Recycling is an obvious way of being Green and helping the environment by minimizing what ends up in landfills. But in the grander scheme of things, one must consider that there is an ecological price to recycling as well. There is the cost to the environment to transport recyclable materials to a facility as well as the energy it takes to actually convert the recyclables to a useable material. An even better way to help the environment is to reuse waste materials. This is by no means a new concept. My grandmother grew up during the Great Depression, where reusing things was a way of life.
One note of caution before I continue. Reusing items for purposes other than what they were originally intended for may be great for the planet, but be aware of potential hazards to your health and safety. For example, I know some people reuse plastic freezer bags several times before discarding them. This kind of use could lead to cross contamination and have the potential to make you very ill. Those bags may seem smooth to the touch, but on a microscopic level, they are very porous. Even a thorough cleaning can’t guarantee that all the bacteria from the chicken have been removed before you put the ham slices in it. So, just use some common sense and if you aren’t certain about reusing an item then don’t.
That said, here are some nifty ideas on how to reuse items that might normally get tossed into the garbage.
CDs and DVDs have a myriad of uses. Because they pick up light so well, they can be used as reflectors on bicycle wheels and driveway entrances. Attach some felt to one side with spray adhesive and they become coasters. Dip them into cooled bacon grease and pat with birdseed, then hang outside for a great treat for the birds.
Toothpaste tubes can be reused by cutting off the top, washing and used as a knife sheath to prevent accidental cuts in the kitchen drawer.
Did you know you can compost things like old milk, moldy cheese and cotton cloth?
Old pots and pans can be used for cleaning car parts, pet dishes or musical instruments for the kids.
Instead of paper towels, use old clothing cut into pieces. Cotton cloth works best for this.
Save the wrappers from sticks of butter in a sealed plastic bag and use them to grease pans for baking.
Plastic mesh bags, like the ones vegetables come in, can be wadded up and used as a scrubber. Also, fill them with dryer lint and string pieces and hang it outdoors. The birds will use this as nest building material.
Cereal bags can be used like wax paper for separating frozen food or rolling piecrusts on.
Paper towel holders stuffed with dryer lint make a great fire starter for you fireplace.
Bread ties can be used for tying up loose cords to prevent tangling.
Used lemons and limes, along with table salt, can be used to clean countertops and cutting boards.
These are but a few of the things you can reuse for other purposes. Be creative and imaginative and I am sure you can come up with other great ideas.
