Many people feel guilty about throwing away so much every day or week. But with a little bit of creativity, anyone can be environmentally friendly by revamping items from used to new. Find out how with these DIY tips that are easy enough for the whole family.
Reusable Items in the Kitchen
Aside from rewashing plastic containers and using them to store leftovers, there are many other items to consider. For example, do you have leftover bubble wrap? Then spread it out in your fridge's fruits and vegetable bins, which will keep produce from bruising.
Milk cartons are great items for reuse. According to the article 5 Ways to Reuse a Plastic Milk Container by Rachel Tsoumbakos on Suite101, "if you cut just the top off a milk container, it can be used as a storage container." Items that can fit in these revised cartons include:
- Candy
- Pens and pencils
- Elastics
- Seeds
- Paper clips
- Sewing materials
Another kitchen item that's easily reusable is the good ol' egg carton. Cut it up, paint it and keep it on a side table to hold spare change or car keys.
Redesigning Unwanted Clothes
Too many clothes in the walk-in closet? Well, there are many ways to deal. Besides donating them to a thrift store, try these tips:
- Take old knee socks, cut off the feet and use them as new leg warmers. Also, put old socks (already clean, of course) over wine glasses if they are going to be packed away.
- Old shirts can be converted into new pillows. Cut them into the size you want and purchase pillow stuffing.
- Cut patches out of old t-shirts, sweatshirts or sweatpants, pajamas or hats and sew them onto any canvas bags. The bags will look super retro and totally eco chic.
More Home Ideas
Here are a few more ways you can reuse items around the house:
- If you don't have a vase or have any more vases, take an old wine bottle, rinse it out and use it for new flowers or plants. And whenever that surge of creativity flows by, scrap off the bottle's label and make a new one.
- Don't throw away any gift wrap or gift bags. Use the gift wrap to keep your books in tip-top shape. Wrap the paper over your front and back covers to prevent scratching and denting. For gift bags, consider using these to store extra plastic grocery bags. Or better yet, reuse these bags for when you're giving gifts to family or friends.
Overall, think outside the box when you need to reuse items. From everyday kitchen goods such as egg and milk cartons and wine bottles to simple bubble wrap and socks, there are countless ways to not only revamp old paraphernalia, but also be eco-friendly.
 |
