If we are looking for ways to save our planet, one way is by reusing things or products.
Another way of saving the planet is by reducing waste. I have a seperate post for reducing our waste.
For everyone’s information here in Edmonton, if you have any items that can still be reuse, don’t throw them away. You can donate them to our EDMONTON REUSE CENTER. You can check their website for anything that they accept.
So what are mostly the things we throw away but still can be reuse?
- Plastic bags. We all want to ditch the single used plastic bags. Some places banned people from using them. But if you already have them, try reusing them so we keep them away from landfills.Plastic bags can be reuse again on your future shopping trip. It can also be a kitchen garbage can liner. You can use them as a packing materials for breakable. And you can donate them to charity/thrift stores or to the animal shelter. I’ve seen some people crochet them into blankets for the homeless. That’s a brilliant idea.
- Old cd’s. There are tons of old cd’s and dvd’s that are thrown away. But we can reuse them. You can upcycle them to be a coaster, make ornaments or holders. You can craft them into some home decor.
- Egg cartons. Don’t toss away your egg cartons. Donate them to the reuse center or local farmers market. You can start seedlings with them or use them as paint pallets.
- Styrofoam. They are not biodegradable. Some people say it will take 500 to million years or more to decompose.If you have them, reuse them as packing material or for kids crafts. Stop purchasing foods that are in Styrofoam containers.
- Glass jars. We’ve buy some foods that are packed in jars and bottles. Reuse them for storing foods and some other small items. You can make lovely crafts with them or use them as holders. Also you can use them to make candles.
- Paper towel and tissue paper rolls. Save them and reuse for crafts or for storing cables. Reuse centers, library’s or school accepts them for kids crafts.
- Rubber bands. We have them at home from products that we buy. Don’t toss them away, save them and donate to reuse centers or to schools. You can use them to tie other stuff at home. Use them to secure clothes on hanger and use as jar opener for better grip.
- Old and worn clothing. We all have them, some are stained and some have holes in them. You can cut them and use as rags. You can upcycle them into bags or use as small patches for other clothes. Donate them in thrift shops.
- Wine Corks. I’ve seen a lot of them at reuse center. You can donate it there if you have them. Or use them to make crafts like key chain or coasters.
- Bread clips/tags. I’ve been saving them ever since I’ve learn that it can be reuse. You can reuse them to seal other food stuff. You can use it as a bookmark or to mark keys. You can decorate it and use as gift tags. Or use for kids crafts.
- Boxes. Cereal boxes and shoe boxes and some boxes can be reuse. You can use them as desk organizer, picture frame, mail organizer and wall art. Some can be use for storing important documents. You can be creative with them.
- Old calendars. Use them as a wall decor. or make bags with them. Nice images can be made into bookmarks or home decor. Make envelopes with them. Bring them to reuse center if you have them.
- Used greeting cards. When the season is done and we’ve read them already, we toss them away. Some people keep them for a period of time and then throw them away. But you can reuse them, make them into a new greeting card. Or make ornaments or other decor with them. Reuse center accepts them.
- Used crayons. When they are use and turn into small pieces, we throw them away. But those wax crayons can still be reuse. Bring them to the reuse center. or melt them to make wax crafts or you can make candles with them.
- Puzzle pieces. When one piece gets lost, we don’t want to play with them anymore. But you don’t have to throw them away. You can donate them at the reuse center. Or make different crafts with them. Like bookmark, key tags, wall decor or pendants.
There are so many items at home that can be reuse. We better not toss them away to keep them away from landfills.
In our home, we have the blue bags for recyclable items and a box for reuse items. I keep all items that can be reuse and use it on my crafts. And if I can’t use them, i bring them to Reuse center.
Not all things that we don’t need are garbage. Some other people may have a better use for them. So bring them to the reuse center.
It is important for us to know which garbage can be recycle or can be reuse.
If its recyclabe, put it on the blue bag, if its reusable , seperate them and bring them to reuse center or reuse them on your own.
Start reusing, it’s great for the environment.
Do you have any other household items that you reuse. Please share your thoughts and ideas.
