as family documents and photos. These can easily be decorated and kept out for all to see.
  • Use them to store medications and personal care products that you keep under the bathroom sink.

  • Shower Curtain
  • Use as a tarp for covering outdoor equipment.
  • Use as a drop cloth for painting or crafts.
  • Cover outdoor plants to prevent freezing.

  • Three-Ring Binders
  • Use to organize and store bills and financial statements.
  • Use as a recipe book.
  • Use as a photo album.
  • Use as a journal or for work.

  • Tires
  • Hang from a tree and use as a swing or a hoop for throwing footballs.
  • Use as a planter for your garden, front yard or porch.
  • Take your used tires to be shred for use around your home, such as cushion under play equipment.