Wondering what old things you can reuse to save money? We’ve got you covered with these 27 items from around your home that are probably on the way to the bin!
In today’s consumer-driven world, the sheer volume of waste generated can be overwhelming. Landfills are overflowing, and natural resources are dwindling.
A growing number of people are embracing sustainable practices that help conserve resources and reduce waste. One such practice is repurposing, which involves finding new uses for items that might otherwise be discarded. By reusing and repurposing everyday items, we can not only minimize our environmental impact. Reusing and repurposing items that are otherwise destined for the trash is also an easy way to save a lot of money!
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Discovering Old Things to Use New Ways
Of course, there are a number of reusable products every home should have, because purchasing a reusable item is a great way to save money in the long run. These are items like a reusable water bottle, reusable grocery bags, dryer balls etc. (You buy them once, and the prevent you from having to buy the single use version, for example, when you have a set of dryer balls, you no longer have to purchase fabric softener sheets.)
But there are a lot of ways in which you can transform seemingly useless household items (that were often intended for a single use) into once again useful things, showcasing the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in our daily lives. We’ll share a wealth of ideas, from the conventional to the unconventional, to help you see the hidden potential in the things you might have once considered trash.
So, prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as we reveal how repurposing can benefit your wallet, your home, and reduce the amount of waste you produce as well!
Here’s 27 Things to Reuse to Save Money
Plastic bags: Reuse them as trash bags, dog-poop bags, keep them in the car for kid accidents, or for storage purposes. (OR take them back to the grocery store and use them again there!)
Glass jars and bottles: Store leftovers, dry goods, or homemade products like candles, lotions, and sauces. These single-use products like pasta jars etc. are one of the easiest things to reuse!
Gift bags: If they’re still in good shape, save them and use them again… as gift bags!
Takeout food containers: Wash and reuse plastic containers for meal prep or leftovers. (Bonus, if one gets forgotten in the back of the fridge, you don’t have to feel bad throwing out the whole container!)
Old t-shirts / old clothes: Turn them into cleaning rags to replace paper towels, pet bedding (or sew the bottom shut to create reusable shopping bags).
Newspaper and junk mail: Use as wrapping paper, packing material, or fire starters. (Of course any paper products that you don’t have a use for can always be recycled.)
Toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls: Use for organizing cords, as seed starters, or for crafts.
Coffee grounds: Use as a natural fertilizer for plants, or as an exfoliating scrub.
Egg cartons: Reuse for organizing small items, starting seeds, or as paint palettes for kids.
Old toothbrushes: Clean hard-to-reach places or scrub shoes.
Old socks: Use as dusting mitts, pet toys, or to protect fragile items during a move.
Used aluminum foil: Wash and reuse for cooking or baking, or as a scrubber for pots and pans.
Old towels and sheets: Cut into smaller pieces for cleaning rags, pet bedding, or to make reusable cleaning wipes. These are every bit as good as a reusable duster, because they are easy to launder.
Broken crayons: Melt down to create new crayons or DIY candles. This not only saves money on crayons, but if your kids are still small enough to be snapping their wax crayons, you’ll likely find they have a much easier time holding and coloring with the new “stubbier” crayons.
Old calendars and greeting cards: Repurpose as gift tags, bookmarks, or collage material.
Dryer lint: Use as a fire starter, mixed with melted wax or petroleum jelly, or add it to compost.
Mesh produce bags: Use as scrubbers for pots and pans or as storage for small items like toys or shoes.
Contact lens cases: Use for storing small items like earrings or for travel-sized portions of creams and ointments.
Old keys: Create wind chimes, keychains, or jewelry. (If you get super crafty, you can sell your creations at the local farmers market or art show and turn your trash into literal treasure.)
Prescription pill bottles: Reuse for small item storage, like sewing supplies, fishing tackle, or coins.
Broken ceramics or pottery: Use the pieces for mosaic art, garden decoration, or as a drainage layer in potted plants.
Old credit cards or gift cards: Cut into guitar picks, use as a scraper, or create unique art pieces.
Bread tags or twist ties: Organize cords, label plants in the garden, or use as a temporary zipper fix.
Old shower curtains: We save ALL our old shower curtains and use them for drop cloths when painting, tarps for outdoor activities, or anytime you need a quick waterproof cover for something.
Old computer keyboards: Remove the keys and use them for crafts, magnets, or jewelry.
Ice cube trays: Organize small items, such as jewelry or hardware, or use for freezing homemade baby food, sauces, or herbs in oil.
Food scraps: Egg shells, banana peels, tea bags – any organic food waste you have left over from cooking and eating makes great compost.
Think about about what you can reuse before you buy new products, and you’ll discover so many old things that can be given a new use
Re-using single-use items and old items is not only a simple and effective way to save money but also a small yet powerful step towards a more sustainable lifestyle and reduced household waste. By embracing the practice of repurposing, we can minimize our environmental impact, cultivate a sense of creativity and resourcefulness – and of course… save money!