Reuse Trash
Waste Not...

People these days are more concious of environment, of depleting the earth's resources, of haves vs. have-nots, and are more actively into recycling. It's seen as something new and bold, but in reality, it's a return to the spirit of the past. Before there were grocery stores, what you saved at the end of harvest was what you had to tide you over until the first harvest of the next growing season, barring the hunt and available wild plants. Saving what you could and making use of perishibles was a way of life. Respect for what the earth could do and for the limits of availability were daily realisations, and people lived accordingly. But that's going back farther than anyone alive now can remember. Taking it back to a more accessible time...

When I was young my father used to try to get me to eat by telling me of his experiences in World War II. "I remember kids as little as this -" holding his hand at about hip level - "standing outside our mess tents with their little tin plates begging the scraps off our tables. The scraps," he would emphasize, his face taut. "They were grateful for a crust of bread." Sooner or later this became, "Eat! There are children starving in Europe!" My mother, who knits, would save the remnants of her skeins and make squares out of them.

She would save old, unusable clothes for friends who quilted, and pass on the better clothing to our church's missions program. "Waste not, want not," she'd intone. It got to the point that I was sick of hearing about those starving children, and the trite platitudes made me sneer.

After all, it was a new world. The war had been over twenty years and more. Things were cheap and readily available in stores. And, we lived in a city where we didn't have room to grow our own vegetables and fruits. Trash collection came around every week, why did we have to scrimp and save? I recall other people having this attitude, worse than I did. At work, I would save my paper cup from the coffee area and fellow-workers would tell me to trash it. "You aren't paying for it, are you?" they would ask, implying that the company had limitless financial resources to purchase as many cups as we wanted. No thought was given to the waste for itself. When I was young, my father, who did the cooking, kept a can by the stove to catch grease from cooking. And he would re-use it, for cooking or for making gravy. I don't know anyone who does that now. We had a roast on Sundays and stew five days out of six the following week. Sometimes it was a straight stew with big potato chunks and thick-cut vegetables. Other times it was a concoction known as 'Ging-Gang', with anything and everything thrown in. Big shell macaronis, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce... anything. We didn't use paper plates or cups. It was 'wasteful'. Why use them at home, when you could use a plate and wash it? Never mind that paper plates made dinner seem more festive and were easier to clean up.

It was wrong, that's all there was to it. My parents never talked about 'Recycling' or saving the earth. They believed that we shouldn't exceed either our finances or our rightful share of things. It all boiled down to 'Right is Right'. End of discussion. I believe in Waste Not. I still reuse paper cups, and the straws we get at fast-food places. There's a store here that takes old, clean egg cartons and re-uses them by giving them to farmer-suppliers for more eggs, so I take my old cartons down. Clothes go through at least two children around my house. A couple of things have already been passed on to the grand-daughter, a third child benefitting from the past. Paper is re-used, for wrapping glassware for storage, or for the younger kids to draw on if the back is blank. We eat left-overs. I believe the same as my parents: That we have a finite source of things to draw from personally and that waste will return to haunt us later. Both individually and as a society. As my mother says, It's a shame to waste something that someone else could use!

Recycle-Reuse Of course everyone has heard of recycling glass, aluminum, plastic and newspaper. How about recycling:
Plastic bags. The bags we get from the grocery store can be reused. I use mine to carry lunches to work, and to pick up dog poo. A grocery store local to my area (Maryland) has collection bins solely for plastic grocery bags. You can recycle your bags simply by dropping them off. Maybe other grocery stores offer similar opportunities. Even better than recycling plastic bags is to buy sturdy tote bags for groceries and reuse them over and over again.
White paper. Some local governments don't offer paper recycling. But many offices do. If they do not recycle white paper at your office, encourage them to begin such a program. If they do recycle white paper, make sure you are using it to the full advantage. You can encourage reticent coworkers to put their paper in the recycling bin instead of the "circular file". But it's always good to reuse the paper before it's recycled. That saves trees' lives. If your office uses one-sided paper, go ahead and use the other side for scrap paper or notes before tossing it in the recycle bin. I cut the papers into quarters for To Do lists or notes while talking on the phone, or for short memos attached to papers.
Plastic rings. Do you work in an office that has a soda machine? If it is anything like my office, once a week a company comes and stocks cans, leaving behind a stack of plastic rings that held the cans together in six packs. These rings are RECYCLABLE. More than that, though. They are dangerous to the wildlife. Birds in particular seem to get the rings tangled around their throats or beaks and then cannot eat and starve to death. It sounds hard to believe, but I have seen the photos. This was big news many years ago, and companies promised to make easily breakable rings. Environmentalists declared a victory and walked away. Well, I personally do not think the job is done. Maybe the new breakaway rings failed, I can only speculate. But I challenge you to take a set of rings and with your opposable thumbs and strength, try to break a ring. If they were breakaway rings at one point, they are no longer. Cut up the rings making all closed loops open, and then toss them into your plastic recycling bin.
Composting. I consider composting to be the ultimate recycler. It takes a huge portion of household waste and turns it into natural fertilizer for plants and gardens. Yard waste and old or rotted food products (except protein and dairy) as well as tea bags and paper, can all go into the composter. Composting can be done anywhere, even if you have a small apartment. Gaiam (www.gaiam.com) and other retailers offer a spinning compost bin that can fit onto just about any apartment balcony. Junk. We all have times when we decide we have junk we don't want anymore. Old books, clothes, jewelry, pots and pans, etc. Don't just throw them away. Some old clothes like undershirts make excellent rags to use for dusting your home or polishing ritual tools. The rest of the junk can be a treasure to someone else. You could sell the stuff in a yard sale, or give it to friends/family or donate it to Goodwill Industries. By reusing this stuff we save resources that would otherwise be used in making new junk. And the ratty sweaters that are threadbare? Undo the threads, cut them small, and you can set them out in springtime for the birds making nests. They love that stuff.
Clean Up. Wherever you go, if you see trash floating around, pick it up. Put it where it belongs. Sometimes the trash is even recyclable. At the beach, the ocean frequently burps up styrofoam and plastic trash. Its fun to chase it down and collect it for proper disposal.
Adopt a wooded area where you can go for meditation, relaxation, and communion with nature. Every time you go there, also take a garbage bag and clean up beforehand. The energies of the woods will be that much more connected and pleasing.
And you don't need a special sign with your name on it to "adopt" a highway and keep it clean. If you feel it is an eyesore and you have time, simply stop and clean it up.

Buy Earth Friendly. BUY STUFF MADE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS. Recycling is only as good as the consumers will absorb. If we do not buy recycled materials, the impetus to recycle can die. Companies will not be able to afford to recycle without buying at the end stage. Purchase household paper products that do not use bleach or dyes. These are not as kind on the earth as they decompose. Choose paper plates over plastic coated paper plates. They break down faster in the earth. Purchase gardening supplies that are gentle on the earth. Avoid the harsh chemical stuff that can cause trouble with the water supply. Avoid overly packaged products at the grocery store. This means go for cereals that are in bags, not cereals in bags within cardboard boxes. Also buy in bulk.

Reuse Trash A to B

A
Aluminum cans, foil, food containers
Use refillable containers; purchase beverages in larger containers clean and use again and/or place in aluminum recycling container.

Aluminum Foil
Save, cut into tiny pieces (using a paper cutter), and use for whenever you need glitter. Flatten, wash and store used foil. Reuse at a later time.

Archery Arrows
Use to tie up plants for support. Replace plastic "feathers" and arrow tips if the arrow is still useable.

Audio tapes
advertise availability of audio tapes in your office. Place in office paper recycling container.

Automotive Floor Mats (rubber/carpeted)
Use as a floor mat for leaky containers in the garage or basement.
Use as a boot tray for inside your house.
Place clean mats next to a kitty litter box to keep the litter from being tracked all over the house. (Sandi; Bailey)
Put a carpeted floor mat in a pet cage (like a cat-carrying case) as a durable and soft place for your pet to nap. (Amanda K.)
Spread across the tailgate of your truck to protect it while your dogs are getting into and out of the truck. (Bailey)
Put them on top of the carpeting inside your vehicle to protect it from wet and muddy dogs. (Bailey)
Take with you when you go on a picnic. Put them on a picnic table bench if it's wet from rain or dew or on the ground if no benches are around. (Bailey) Place plastic mats under pet water/food dishes to catch spills.

Baby Food Jars
See Jars--Baby Food/Boullion

Baby Wipe Containers
Use the cylindrical type with the hole at the top to dispense balls of yarn. It keeps the yarn from getting tangled. (Lois)

Bags--Baggies
DON'T USE!!! Use tupperware instead.
For those of you who need your baggies, wash them out and reuse them for your next lunch.
Wash and use for storage of "travel" tissues--you know, the small plastic package containing 10 tissues that you usually pay 50 cents for.
Place blown-out lightbulbs in a baggie before throwing them away. If it is accidentally crushed, the pieces won't tear the garbage bag. (LoisMIT)

Bags--Paper (grocery)
Use for garbage bags around the house.
Use to cover school text books.

Bags--Paper (lunch)
Don't use. Reuse.

Bags--Plastic (grocery)
Use the plastic bags you get from stores for liners in garbage cans around your house. (Cathy)
Keep them in your car for garbage. (Cathy)
Use for stuffing pouf valences. (Gail)
Cut into strips and tie around a coathanger which has been formed into a circle to make a Christmas wreath. (Rachel)
Use for picking up and disposing of scoopable cat litter clumps. (Pax)
Take with you when walking your puppies instead of a bulky pooper scooper.

Balls--Miscellaneous
Using a long string, hang a ball from the garage ceiling indicating where a new driver should stop the car. Hitting it won't do any damage to the car and it will prevent the driver from hitting something else.
Give soccer balls, footballs, tennis balls, etc. to dogs for chew toys. (Shelley)

Balls--Billiard
Keep old set in case one of your good balls break.
Keep for when the kids are playing so they don't destroy good ones.

