Did you know that the average American throws away approximately 4.9 pounds of waste per day, amounting to over 1,700 pounds1 per year?
With only a fraction of this waste being recycled, it’s clear that our throwaway culture is taking a toll on the environment.
By getting creative and repurposing common household items, you can not only reduce your contribution to this staggering waste but also save money and add a unique, eco-friendly touch to your home.
1. Plastic Bottles
The average American consumes and takes home around 150 bottles in a year. (ref) Instead of sending yours straight to the curb, repurpose them into creative household items.
Cut the bottom off a 2-liter bottle to make a mini greenhouse for seedlings. Or punch holes in the cap and bury it upside down in your garden bed for an easy self-watering system. Smaller bottles can be turned into bird feeders, piggy banks or organizers for pens and pencils.
2. Glass Jars
Glass jars, such as those from pasta sauce or pickles, are incredibly versatile. Instead of recycling them, wash them thoroughly and remove the labels. You can use these jars to store dry goods like rice, beans, or even office supplies. They also make excellent containers for homemade candles or as unique vases for small flower arrangements.
According to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generated 12.2 million tons of glass waste in 2018, with only 31.3% being recycled. (ref) By reusing glass jars, you can contribute to reducing this waste and save money on storage containers.
3. Cardboard Boxes
Those Amazon delivery boxes may seem boring, but with a little imagination they can become just about anything. Flatten them to use as inexpensive drop cloths for painting projects or create magazine holders and storage bins.
For the kids, let them decorate large boxes to make forts, rocket ships or a fun cardboard playhouse. Smaller boxes are perfect for organizing drawers or storing holiday decorations.
4. Egg Cartons
Instead of tossing your empty egg containers, reuse them to start seedlings for your garden. The individual sections are ideal for holding soil and seeds until they sprout.
Egg cartons also make great storage trays for small items like beads, hardware or holiday ornaments. Get crafty by cutting them into shapes for fun kid projects.
5. Mesh Produce Bags
Those thin, stretchy mesh bags that fruits and veggies come in are super versatile. Use them as reusable tote bags for produce or as garment bags for delicates in the wash.
The mesh material also makes a great pot scrubber or stuffed with dryer lint can become a reusable duster. Just toss it in the wash when it gets dirty.
6. Old Towels & T-Shirts
Don’t throw out those worn towels and t-shirts. Cut them into rags for household cleaning jobs like washing windows, dusting furniture or polishing stainless steel.
You can also use old t-shirt material to make reusable grocery totes, cleaning cloths or simple pet toys. Get crafty by braiding or weaving strips into coasters, baskets or rugs.
7. Wine Corks
Instead of throwing out those wine corks, get creative and repurpose them into useful household items. Use them as rustic decor by making a cork board, wreath or filling clear vases.
Corks also make great jar openers, draft stoppers for doors and windows, or mini gardening markers. Get crafty by cutting them into stamps or using them to make a DIY trivet.
8. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags from grocery stores can pile up quickly, but they don’t have to end up in landfills. Keep a stash of these bags to line small trash cans or use them as packing material when shipping fragile items.
You can also use them to organize and store items like seasonal clothing or holiday decorations.
9. Toothbrushes
Your old toothbrush has lived a long life, but it can keep on working even after it’s retired from mouth duty. Reuse those frayed bristles to clean grout, tile, sinks and other hard-to-reach areas.
Toothbrushes also make great detailing brushes for cleaning jewelry, electronics or applying gels and glazes when baking. Just be sure to mark it so no one mistakes it for an actual toothbrush!
10. Toilet Paper Rolls
Don’t immediately trash those empty toilet paper rolls. These humble cardboard tubes can be repurposed in tons of creative ways around the house.
Use them to make seed starters for your garden, protect delicate items when moving, or stuff with dryer lint to make an easy fire starter. Get crafty by turning them into binoculars, stampers or even napkin rings for your next party.
You can also use toilet paper rolls in refrigerators to help reduce smells.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Repurposing common household items may seem like a small gesture, but the cumulative effect of these actions can make a significant difference in reducing waste and preserving our environment.
By adopting a creative and eco-conscious mindset, you can transform your home into a testament to sustainable living, one repurposed item at a time.
Source:
- https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.