Many of the things we consider sending to recycling can first be turned into an alternative item that would be useful in the home. Re-purposing these items and getting more more use out of them also reduces new purchases we may have made without them.
We found a website that lists a multitude of household items that can be repurposed and used again. They are listed alphabetically and there are plenty of items that may have not readily come to mind.
Aluminum Foil – This can be washed and used again. It is a simple matter to wipe the foil down, flatten any wrinkles, fold and drop in a drawer to be used again.
Egg Cartons – You can use them to start your garden seeds. It will give you a head-start while there is still frost in the ground. You can also fill them with dryer lint and drip some wax into them to be used as a firestarter the next time you go camping.
Dryer Sheets – Tear these in half to extend the use you get out of the box. You can use them for deodorizing shoes or for keeping your clothes fresh in your dresser drawers. They can also be used as dust cloths.
Metal Mint and Candy Tins
These make nice boxes for crayons, markers, and drawing tools. You can use them for sewing supplies, or keep a variety of batteries in them. Phone chargers would work well in these, as would a first aid kit for camping.
Prescription Bottles
Take the labels off these and use them for very small items that get lost easily in your cupboards. Safety pins, sewing needles, and paper clips would fit well. You can also use them for spices when camping, or for small change in your purse.
You can read more suggestions of things to re-purpose at home by visiting this website > A Recycling Revolution. We can all do our part, even in the smallest ways.