Balls--Bowling
Donate to a bowling alley. (Neli)
Put artificial flowers in the holes and use as a vase. (MoonBelly)
Put one of the pretty, colorful ones in an outdoor garden. (Jon)

Baseball Bats
Use for a plant support. (Shelley)
Keep in your bedroom in case of an intruder.

B
Batteries
Purchase rechargeable batteries and chargers; purchase less toxic batteries such as 99.9% mercury-free or recyclable batteries such as NiCad whenever possible.

Belts
Use to tie back tree branches. (Kevin)
Use for tying young trees to supports. (Kevin)
Trim and glue to the bottom of your computer monitor for a non-scratch surface. (Kevin)

Belt Buckles
Remove from old belts and save in case you break one.

Binders - use paper-board.
Binders - Plastic purchase binders with at least 25% recycled content.

Binders (three-ring)
Cut out the section which has the rings on it, drill a hole through the rivets, and then screw the strip to a wall. Use to store commonly used utensils, paint brushes or your keys.
Duct tape the seams and the pockets together if they rip and continue to use it for classes. Use for orderly storage of bank statements, credit card statements, etc.
Print out your favorite recipies on paper and then store in a binder. (You can find them much quicker this way than searching through several cook books.)

Blankets
Keep an old one in your car for emergencies.
Fold in half the long way, sew it together, and use it as an exercise mat. If it is not cushy enough, sew two together. If you don't have access to a sewing machine, just fold it.
Keep for use at the beach or when on a picnic. Take when camping so you don't destroy a good one. Use for lining a pet's cage to make it more comfortable.

Blueprints - place in mixed paper recycling container

Books - donate to other office staff; donate to schools, place softbound books in mixed paper recycling container, hardbound books cannot be recycled.
Boxes - corrugated without packing materials,return box to supplier; purchase with at least 35% post-consumer content.

Books and Magazines
Donate books to a library.
Sell college books directly to other students (by-passing the college bookstore) and let them save a TON of money.
Set up a table at your church where people can drop off their old magazines and other people can buy them for 50 cents. Then give the money to charity.
Use cool magazine pictures as envelopes. (Marie)
Make bath toys by cutting pictures out of a magazine and covering them with contact paper, leaving a one-half inch lip around each piece to allow it to seal. When these pieces get wet, they will stick to the bathroom tile. (Mijesa)
Use old magazines to make cool collages for gifts. (Rose)

Bottles--Baby
Lash the bottles together and make a toy raft. (Vanessa)

Bottles--Beverage (Glass)
Use an old beer bottle as a candle holder--the wax dripping over the side will make pretty designs. Keep an eye on it to make sure nothing burns. (Jon)
Fill a clear glass bottle with small candies.
Make a wine bottle into a vase.
Use a larger wine bottle as a bank.

Bottles--Beverage (Plastic)
Fill with water and freeze. They make nice "blue ice" for coolers--especially longer trips. Don't forget to leave room for the expanding water.
Give it to your puppy. It becomes a (noisy) toy! (My Dog)
Make it into a vase. Partially fill it with marbles, stones or something fairly heavy to keep it from tipping. Then paint it to match your decor.
Fill with colored sand and use as a doorstop.
Use to make your own bottled water.
Use large, sports drink bottles as pitchers for juice at home (Glamour Gal).
Fill with homemade beer and wine. (Flip) You must be of legal drinking age to use this idea.

Bottles--Food
Ketchup, mustard, etc bottles make cheap, short-range squirt guns.

Reuse Trash - C thru D


Cake Mix Boxes
See Boxes--Food

Calculator/Adding Machine
Give to someone who can fix it and use/sell it.
Let kids use for playing school, store, etc.

Calendars
Instead of buying expensive art, mat and frame the calendar pictures.
Save the torn off pieces from a day-by-day calendar and use for scrap paper, phone messages, etc.

Candles
Melt down all of your old candles into one big, multicolored one. (Rae)
Use when making charcoal fire starters.
Use to make matches damp-proof.
Use for coating newspaper logs to make them burn more efficiently. (Wendy)
Use as an envelope seal. (Shelley)

Candy Boxes
See Boxes--Candy

Candy Foil
Unwrap candy carefully and save the foil. Use the foil to wrap homemade candy.
Glue to a thin piece of cardboard (or thick piece of paper), hole punch, and sew to clothing as sequins.

Candy Wrappers
Use when making homemade candy. Make sure they are clean and dry. (Shelley)
String the wrappers together through the center to make a party lei. (Shelley)

Cans
Cans--Coffee
Use as a double boiler when you are melting wax for your newspaper logs.
Fill with water and keep by the fire when camping (just in case).
Storage of nuts, bolts, small parts, etc.
Use for baking bread. (Paul)
Make a child's drum set out of coffee cans and plastic lids. (Paul)
Attach long, looped strings to the cans and let children use as stilts. (Casey)
Use to scoop dog food out of a bag. (Ree)
Cut a hole in the lid and use it as a bank. (Juan)
Use it as a cookie jar. (Juan)
Make it into a camp stove by cutting a square into the side of the can and placing a piece of coal under the upside-down can. (Casey)
Fill with worms when going fishing. (Casey)
Put a slit in the lid and use it as a piggy bank. (Sarah)
Decorate the can, punch 3 or 4 holes (spaced evenly) around the top rim for string, put a plant in it, and then hang it from the ceiling. (Sarah)
Push the upside-down can into the ground where you want to place a plant and then remove it. The can will pull out the soil, making digging a hole easy. (Jon's Dad)
Fill partly with sand and use as an outdoor ash tray. (Jon)

Cans--Soup
When camping, boil water in it for a cup of hot chocolate. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRINK OUT OF THE CAN!!!
Fill with batter for bread, muffins, etc. and bake in your oven. When ready to serve, cut out the other end of the can and pop the bread out. (Andrea)
Use as a crayon holder. (Misty)
Punch a hole in the bottom of two cans and attach them with a long string for a children's telephone. (Casey)
Make into a votive. (Glamour Gal)

Carabiners
Use as a key chain.
Use to attach a mug to a backpack.

Cardboard Boxes (those which paper reams come in)
See Boxes--Cardboard

Cardboard Tubes
Make book shelves using inner cores from roles of photo paper (ask a local photo lab for these tubes) and recycled boards. Use the tubes as risers, glueing them together or cutting them depending upon the size you need. Use them as they are or cover them with wallpaper or paint. (Judy)

Carpet
Place in the back of an enclosed truck or van.
Cut into small squares or circles and place under the feet of heavy furniture.
Place carpet remnants at doors to catch mud and water.
Use as summer floor mats in cars.
Take with you when cabin camping to keep the dirt/snow out of your "home."
Cut into strips wide enough to fit between the rows in your garden. This will minimize weeds and create real indoor/outdoor carpeting. (Cathy)

Carpet Padding
Cut into the shape of your slippers, insert and use for extra padding.

Carpet Protectors (Plastic)
Cut to the desired size and use as a boot tray.
Keep on the floor in front of the back seat of the van to keep snow/mud off of the carpet.
Use as a drop cloth.

Cereal Boxes:
See Boxes--Cereal

Chair Pads
Use to kneel on when gardening.
Take on campouts and use as pillows or for sitting on around a campfire. (Shelley)
Keep in the trunk of your car and use for kneeling on when you have a flat tire. (Shelley)
Use as a stadium seat for ball games. (Shelley)
Line a cardboard box or laundry basket with a chair pad and use it for a pet bed. (Shelley)
Whip stich extra length to the ties on the pad, and then tie the pads around your chest and waist. Use when learning to fence. (Shelley)
Use as pillows for children's sleepovers. (Shelley)
Use for storage of fragile boxed items.
Try using the stuffing to re-stuff decorator pillows. It probably won't be comfortable, but it will make them fluffy again.
Take them on picnics or to parades. They are easier to carry than folding chairs.
Line a car crawler with chair pads to make fixing your car a little more comfortable. (Joe)
Put on top of a five gallon bucket and use as a seat.

Chalkboard
Use for leaving messages to family members.
Donate to a children's shelter.

Christmas Lights
String around your child's room and use as a nightlight. (Nick)
Make into a decoration by removing the burned out miniature bulbs from the plastic encasement and twisting the wires of several bulbs together with the bulbs forming a circle. If done right, this can look like a colorful star or snowflake. (Jon)
Remove the miniature bulbs from the plastic encasements. Let children string the plastic pieces together with thread to make jewelry. (Jon)
Remove the plastic coating on the wire and use the wire for twisties. (Jon)

Cigarette Butts
Use the filter as a filter for a pipe. (Charisma)

Cigarette Lighter
Hook them onto a paperclip and hang them off of your keys as a key chain. (EcoLily)

Clocks
Remove some of the gizmo's from inside and mount onto a pin back with a hot glue gun. Wear it as jewelry. (Shelley)
Use a cuckoo clock as a birdfeeder. (Tina)
Use clocks with hands for teaching kids how to tell time.
Take off the hands (and anything else that sticks out) and use as a picture frame by cutting a picture to the correct shape and size, and slipping it between the glass and the clock face.
If it is a clock with a picture built into it, leave it up for decoration.

Clothes
Clothes--Baby Clothes
Save for a future child.
Give away to new mothers.
Donate to a children's/woman's shelter.
Let children use for dressing up baby dolls.

Clothes--Jeans
Collect old jeans, cut them into usable pieces, and sew together into a duffle bag, change purse, etc. (Some sewing skills required.)
When making cut-off shorts, save the pantlegs and give them to your puppies. They make great tug-of-war items.
Cut into 6x6 squares, sew together and fringe out to make a quilt. (Rachel)

Clothes--Socks
Give old socks to your kids for sock puppets.
Take old socks camping. Bunch them up for thickness and use for pot holders.
Use for dusting around the house.
Tie into a knot and use as a dog toy. (Jeff)
Use as rags when stripping or refinishing furniture. (Lori)
Use to clean up after painting arts and crafts. (Lori)

Clothes--Winter
Keep old an old hat and gloves in your car for emergencies
Use old winter coats for snowblowing, camping, etc (so you don't ruin a good coat). (Jack)
Remove pompons from winter hats and give to the cat to play with. (Carrie)
Use old mittens for dusting around the house.

Clothes--Miscellaneous
Use for rags.
Cut the elastic bottoms off of sweats and use as scrunchies.
Cut small circles out of thicker material and use as "stoppers" for cabinet doors or as appliance "feet."
Use old long-sleeved shirts as a smock for children who are painting.
Donate to shelters or charities.
Take pieces from old clothing (which are unfit to be reused) and make them into a patchwork quilt or pillow.
Cut clothing into small pieces and use as dryer sheets with a liquidy dryer sheet alternative. (Marie)
Make a quilt out of your child's favorite clothes and give to their children. (Henning)

Clothes Hangers
Make wire hangers into seasonal wreaths by bending it into a circle and then glueing on seasonal items, such as leaves in the fall. (Rae)
Use for storing the plastic eggs that you hang on the tree.
Use for making a child's mobile.
Return clothes hangers to the dry cleaners so they can reuse them. Some companies will provide cardboard storage containers. (Pam)
Bend a wire clothes hanger until the ends touch downwards. Tie strips of fabric all around the hanger and use as a duster. Leave the handle bare or wrap with scraps of yarn. (Lori)

Clothes Pins
Use to clip junk-food bags closed.

Coffee Cans
See Cans--Coffee

Coffee Filters
Put used filters (unbleached is best) and used coffee grounds directly into your compost pile. (Deacon, Terry)
Rinse clean of debris and use it as a filter when planting in small pots. It will prevent the wash of soil and will hold in nutrients. (Lisa)

Coffee Stirring Sticks
DON'T USE!!! Use a spoon!
REUSE!!!
Use like a toothpick for testing the doneness of cakes.
Use like toothpicks which get stuck in sandwiches.
Use as a lollipop stick when making homemade lollipops.
Colanders (plastic)
Use for storage of children's bath toys.
Use as a light bulb cover when you have a bare ceiling bulb. (Clokey)
Keep in laundry tub for temporary storage of wet wash cloths.
Use as a children's sand sifter.
Use a smaller strainer for cleaning litter boxes.
Let kids use as helmets when playing.
Keep on the pool deck for those emergencies in which a drowning bug needs rescuing.
Use as a garden sifter to remove pebbles.
Invert and place over bowls when on picnics to keep bees and flies out of your food.
Use as a fruit basket for your counter top.
Use for storage and transport of knitting supplies.

Colored Pencils
Keep in an arts and crafts box.
Use for marking your calendar in different colors (ie. Red=Urgent).

Sharpen and reuse.
Grind up in a pencil sharpener and use as a firestarter.

Compact Discs
If they can still be used, give them to friends or sell them back to stores who deal in used CD's. If they are scratched and can no longer be used, hang them from your wall. They make for funky interior decorating.
Use as reflectors. (Russell)
Use as coasters. (Becky)
Place a watch in the center and hang it on the wall for a funky clock. (Becky)
Tie mono filimant fishing line to a CD and hang it in your fruit tree. It will keep the birds from eating all of the fruit. (SCUD)

Computers
Donate to a local school and possibly receive a tax deduction. (Jeff)

Computer Ink Cartridges
Refill and reuse. (Flip)

Computer Keyboards
Make big monagrammed rings for your friends. (Tonya)

Cookie Cutters
Give to the kids and let them use when playing with playdoh.
Hang on kitchen walls for decorations.
Hang Christmas cookie cutters from the Christmas tree.
Give to kids as templates for tracing on paper.
Children can dip in paint and then press onto paper to make art.
Hang from a clothes hanger to make a child's mobile.
Hang outside from a coffee can to make a windchime.

Cookie Dough Tubes (Cardboard)
Use for storage of homemade cookie dough. Mix several batches of dough, store it in the tubes and freeze it. When it comes time to bake the cookies, just slice, bake and eat!

Coolers
Decorate and use as a children's toy chest. (Cynthia)
Use for storage of camping gear.
Keep it in the basement, closet, etc. for storage of just about anything.
Decorate the outside and use it as a coffee table. It conveniently holds magazines and anything else lying about when company drops by unexpectedly.
Use as a seed bed. (Ray)
Use a small cooler as a travel case for children. (Cynthia)
Use a small cooler for storage of paper and pencils. (Cynthia)
Use a small cooler for storage of make-up. (Cynthia)
Keep the lids which have a place to hold drinks.
Use it when you are outside and need a surface to place the glass on. (Sara)
Allow kids to play with small coolers. DO NOT allow children to play with larger coolers as they may become trapped inside and suffocate.
Use as a storage bin for the trunk of your car. They can hold sporting equipment, an emergency kit, etc. (Linda)
If the bottom of a small cooler is still intact, sink it all or partway into the ground in an area of the yard where people are not going to step on it. When watering the garden, fill the cooler to provide a water source for pets or birds. (Ruth)
If the bottom of a large cooler is still intact, use it as a liner for a mini pond in your garden. Add decorative rocks, water plants, small recirculating fountaing, etc. (Ruth)
Store toy shovels, rakes buckets, etc in them. (Cammie)
Use to store pool toys. (Cammie)
Leave a cooler on the gazebo with cooking supplies in it so everything is easily accessible and dry for cookouts. (Cammie)
Use it when you go shopping if you live a long way from home. It will keep meats, butter, etc. cold until you get home. (Granny Pat)
In winter, use them to store summer items for camping, clothing, etc. (Granny Pat)

Cotton From Aspirin Bottles
Use for "snow" in train sets.
Use as the center for your custom-made bows.

Crayons
Use to make matches damp-proof.
Use a hand-held pencil sharpener to make crayon shavings. Crumble the shavings and use as glitter-like decorations. (Eeks)
Make greeting cards by drawing a picture in crayon and then painting over it with water colors. This will make the crayon stand out. (Eeks)
Melt old crayons together and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for younger kids. (Dennis)
Make patchwork crayons. (Shelley)
Keep worn down crayons in a toolbox for handy marking pencils. (Shelley)
Create a vase by melting different colored crayons over an old bottle. Let the wax drip randomly. (Shelley)
Make creative envelope seals by dripping crayon wax onto the back of an envelope. Make a special imprint in the wax if you want. (Shelley)
Use different colors to highlight important events on the calendar. (Shelley)
Use for drawing on easter eggs before you dip them in the dye. The dye won't adhere to the wax and it will leave pretty designs.
Keep in an arts and crafts box.

Credit Cards
Use to flatten stickers to surfaces. Use a pin to let air bubbles out and then reflatten using the credit card. (Lori)

Cups
See Plastic Cups

Curtains
If they are in good condition, donate to a local charity.
Heavy curtains can be used as a drop cloth when painting.
Larger curtains can be used to cover a pool table, excercise equipment, etc.
Heavy curtains can be used for lining the trunk of your car when transporting dirty stuff.

Curtain Rods
Donate! (Marie)
Use to support plants. (Marie)

Darts
Tack messages to a dart board using the darts.
Use the darts as an awl (thanks Pierre!) for marking wood or metal.
Use as a plant support for small plants.
Label the plastic "feathers" with plant names and use for labelling a garden.
Use as large thumbtacks for a corkboard.

Deoderant Casings
Use to hold small things when traveling. (Tonya)
Use as protective packaging when sending smashable things in the mail. (Tonya)
Use as a small first aid kit holder. (Tonya)
Use as a sewing kit holder. (Tonya)
Hide money and other valuable stuff in it. (Tonya)
Use as a travel case for crayons. (Tonya)

Diaper Wipes Boxes
Use to store arts and craft supplies. Label with permanent marker. (Lori)
Use as weights for when glueing two surfaces together. (Lori)
Use as a door stop. (Lori)

Distributor Caps
Place it on your desk and stick pencils in it. (Jon)

Dog Food
Dry dog food can be fed to birds. (Jennifer)

Dog Food Bags
Use as trash bags for heavier items. (Unknown)

Drink Mix Containers (those with twist-off caps)
Use for keeping matches waterproofed--although I wouldn't recommend submerging it in water.
Use for storage of rice, pasta, etc. when camping (or at home).
Use the large bottom portion to hold water to rinse paint brushes. Use the lid for the paint. (Lori)

Duffle Bag
If it is strong enough, use to carry fire wood logs into the house.
Store out of season clothes in it and then slide it under the bed or in the closet.
Fill with emergency equipment (warm clothes, first aid, etc.) and keep in the trunk of your car.

Reuse Trash E thru H


Easter Baskets
Place a potted plant inside the easter basket and then place the basket on a shelf for display. It makes it a little prettier.
Use as a hairbow box.
Decorate and use year after year. Just change the wrapping and ribbon (which can be recycled into a hair bow).

Easter Eggs (Plastic)
Reuse next year.

Easter Grass
Reuse next year. (Shelley)
Use as packing when shipping something or sending a breakable gift. (Ms. Myriah)

Egg Cartons
Use cardboard ones as a charcoal fire starter. (Dave)
Use for potting flowers (inside) before moving them outdoors. (Jeannette)
Use to keep necklaces and bracelets separate.(Andrea)
Store earrings in the top of the carton to keep from losing them.
Cut off the top and use as a serving tray for cookies, chips, carrots, etc. (Marsha)
When serving chips on the lid of the carton, serve dip in the half with the egg indentations. (This works best when using the styrofoam cartons.) (Marsha)
Break up the styrofoam and use it as packaging material.
Wash a styrofoam carton VERY WELL and use for an ice cube tray. Keep the lids attached so that you can stack them.
Make into candy-filled eggs for Easter.
Store golf balls inside.

Electrical Wire
Strip the wire (without damaging the coating), then cut the coating into beads. (Dumpster Diva)
Use the thin colored wire instead of yarn when making gods eye. (Dumpster Diva)
Make the thin colored wire into jewelry by winding it several times to make colored springs. (Dumpster Diva)

Envelopes
Take envelopes which are sent by businesses (in the hopes that you will return them), place a label over the pre-printed address, write in a new address, and send it on its way.
Use for writing notes to family members. Don't recycle until it is completely filled. (Rae)
Use for storing receipts.
Use for storing or carrying coupons.
Use for writing grocery lists.

Erasers (chalkboard)
Remove cloth strips and glue to the ends of sliding doors to keep them from slamming against the wall.
Remove cloth strips and glue to the bottoms of doors/windows to minimize cold drafts.
Keep in the basement or garage for brushing off a workbench.
Use on dry-erase message boards.
Keep with waterproofing spray and use to clean dirt off of footwear before waterproofing them.

Eyeliner Pencil Sharpeners
Use for sharpening pencils or crayons. DO NOT reuse for your eyeliner.

Fabric Softener Sheets
Use as stuffing for stuffed animals and decorative pillows. (Liz)
Reuse in your sock or underwear drawer to keep your clothes smelling fresh. (Carie)
Place in front of an air vent. The heat from the vent releases the smell into the air. (Carie)
Tear the sheets in half before using in the dryer to reduce the number of sheets you use. (Carie)
Wrap around a few clothes hangers in the closet to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Use to dust your house.
Place inside shoes at night to keep them smelling fresh.

Fast Food "Clam Shells"
Cut in half, poke holes in the bottom of one half, and use as a seed-starter for gardening. (Liz)

Film Canisters
Storage of thumbtacks, rubber bands, paper clips, etc.
Fill with quarters. Put in your child's backpack for emergency phone calls.
Use for mixing small portions of paint.
Fill with suntan lotion and carry with you when hiking. (Rae)
Fill with aspirin and keep in your backpack or purse.
Fill with shampoo, soap or lotion. (Courtney & Christina)
Fill with water or sand as a souvenier from a vacation. (Courtney & Christina)
Fill with household odds and ends (such as nuts, bolts, etc.) and store them in an old purse. (Gail)
Use for storage of seeds. (Christine)
Put a few loose buttons or beads inside and use as a cat toy. (Amy)

Film Negatives
Use to make original bows. (MoonBelly)

Flashlight
Remove the batteries from the body and use to store valuables. (Henning)

Floppy Disks
Use corrupted disks (or disks sent to you in the mail which you don't want) as drink coasters. (Andy)
Use the disks that come in the mail as blank diskettes after deleting the useless files. (G. Rabenold)

Flower Pots
Flower Pots--Small/Medium
Fill partially with sand and use as an outdoor ash tray.
Use when placing flowers at a cemetary so that good ones are not vandalized or lost.
Use small, plastic pots as scoops for pet food or potting soil.
Use for making sand castles or snow forts.
Use for storage of change on a dresser.
Use small pots as fruit-picking baskets.
Use "tree-size" pots for storage of pet toys (or childrens toys).
Keep a small pot by the dryer to collect lint.
Use a medium size pot for storage of fruits and vegetables on the counter top.
Use a small pot as a candy jar.
Paint different colors and use to decorate around a garden. (Edie)

Flower Pots--"Tree Size"
Use "tree-size" pots for storage of rags in the basement.
Use "tree-size" pots for collecting leaves, weeds, etc. while working in the yard.
Take lined "tree-size" pots with you when going fruit picking. Instead of taking the small baskets provided home with you, dump the fruit into the flower pot and return the fruit baskets to the farm owner.
Use "tree-size" pots for storage of apples, oranges, potatos, etc. in the house.
Use "tree-size" pots for storage of gardening tools.

Foam Fingers (from sports events)
Use for washing cars. Make sure that there is no paint, etc. on the foam which will scratch the paint on your car. (Jon)
Cut up and use for sponges around the house.

Foil Trays
Wash and use for baking brownies (or anything else).
Use when feeding your puppies leftovers.
Line festively, fill with holiday cookies and give as gifts.

Food
Put vegetable and fruit scraps aswell as other compostable materials into a compost bin. Makes great compost.

Frisbee
Use for playing frisbee with the puppies.
Give to dogs for a chew toy.
Take when backpacking and use as a plate/frisbee--just make sure you don't send it sailing over a cliff or you'll be eating out of the pan!

Garbage Cans (small/indoor)
Relocate to the basement or garage.
Use it as a recycling bin next to a desk.
Use as a small toy box for balls, dolls, etc.
Keep in backyard LINED and COVERED TIGHTLY and use for storage of pet droppings until garbage day.
Use as a larger flower pot.
Use for storage of potting soil.

Garden Hose
Poke holes throughout the length of the hose and make it into a soaker hose.
Make into an outdoor extension cord protector by slitting the hose along its length and pushing the extension cord inside.
Poke holes throughout the length and make into a sprinkler for kids. (Kelly)
Cut into smaller sections and attach to the thin, metal handles on buckets to make it more comfortable to carry. (Kelly)
Cut a small section off, clean it, and use as a funky napkin ring. (Kelly)
Cut a small section off, clean it, and use it as a sturdy key chain. (Kelly)
Use to tie up a young tree for support. (Sweet Chickie)
Use it to make a martian costume for Halloween. (Nadine)
Use under a skirt for a crinoline. (Nadine)

Glass Cleaner Bottles
See Bottles--Household.

Glasses
Take out the lenses and use for Halloween costumes.
Have your optometrist make them into sunglasses.
Save the screws in case you lose them from your current glasses. (Although dabbing clear nail polish on the screws will prevent them from falling out.) Save old ones and use them when doing messy work (like painting the house).
Donate to an organization which takes old eyeglasses and puts new lenses in for people who cannot afford to buy new pairs. (Jen)

Glasses Case
Use as a pocket protector.
Use for storing a few special pens on a desktop, beside the bed, etc.
Use as a protective case for your cellular phone. (LoisMIT)

Graph Paper
See Paper--Graph

Greeting Cards
Use as bookmarks. (YN Long)
Reuse old cards with some strategic editing.
Make into an ornament. (Jon)
Make into gift tags by cutting an old card with pinking shears, punching a hole in the corner, and tying the pieces together. Add the name and a note inside. (Grandma)
Cut off the side with the picture (if there is no writing on the reverse side) and reuse as a post card. Pay only postcard postage! (Glamour Gal)

Grill Brush
Use for cleaning tire rims, mudflaps and running boards when washing your car.
Use on painted surfaces, such as folk art projects, to give the surface a rustic look. (Lori)

Gym Bags
Use for storage of sports gear (pads, uniforms, etc.)
Use for neat storage of infrequently used shoes.

Hairbrush
Transfer to your camping gear.
Give to your kids for when they are playing with their dolls. R
emove some of the bristles (depending upon the kind) and use for a pet brush.
Keep in the basement or garage for removing dirt from jeans or sneakers so it doesn't become mud in the washing machine.
Use for scrubbing larger tools.
Use for scrubbing garbage cans/buckets.

Hairdryer
Cut off electrical cord and let kids use for Dress-Up. (Regan)
Let children use as a space laser. (Regan)

Hairspray Bottles
See Bottles--Hairspray

Halloween Costumes
Donate to charity for another person to use. (Regan)
Save and let children use for Dress-Up. (Regan)
Donate to schools as props/costumes for school plays. (Regan)

Handcream Bottles
See Bottles--Handcream

Hockey Sticks
Use as a plant support. (Shelley)
Paint brightly and use for marking your driveway in the winter.
Tie an old cloth to the handle, leaving some cloth hang free. Rip the cloth lengthwise, and use it as a web beater for getting spiders out of the corners of your house. (Gail)

Hooks (plastic, candycane-shaped hooks which socks hang on in stores)
Use for hanging Christmas ornaments on the tree.
Use for keeping similar buttons together by attaching them to the hook using a twistie and keeping in a box. This will make for easy location.
Use it as a unique key chain.
Attach to the end of a ball of yarn for easy location of the end piece.
Use for hanging decorative pot holders on the wall.
Paint as candy canes and hang on the Christmas tree.
Use for hanging a gear-loft inside a tent.
Use to hang the homemade pseudo-sixties chains from your doorway.

Hooks (plastic, "Z"-shaped ones which dress socks hang on in stores)
Hang individual ties within the "Z". Then hang each of the Z-hooks from a regular clothes hanger for a unique tie-hanger.

Reuse Trash - I thru L


Iced Tea Containers
Storage of nuts, bolts, screws. Keep the lids on them and they are easy to stack on shelves.

Inner-Tubes
Cut to the width you need and use as rubber bands for very large items.
Use as patching material for punctured inner tubes.
Cut the inner-tube so it is no longer in a circle.
Cut off the valve and then drop a chain through the tube. This will keep the chain from clanking.

Jars
Jars--Baby Food/Boullion
Use for storage of nuts, bolts, etc. (G. Rabenold)
Make them into musical instruments for your children by placing a few dried beans, pasta, rice, coins, etc. inside the jar after removing the label. (Put a few drops of glue on the rim of the jar to glue the lid on.) (Christina-Marie)
Keep on the top of your dresser and use for orderly storage of change when cleaning out your pockets at night.
Keep on desk for storing paper clips, rubberbands, etc.
Use for starting plants indoors.
Insert a wick and fill with wax to make your own candle. Decorate the outside to match the decor of the room.
Use for storing excess seeds. (Ray)
Decorate the lid and jar with fabric paints, lace, sequins, etc. Fill with candy, bath salts, a candle, etc and give as gifts. (Lori)

Jars--Food
Use for storing extra spaghetti sauce which comes from a can.
Use larger jars for storing homemade soups.
Use the lids from peanut butter jars as coasters.
Drink from smaller glass jars.
Use peanut butter or mayonnaise jars to store homemade cookies in the freezer. They will be protected from breakage and easily visible. (Frugel)
Store your razor in a small, covered jar emersed in alcohol to prevent oxidization of the blade. It will stay sharp longer. (Frugel)
Use spaghetti jars to can tomatoes and other vegetables. The standard canning lids and rings fit perfectly. (Lori)

Jeans
See Clothes Jeans

Jello Boxes
See Boxes--Food

Jewelry
Give to kids for playing dress-up. (Jeanne)
Use old earrings for tacking messages to a cork board.
Save clasps from broken necklaces and bracelets.
Save earring backings in case you lose any.
If a necklace is beaded, cut the beads loose and let kids collect to make their own jewelry. (Jeanne)
Save the pins from watch bands in case you lose or break one.
Give watches which no longer work to children so they can play dress up.

Juice Cans
Use as a pen and pencil holder.
Use for potting plants indoors.
Use as a scoop for pet food.
Cut to make it shorter and use as a scoop for sugar, flour, pasta, etc. (Keep in the container for easy access).

Keys
Using string, attach several to a coffee can, making a unique windchime.
Place in the bottom hem of your curtains to keep them hanging straight.
Use to open boxes which have been taped shut (its safer than a razor blade).
Paint to match the decor of a room and then attach to the end of a pull chain (ceiling fan, lamp) for a funky decoration.
Give to kids so they can dip it in paint and use it as a stamp for making art.

Key Chain
Attach a chain and hoop to a small stuffed animal (or other favorite knick-knack) and make your own personalized key chain.

Key Chain Rings
Link together into a chain and use for decorations on a Christmas tree. Weave colored material through it to make more festive.
Attach to zippers on bags, children's jackets, etc. for easy use.
Link together to make a decorative hammock for stuffed animals.
Link together and make into a pull chain for lights, ceiling fans, etc.
Use to replace broken rings on certain types of tents.

Knee Pads
Put on volleyball knee pads when waxing floors, gardening, bodywork on car, roofing, etc.
Use the stuffing to refill stuffed animals or pillows which have lost fluffiness. (Jon)

Kool-Aid
Use undesirable Kool-Aid to dye your hair. (Kady)
Use it to scrub limescale out of a sink or tub. (Eric)

Ladder
Make a wooden ladder into a floor-to-ceiling bathroom towel rack by washing, sanding, varnishing and installing. You may need to adjust the height or rung-spacing of the ladder.

Laundry Baskets
Use as a recycling basket for curbside pickup.
Use when picking apples, pears, etc.
Use for gathering leaves in the fall.
Line with a blanket and use as a pet's bed.
Use to store children's toys in a closet.
Keep in the trunk of your car to keep groceries together.
Use for storing old rags or rugs.
Use when pulling weeds. (Ray)

Lawnmowers
Take the wheels off and use for a go-cart for your kids. (Unknown)
Donate the engine to a school for kids to work on. (Unknown)

Lightbulbs
Paint, attach a hook to the bottom and use as Christmas decorations. (Marie)

Lint (from the dryer)
Use for a firestarter when camping.
Use around the base of your indoor plants to conserve moisture loss. (Christine)

Lip Balm Tubes
Stuff the caps (usually a screw-top) with clay or silly-putty and stick on the edges of metal shelving for protection from jagged edges.
Use to carry bandaids. (Tonya)
Use to carry matches. (Tonya)
Use to carry a small sewing kit consisting of thread or dental floss wrapped around cardboard, and a needle with a little piece of eraser on the end. (Tonya)

Lipstick Tubes
Scrape out the lipstick which is left in the bottom of all of your tubes. Combine into your own unique shade of lipstick. (EcoLily)

Locks (Combination/Key)
Write the combination to a combination lock on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the back of the lock. Store it for future use.
Use for locking your bike to a bike rack.
Use at a local gym for locking up your clothing.
Give to a younger sibling or neighbor.
Use a key lock for locking the back of certain pickup truck caps.
Use a key lock on a pickup truck toolchest.
Use to lock cabinets around the house which contain paints or chemicals so that children cannot get into them.
Use to lock a spare tire under a pickup truck.
Use a key lock to lock the door of a shed.

Lunchboxes
Use for general storage.
Fill with glue, crayons, scissors, etc. for a portable arts and crafts box.
Fill with bandages, gauze, etc. and keep it in your car as a first-aid kit.
Store a box of crayons, small pieces of scrap paper, travel games, etc. inside and keep it in your car as an activity center for your child.
Keep sewing supplies inside it.
Use it for storage of children's audio tapes. (Colleen)

Lunchbox Thermos
Fill with soup and take to work.
Use for holding a pool-side drink. Stick a straw into the pop-up spigot and you won't have to worry if it tips over.
Take the cup when camping.
Use the cup as a small flower pot.
If you have young, independent children at home, keep a thermos in the fridge filled with juice or milk. When your child wants something to drink, he can pour it from the small thermos instead of a large, heavy jug.
Remove the lid and use as a pencil holder. Remove the lid and use as a vase.
Use the cup as a cookie cutter for making large cut-out cookies.
Use the cup for storing birthday candle holders.
Save the cup for when your child breaks the cup on his new lunchbox thermos.
Use as a scoop for pet food.
Use as a scoop for grains, flour, etc.

Reuse Trash M thru P


Magnets
Remove the magnetic strip from the backs of refrigerator magnets you no longer want and glue it to your own design. Recycle the original design if possible.
Attach a strip to the side of your desk and use for storage of paperclips.
Keep in the sewing kit for quick clean up of spilled needles and pins.
Glue to a refillable pen and keep it on the fridge next to the grocery list or calendar.

Markers (dried up)
Try opening up the back and dipping it in water for the count of ten. This usually makes them work again. (Tonya)
Use in your hair (kind of like a chopstick through a bun). (Tonya)
Cut the middle out of a plastic, bouncing ball and stick on the end of a marker to use as mallets on a xylophone. (Tonya)
Give to kids to use as paintbrushes. (Recycle Boy)

Metal Clasps Used to Close Some Store-Bought Cookie Bags
Remove from the bag and use to fasten together papers which have been two-hole punched.

Milk Bags
(In some parts of the world milk can be purchased in plastic bags rather than plastic containers.) Once all of the milk has been emptied from the bag, open the bag from one corner to another so that it becomes a plastic pocket. Use it as a baggie. (Master B)
Once the bag can no longer be used as a baggie, use it to throw away cat litter. (Master B)

Milk Containers (half-gallon)
Fill half-gallon containers with water, staple shut and freeze. They make nice "blue ice" for coolers--especially longer trips. Don't forget to leave room for the expanding water. (Shawn G.)
Use the bottom half of a half gallon milk carton to start plants in before moving them to your garden. (Jeffrey and Diane)

Milk Jugs (gallon)
Take the lids from gallon jugs, paint black and red and use as checker pieces. You will need 24 of them.
Make the plastic jugs into hanging flower pots by cutting a hole in the top, placing flowers inside it and then hanging it by the handle. (Rae)
Cut the bottom out of a plastic milk carton and use the top part to cover and protect growing plants in your garden. (Jeffrey and Diane)
Use as a scoop for dog/cat/bird feed. (Russell)
Wash and then using a funnel, fill with bird seed for easy storage.
Cut a large hole in the side and use to put plastic bags in. Tie a shoelace around the handle and hang it. (Rachel)

Mirrors
Carry a smaller one with you while camping or backpacking for personal use or for signaling for help.
Make a decorative mirror by taking compact mirrors, locker mirrors, etc., and glueing them next to each other on a piece of plywood. If you do it right, the cracks between the mirrors will enhance your new and much larger mirror.

Motor Oil
Fill bottles with USED motor oil and use for lubricating drive chains. (Nick)
Take to a garage for proper disposal. In some areas, garages are required by law to take back oil. DO NOT dump motor oil down the sewer!!!
Filter and use it to oil tools. (John)

Mouse Pads
Cut small circles and use as "stoppers" for cabinet doors or as appliance "feet."
Use as a place mat. (Adrian)
Cut, layer and use as a wrist support for the computer keyboard.
Using cookie cutters, trace onto a mousepad. Cut the shape out and then dip into paint. Use to decorate your child's room or give to kids and let them dab onto paper. (Greg)
Cut into strips and place under heavy items so they don't scratch the counter or desk.
Use as a cushion between wood and clamps when woodworking. (Lori)

Mouthwash Bottles
See Bottles--Mouthwash

Mugs
Use to store change.
Use as a pencil/pen holder.
Use for temporary storage of stray screws, nuts, etc. found lying around the house.
Use as a decorative paperweight.
Use as a candy dish at home or work.
Use as a "vase" for a bouquet of really small flowers (violets, etc.).

Newspapers
See Paper--Newspaper.

Paint Brushes
Stiff paint brushes can be used to scoop out portions of paint to be mixed. They can then be used to mix the paint. Note: If you rinse your soft paint brushes thoroughly after using them, they won't become stiff. (Kelly)
Use stiff paint brushes to make different textures when painting. (EcoLily)
Donate to a highschool drama club for set painting. (EcoLily)
Soak a stiff paint brush in a little bit of paint thinner and then wash with dish detergent. They are as good as new. (EcoLily)

Pantyhose
Attach to the end of the tube which discharges water from the washing machine. This will catch the extra lint.

Pantyhose Egg Containers
Hide around the house for children to find on Easter.

Paper
Paper--Graph
Have your kids color in the boxes with different colors to make funky designs.
Use for plotting out space when redecorating your house or planning a garden.

Paper--Newspapers
Use the Sunday comics as wrapping paper. (Don't try this with regular newspaper--the ink smudges.)
Use to stuff packing material.
Use the comics (instead of paper bags) to cover text books.
Use to line the bottom of your tent (inside) for insulation. Place plastic over the paper to keep the print from smudging. (Jon)
Fold several layers thick and use as a hot pad when camping.
Wrap fragile items for packing/storing.
Roll into "logs" for campfires. The thicker the log, the longer it will burn. Use spiral notebook wire to tie the log together. (Retrieve the wire and reuse it when you are done if it's still useable.
Make the above logs more efficient by cutting them in half and using yarn, string or shoelaces to dip the log into melted down candle wax. The wax-coated log will make for a good fire starter on damp days. (Wendy)
Use for drying windows without streaking. TIP FROM JIM: Make sure that the ink does not stain the vinyl casments which are found on most modern windows because it is very hard to clean off.
Make it into a garden film. Clear an area of weeds in your garden, lay several sheets of newspaper down, and spread mulch on top of it. It will keep most weeds from coming through. (Jim)
Use to clean mirrors. (Marie)

Paper--Scrap
Use any kind of used paper--computer, notebook, newspaper, etc. as wrapping paper. Personalize it with colored pencils.
Cut it into smaller pieces and keep it by the phone for messages.
When doing first drafts of school papers, print on the reverse side of used computer paper, photocopies, etc.
For those of you who work in an office, convince your supervisor to use the back of scrap paper for printing lists, memos, taking phone messages, etc.
Stress that this will help them save money.
Use hole-punches as confetti.
Use to make cards.
Use pieces for bookmarks. Write down any ideas that pop into your head.
Put smaller pieces in your pockets so that you can jot down notes to yourself throughout the day. (Caprileo)
Use to line your kitty litter box. (Erin)
Shred and save for packing material. (Shelley)
Use for wrapping delicate Christmas ornaments for storage. (Shelley)
Use for learning origami. (Shelley)
Use for making home-made paper. (Shelley)
Shred and use to line your hamster/gerbil cage. (Shelley)
Use for lining a bird cage. (Shelley)
Make a pinata. (Shelley)
Punch holes along the side and place in a 3-ring binder for school notes.
Punch holes along the side and string a shoelace through to make a notebook. Use a cereal box for a front and back cover.
Use for grocery lists
Let kids color, paint, etc. on the back of used paper.
Color both sides of the paper whatever color you like, cut into very thin strips and then use as "grass" for the easter baskets.
Take used copier paper from work and donate to daycare centers for the kids to draw on. (Anonymous)
Give lined computer paper to children learning how to write cursive. (Mijesa)
Use to make your own recycled paper. (Aunt Annie)

Pen (Ball Point)
Most disposable ball point pens can be pulled apart into five or six pieces. These pieces are: the pen cap, the outer pen tube (the part you actually hold), the inner pen tube (the tiny tube inside which stores the ink), the pen tip (the part which touches the paper), the piece of plastic which separates the pen tip from the outer pen tube, and the plug at the bottom of the pen (the colorful piece of plastic at the bottom). (Hopefully this will clarify what I am talking about below.)

Pen Caps
Use as lids for pencils so you don't poke a hole in your purse.

Outer Pen Tube
Use as a protective case for mercury thermometers.
Put in the corner of a bird cage as a perch.

Pen Tips
Give to OLDER children to use for toy missles. Warning: Make sure your children do not swallow this!

Piece Separating the Pen Tip from the Outer Pen Tube
Let your children paint them different colors and then string them together to make jewelry.
String together and hang from doorways for a pseudo-sixties effect.
String together and use as a pull chain for ceiling fans, lamps, etc.
Paint red, green and gold, string together and use to decorate your Christmas tree.
String together and make into a colorful jump rope.
String together and use as decorative chains for around the house.
Use for covering your homemade clothes hanger so that your clothes won't snag.

Pencil Box (used in school)
Store game pieces.
Fill with pencils and store in a drawer at home.
Let kids use for a jewelry box.
Let kids use as a cash register when playing "store".
Store first aid supplies in it, rubber-band it shut and keep in closet, garage, basement, car, etc.
Be sure to place in a plastic baggie first to keep supplies dry.
Use in the kitchen for orderly storage of soup mixes, taco seasonings, tea bags, etc.
Use for a coupon box.

Pencil Shavings
Use as a fire starter.

Pet Fur
Throw outside and let the birds use for their nests (do this only during nest-building season and when there is no wind!)

Petri Dish
Use as a coaster (make sure it was not used for storage of hazardous materials).

Phone
Remove the wire and cord (to prevent strangulation) and let the kids use it for a play phone.

Phone Books
Use as a booster seat for a child. MAKE SURE IT IS SECURE!!!
Use for pressing flowers.
Take an old one to work if you don't have one there.
Keep old ones in various rooms of the house so you can be lazy.

Phone Cord
Save cords in case you need to replace a broken one.
Cut a sprial cord and form it into a small circle. Slip a key chain ring through and then melt or glue the ends of the cord together. Use as a key chain.

Picture Frame (medium, self-standing kind)
Keep in the kitchen and slip a recipe card into it when cooking to keep it clean.
Use for storage of awards/pictures you no longer wish to display. Several will fit in a frame. Store the frame flat in a closet.
If you are bored with the look of a wooden frame, stain it a different color and reuse it.
Let children decorate a wooden frame with paint and then allow them to hang it in their room with their own art work inside it.
Save the glass and backing of standard size frames for when others break.
Use for hanging emergency phone numbers and instructions in the basement or garage.
Replace the glass with a mirror and hang it for a new look.
Make a small picture frame (wallet size or 3x5) into a coaster. Glue something soft (material, etc) to the back so it does not scratch your table.
Use the cardboard backing as a firestarter.
Glue your child's artwork to the cardboard backing of a picture frame. Display on a wall or as a standup without the need for a frame.
If a wooden frame is broken, simply glue or nail it back together.

Pillows
Remove the stuffing and use to make other pillows thicker.
Keep it in your pet's cage for comfort.
Cut it in half, sew along the open end and make into two smaller camping pillows.
Instead of throwing it out, restuff it.
Use for pillow fights.

Pizza (plastic cheese protector)
Use it as a table in a dollhouse. (Tonya, Flip, Lisa)
Put a cloth over it and display jewelry for sale. (Tonya)
Put on iced cakes so the foil won't stick to the icing. (Flip)

Pizza Boxes
Note: Keep in mind that your pizza box may be covered with grease. You may not want to use the box for the following purposes if it is.
Use to store art projects, painted paper, glued items, modelling dough, etc. while drying. (CLC)

Plastic Bags
See Bags--Grocery (plastic).

Plastic Baggies
See Bags--Baggies

Plastic Breath Mint Containers
Fill with aspirin or decongestants and keep in your purse or travel bag.
Fill with salt or pepper and take camping.
Fill with sugar or creamer and take with you in the car when bringing a thermos of coffee for long road trips.

Plastic Cards (phone/gas card)
When the declining balance has completely declined, allow kids to use for credit cards when playing "store". Hint: Do not give your children real credit cards EXPIRED OR NOT. You will create security hazards for yourself should they ever take them outside of your home.

Plastic Chocolate-Milk Mix Containers
Use for storage of crayons.
Use for a pencil holder.
Drill holes in the bottom and make it into a sand sifter.
Use for orderly storage of rice, pasta, nuts, etc.

Plastic Containers (including butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc.)
Plastic Containers--Miscellaneous
Storage of any objects that will fit.
Storage of leftovers.
Cut a slit in the lid and use as a bank.
Fill with rice or sand to make children's musical shakers. (Adrian)

Plastic Containers--Butter/Cottage Cheese
Use butter bowls as flower pots. Punch holes in the bottom if necessary and put the lid underneath to catch excess water.
Poke holes in a butterbowl and use it as a colander.
Paint the outside of a butter bowl festively and then use it for an Easter basket
Use butter bowls for storage of chess pieces. (Bootsy)
Use butter bowls as cereal bowls. (Christine)
Use the lid of a butter bowl as a cheap frisbee for your pet.
Use butter bowls as an outdoor water dish for dogs during the summer.
Use butter bowls as a food dish for smaller pets.
Keep a butter bowl in the car for when you take a pet for a ride. Bring a jug of water and allow your pet to drink.

Plastic Containers--Tofu
Use tofu containers for storage of odds-and-ends

Plastic Containers--Yogurt
Use yogurt containers for dyeing easter eggs.
Fill yogurt containers with pudding or jello and send it to school with your kids. Or better yet, take it to work with you!

Plastic Cups (the kind you get from fast-food restaurant promotions))
Fill with extra change and use it as a door stop. (Christine)
Use when on picnics so you don't lose your good glasses. (Christine)
Use as a food scoop for your animals. (Christine)
Punch holes in the bottom and use for potting plants. (Rose)
Use as a vase for flowers.
Use for drinks outside in the summer (when gardening, etc.)
Give to the kids for making sand castles.
Use when taking drinks into backyards which have a pool (bare feet won't step on broken glass).
Use as a pen holder.
Use as a bank.

Plastic Packaging (like the thick packaging battery rechargers come in)
Use a larger piece for an eraseable message pad for phone messages, etc.
On a large piece, draw several tic-tac-toe boards with permanent marker. Give kids wet-erase markers to play with. Wipe clean when all boards are filled.
Make your own reuseable calendar by drawing in boxes with permanent marker and adding numbers and notes with wet-erase markers.
Use larger pieces as a small "chalk board" for children. Keep wet-erase markers and a cloth for erasing handy.
Glue a magnet to the back of a larger piece and keep it on the fridge for messages.
Glue a piece to the lids of plastic containers. Use for labeling and dating food when you put it in the fridge or freezer. (Make sure you use eraseable markers.)
Use the plastic packaging that Easter candy comes in (those shaped like bunnies) as molds for making your own chocolate.
Make bird feeder molds (instructions for doing this will appear next time I update this). (Christine)

Plastic Packaging Film
Use as a protective cover for your computer, keyboard and printer. (Ben)

Plastic Rings (six packs)
Tie together and use as a trellis for roses. (Michele)
String together into "chicken wire" and erect around the garden so your dog will know that it is off-limits. Support with wooden handles from shovels, brooms, etc.
Make into a hot pad by cutting each ring separate to form a circle. Double-crochet around each ring. Sew the six smaller rings together to form one large circle. (Da Mom)

Plastic Scoops (the kind that comes with drink mixes)
Keep in sugar, flour, rolled oats, etc. containers for easy access.

Plastic Utensils
DON'T BUY!!! Use silverware!
Store the plastic utensils you get from fast-food restaurants in your car and use them for on-the-road meals or when drive-thru forgets to give you utensils (it happens!).
Take on camping trips or picnics (but don't throw them out). Reuse them until they break.
Send to school in your kid's lunchbox. Make sure they bring them home for reuse!
Use as plant supports for droopy seedlings.
Keep a spoon by the coffee at work for sugar.
Keep a spoon in your desk drawer at work for stirring your coffee (so you don't have to use a stirring stick).
Collect and take to work for office parties. Wash and reuse when the festivities are over.
Let kids use a knife for cutting clay or play-doh.
Give to kids for playing "house" or "restaurant."
Keep a set in your desk drawer at work in case you forget yours when you bring lunch.

Pocket Protector
Use for storing a few special pens on a desktop, beside the bed, etc.

Pools (Children's, plastic)
Fill with water and let your pet play in it on hot summer days. (pauldavis@talstar.com)
Flip it over and use for covering small plants from the frost in warmer climates. (pauldavis@talstar.com)
Poke holes in the bottom, fill with potting soil and plant a garden in it. (pauldavis@talstar.com)
Use as a sandbox.
Flip it over and use it for a sandbox cover.
Use as an outdoor dog bath.
Slide it under the bed and use it for storage.
Keep on the floor of the basement and use for storage of wet/dirty clothes before washing.
Fill with water and put at the entrance to an adult-sized pool. Grass will come off in the little pool and not the big one.
Line with a blanket and use as a pet bed.

Pool Cover (Solar)
Cut to the desired size and use as packaging material. (Tim)

Pool Pillow (Winterized)
Use as a tarp for grills, wood, etc. (Tim)

Pop Bottles (Plastic)
See Bottles--Beverage (Plastic).

Pop Bottle Lids
Use for mixing small portions of paint.
Use for small cookie cutters.
Take with you to fast-food restaurants and fill with ketchup. Wash before you leave so that you can take it with you and use it again.
Paint, nail to a wall or door, and stuff a styrofoam packing peanut inside. Use for tacking up messages.

Pop Bottle Rings (the ring that breaks off when you twist the cap)
* Ideas which have been starred have not been tested (for lack of rings). I'm an aluminum can kind of gal, myself. I think these will work, though, so please try them. If you do try them and they don't work, e-mail me and let me know what happened.
* Connect using notebook wire and make into a trellis.
* Connect using shoelaces and use to make a stuffed animal hammock. Please do not try to make a human hammock out of these because it is unlikely that it will hold your weight!
Use for napkin rings.
Paint festively, connect with string, and use to decorate the Christmas tree.
Connect with string or wire and use to enhance a fan chain, lamp chain or curtain draw strings.
Connect with string, weave yarn or cloth through, and hang from the doorway for a pseudo-sixties effect.
Paint different colors and use for game pieces.
String together with a shoelace and hang across the backseat of the car to hang clothing. Store it in the glove compartment when it is not in use.

Popsicle Sticks
Use for labeling sprouting plants in your garden.
Use to stir paints and apply glue. (Lori)

Post-Its
Fold over the sticky part and reuse the other side.
To hang a photo temporarily without the sticky mess from transparent tape, cut off the sticky part of a post-it, place it on top of photo and stick anywhere. Use the remainder of the post-it for memos. (Lori)

Potato Chip Bags
Wash and make shiny bows (for wrapping presents) out of the shiny side.
Wash and use for shiny wrapping paper.
Wash and make shiny ribbon (for wrapping presents) out of the shiny side.

Potato Chip Tubes
Decorate the outside with any paper you like and then use it to hold just about anything, such as pencils, paint brushes, etc. (MoonBelly)
Decorate and use as a gift box. (MoonBelly)

Potato Chip Tube Lids
Use as coasters for glasses. If you have excess felt lying around, glue it to the inside to help absorb moisture. (My Mom)
Cut a slit in the center and place a popsicle stick through it to catch drips any. Wash and reuse.
Use as backing frame for needlework projects to make into magnets, ornatments and picture frame magnets. (Lori)

Pots and Pans
Take camping. This way you won't destroy your good pans while cooking over a fire.
Remove the handle from a not-too-heavy frying pan and use as a dish for backpacking trips.

Prescription Medicine Containers/Pill Bottles
Use for safe storage of thumbtacks.
Use for spill-proof storage of paperclips or change in a bag.
Fill with household odds and ends (nuts, bolts, etc.) and store in an old purse.
Wash and use for storage of salt, sugar, pepper, etc. when camping.
Wash and use for storage of bulk spices.
Peel off label, fill with aspirin or decongestants and put in purse or bag.

Propane Bottle Lids
Save the lids for when you lose one.

Pudding Boxes
See Boxes--Food

Purses
Use a larger purse as an overnight bag. (Alyssa and Shane)
Use as a costume accessory. (Alyssa and Shane)
Give to kids to use for dress-up. (Alyssa and Shane; Jennifer)
Fill with a flashlight, maps and other emergency supplies and keep in the trunk of your car. (Alyssa and Shane)
Cut the handles or strap off of a small purse, slit two holes in each side, and put a belt through it. Use it as a fanny pack. (Kathy)
Donate to a church or day care so the kids can play dress-up. (Gail)
Use it for holding odds and ends from your house, such as screws, nuts, bolts, etc. Keep them organized using film canisters and prescription bottles. (Gail) Use a larger size purse as a hanging plant holder. (Jennifer)
Use it for storing toiletries when traveling.

Reuse Trash - R thru W


Rakes
Use broken rakes for metal sculptures. (Winter Lark)
If the handle is broken, buy a wooden rod, attach it to the rake and reuse. (Marie)
Use the handle to support plants. (Marie)
Remove the handle, paint the rake, and hang it upside down in the garage to hang small gardening tools from. (Henning)

Records
Trim with something interesting and then use the hole in the middle to put a picture of a family member, friend, etc. (EcoLily)
Hang them on a wall for a funky bedroom decoration. (Nadine)

Reflectors
Attach bike reflectors to sticks to mark the end of your driveway.
If you have a wooded area in your backyard, attach to trees for trail markers.

Refrigerator
Cut the seal between the frame and the door and use for small magnets (the seal is magnetic). (Roy)
If it is broken, it can be used as an enclosed shelving system for the basement or garage. If it is still usable, give it to charity.

Remote Control
Let kids use as a zapper when playing.

Road Maps
Glue to a large piece of cardboard and then cut into a puzzle. This makes a good educational toy for children.
Place over an end table and laquer for an interesting finish. This can also be done on lamp shades. (Pat)

Rubber Bands
Tape or glue onto clothes hangers to keep clothes from slipping off. (Marie)

Rulers
Keep by the workbench for use when you lose your tape measure.
If it is broken, use the pieces for small straight edges.
Reuse.
Use wooden ones for firewood (remove the metal strip).
Tie strings to it and use when making marionettes (those dancing puppet things).

Safety Pins
Use as zipper extenders for those hard to grasp zippers such as in jeans. (Lori)

School Supplies
Ask your child's teacher if (s)he has any need for them. (Mr. L)
Reuse anything you can next year.
See Colored Pencils
See Crayons
See Paper--Graph
See Gym Bags
See Locks (Combination/Key)
See Pencil Boxes
See Rulers
See Scissors

Scissors
Keep in an arts and crafts box.
Keep in the glove compartment of your car for removing loose threads on your clothing when out.
Keep in the kitchen for opening bags or boxes.
Keep in the basement for cutting tags off of new clothing before throwing them into the washing machine.
Sharpen and reuse.

Scooters
Use the square scooters kids use in gym class for moving garbage cans on garbage day. (Jon)
Attach two square scooters to ends of a piece of plywood or a toboggan to make a car creeper.
Put an oil pan on top of a scooter and slide it under the car for easy oil changes.

Shampoo Bottles
See Bottles--Shampoo.

Sheets
Use for curtains when camping.
Cut into smaller pieces and use for rags.
Make into pillow cases.
Use as tarps for floors or furniture when painting.
Use as a picnic blanket or beach blanket.
Make flannel sheets into pajamas (some sewing skills required).
Cut into smaller pieces and use for packing away fragile items.
Use as ghost costumes for kids (does anyone do this anymore?)
Keep in the trunk of your car for transporting messy stuff.
Use as a cover for a pool table, exercise equipment, etc.

Shoeboxes
See Boxes--Shoeboxes

Shoelaces
Save and use for anything you would use string for.
Store in your travel first aid kit and use for an emergency tourniquet.
Use as a covering for your home-made clothes hangers so you don't snag your clothing. Wash. Tie the ends of the curly, stretchable type (that you don't need to tie), and use as a hair band. (KC)
Attach one end to your child's mittens and run the other end through the sleeve of their coat to prevent mitten loss. (KC)
Use as a ribbon on packages wrapped in homemade wrapping paper. (KC)
Carry a spare in your purse, car or gym bag in case you break one. (KC)
Use as an emergency belt for your child. Tie a couple together for an adult belt. (KC)
Use to hand ornaments from the Christmas tree. (KC)
Braid three or more together to make bracelets. (KC)

Attach to ceiling fans/lighting fixtures as a pull chain. (KC) Use as curtain tie-backs. (KC)
College students can use to hang dorm room keys around their neck.
Use to tie plants to a plant support.
Use to hang a small birdfeeder from a tree.
Use as a replacement drawstring on hoods, sweatpants, etc.
Keep in camping gear in case rope on tent breaks.
String nuts and washers through for orderly storage.
Roll into a coil, secure with glue or thread and use as a coaster or a hot pad.

Shoes
Wear old sneakers when washing cars, cutting the lawn, gardening, etc.
Save the buckles from sandals.
Wear old golf or baseball shoes (the kind with the spikes) when you are doing yard work to help aerate your lawn. (Henning)

Shoulder Pads
Sew to the inside of a bra to add a little padding. (Lynn)
Use for waxing your car.

Shovel Handles
Insert into the soil of a large potted plant and tie the plant to it for support. This is helpful for large plants which tend to droop.
Insert into the ground and tie small trees to it. This helps to prevent sagging, wind deformation, running over it with a lawnmower, etc.

Shower Curtain
Use as a tarp for grills, wood, etc.
Cover your table with the curtain while the kids are painting or playing with play-doh to make for easy clean-up.
Cut and make into a curtain for the bathroom window.
Line the trunk of your car with it when transporting dirty items.
Use to cover your outdoor plants when the weather drops to freezing. Make sure you put stakes in the ground to prevent the curtain from crushing your plants. (Shelley)
Use as a drop cloth or for covering furniture when painting. (Shelley)
Cut old shower curtains into large rectangles. With two clothes pins, secure one rectangle to the shoulder seams of your kids shirts while they are painting. (Vickie)
Punch extra holes with a paper hole puncher to replace ripped ones. (Lori)
Use as a childrens slip and slide toy when wet. (Lori)
Use as a drop cloth. (Lori)

Shower Curtain Rings (the really cheap metal kind)
Use to attach keys to your belt loops.
Use to attach a mug to your backpack.
Use to keep camping utensils together.

Shower Head
Let the kids use for a microphone.

Shrink Wrap
Use for stuffing pouf valences. (Gail)

Silverware
Drill a hole at the end of the handle and make into a unique windchime. (Regan)
Attach several pieces together using a soldering gun and make into a neat candle holder. (Regan)

Ski's
Use for the runners when making home-made sleds.
Remove the bindings from broken or old skiis and reuse or give away.

Ski Bag
Use as a duffle bag.
Use for transporting your tent, groundcloth, dining fly, tent poles, etc.

Ski Gloves
Use when shoveling or snowblowing (especially this winter!).

Ski Poles
Use as a wooden dowel.
Use as a plant support.
Use as a hiking stave (walking stick). (Garrick)

Sleds
Use to lie on when working under your car. (Jon)
Use for emergencies in the snow. (Jon)
Use for temporary storage of greasy tools (it will keep your garage floor clean). (Peter)
Use as a "dropcloth" when changing your oil just in case you miss the oil pan. (Peter)
Inflatable snow saucers can be used in the pool in the summer. (Lisa)
Use for transporting fire-wood.

Sleeping Bags
Donate to the Boy/Girl Scouts.
Give to a homeless person.

Snow Shovels
Use as a dust pan in the garage. (Mr. Recycle)
Throw it into your trunk (if it will fit) in case you need to dig yourself out of a mud pit.

Soap
Melt down all small soap pieces into one ball of soap. (Rae)

Soup Cans
See Cans--Soup

Spice Containers
Buy spices in bulk and store them in previously used containers.
Fill with sugar and use for sprinkiling sugar on cereal. This takes up less room than a sugar bowl.
Fill with Confectioner's sugar, and use when sprinkiling on plain cake or cupcakes.
Use food coloring to dye sugar different colors, fill the containers with the different colors and then use when sprinkling on Christmas cookies.
Store rubberbands, paper clilps, etc.
Store smaller game pieces.
Storage of sugar, salt, pepper when camping.
Use for a pencil/pen holder.

Spiral Notebook Wire
CAREFULLY cut to a length of a few inches, bend into a hook at both ends, and use to hang Christmas ornaments on the tree.
Twist and make into a clothes hanger.
Shape into a dipper for use when dying easter eggs.
Make your own paperclips.

Sports Nets
Make into a ball carrier. (Shelley)
Use the rope which is strung through the top of a volleyball net as a clothes line (or anything else you need rope for).
Tie to your balcony to prevent cats from jumping off. (Ben)

Sports Racquets
Make into a fishing net. (Shelley)
Make into a short pool skimmer that can be used while you are in the pool.

Stuffed Animals
Attach suction cups to a stuffed animal and make your own car-window companion.
Attach a chain and hoop to a small stuffed animal and make your own key chain.

Styrofoam
DON'T USE!!!
If you have used styrofoam, clean it, break it up into pieces and use as packaging material. Then DON'T EVER BUY STYROFOAM AGAIN!
Save all of the styrofoam peanuts which come as packaging. When you have a large supply, ask around and find a store which will collect and reuse them. Use it as insulation material (ie. covering cracks in windows in winter, etc.). (Unknown)
Use cups as a play telephone. (Amanda)
Collect as many as you can and stick them together and spray paint to amke a cool disc-ball type thing.

Suction Cups
Use to hang Christmas lights on windows or mirrors (for an extra funky effect).
Attach to a small stuffed animal and make your own car-window companion.
Glue to shower curtain ends to keep the curtain closed so water doesn't splash out. (Marie)

Suitcase
Use for storage of children's toys. It will fit under the bed and it is ready for travel to a friend's house.
Use as an extra dresser if you don't have enough room for all of your clothes. Keep in the closet or under your bed.
Use for storage of out-of-season clothing to free up closet space.
Make into a sentimental storage unit. First paint the suitcase the color of your choice, then glue photocopies of family pictures, greeting cards, etc to the outside, finishing with a protective coating. Use this to store Christmas ornaments or valued momentos. (Brenda B)

Swings (Plastic)
Dig a shallow hole in the ground in the shape of the swing, place the swing into the hole (make sure it is secure) and use them as a walkway into a garden or to an outdoor hose spigot.

Swings (Rubber)
Grind up the rubber and use in concrete instead of aggregate. (Kevin)

Tape Deck
Smash a broken one to pieces and use the the parts to make original jewelry. (Tonya)
Take it apart and use the parts to fix other things around the house. (Tonya)
Use parts to make cool sculptures. (Tonya)
Use parts to make little gadgets so you don't have to by them like tooth brush holders, jewelry racks, wall hooks, candleholders, etc. (Tonya)

Tape rings (The cardboard rings that electrical and scotch tape are wrapped around.)
Paint and use as napkin rings.

Television
Gut a dead television and place an aquarium inside. Fill with fish. (Marie)

Tennis/Running Shoes
Save and use for beach/community cleanups so your good ones don't get dirty. (Kim)
If they are the wrong size but are in good condition, give to a charity. (Kim)
If they can no longer be reused, remove and reuse the shoelaces and give the shoe to a puppy (Kim) Keep in mind, however, that a puppy may not be able to distinguish between his toy shoe and your expensive, hand-crafted, Italian shoes.
Make the shoe into a funky pot for a plant. (Kim)

Tent
If it is in good condition, donate it to a Scouting group or sell it at a garage sale.
Use metal poles from A-Frame's as supports for temporary fencing around gardens.
Keep in the backyard for children's slumber parties or campouts.

Tent Stakes (metal)
Straighten out bent ones using pliers and a vice and then reuse.

Tiles (bathroom/kitchen wall)
Make into a hot pad for the kitchen.
Break into small pieces and use glue to stick them to plates, jars, picture frames, etc. (Unknown)

Tires
Use as a large flower pot for your yard.
Place in your backyard and fill with sand for a childrens sand box. Use a large sheet of plywood for a cover.
Attach to a tree and use as a swing.
Hang from a tree and throw a football through it.
Cut open and use as lining for horse stalls. (Alissa)
Place in the desired area, fill with soil, and then plant melons or other plants which require mounds. (Ray)

Tire Rim
Use for a backyard fire pit. MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING A TIRE RIM AND NOT A TIRE (WHICH IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!!!)
Clean and paint and then use to wrap the garden hose around. (Jim)

Tissue Boxes:
See Boxes--Tissue

Toboggan
Make into a car creeper by attaching scooters to the bottom and a pillow to the top.
Cut off the curved part and make into a coffee table by placing on supports such as large plant pots. (To be really creative, cut a hole in the toboggan and allow the plant to grow through it.)

Toilet Paper Tubes
If your family is anything like mine, you have way too many of these to reuse. Remember to recycle!
Use for packing material.
Stuff an extra set of stockings into a tube and keep in your desk drawer at work, your glove compartment, etc. in case of a run.
Ask local schools if they need them for art projects. (Annette)
Put in the hamster cage. (Annette)
Wrap double-sided tape around the tube, stick one or two fingers in the middle and roll over clothing, furniture, etc. to remove lint. (Julie)
Tape one end of yarn/string to the tube. Wrap the string around the tube and then hook the end into a notch cut into the edge of the tube. It makes for easy storage.
Use for storing your home-made ribbon from potato chip bags.
Let your kids use along with kleenex boxes as building blocks.
Stuff a few plastic bags into the tube and then place the tube in the glove compartment of your car. It will keep them tidy and on-hand for when you need them.
Use for wrapping party gifts by inserting the gift, pinching and taping the ends closed and then decorating. (Shelley)
Use for storing long pieces of ribbon which have been saved from packages. This will keep the ribbon smooth. (Shelley)
Slip over small cords to prevent them from tangling. (Russell)
Give to pet rodent or bird for play. (Lori)
Glue tubes together vertically into a grid larger than your television. Cover the grid with wax paper and place in front of the tv. It gives you a cool, multi-colored light. (Clokey)
Use in place of a peat pot. Fill with potting soil, place in a plastic butter/ice cream tub, plant the seed and water. When the plants sprouts, plant the seedling (tube and all) in the ground. The tube rots away. (William)

Toilet Paper Wrappers
Use the packaging from toilet paper rolls as tissue paper when giving gifts as presents.
Use for stuffing pouf valences, etc.
Make paper flowers from the tissue paper wrapper.
Use as bows on presents.

Toilet Seats
Hang the seat from a tree (kind of like a tire) and use to practice pitching accuracy.
Use the lids as "stepping stones" to a pool, garden, etc.

Toothbrush
Use for polishing your shoes. This is especially useful for where the shoe meets the sole.
Use for cleaning threaded mechanical parts.
Use for cleaning greasy auto parts.
The artistic type can use one as a coarse paint brush.
Use for cleaning combs.
Melt the handle until soft enough to bend at a 90 degree angle (with bristles pointing out), and use it to clean coffee makers, etc. (Bob)
Take the bristles out, soften the handle in boiling water, bend to fit your wrist and then paint.
Wear it as a bracelet. (R.B.E.)
Use old ones to clean the grooves between the tiles in your bathroom. (Jen)

Toothpaste Tube
Cut off the end of the tube and clean it well. Use as a cake frosting decorator. (Emily)

Umbrella (patio picnic table)
Take to the beach and use for protection from the sun.
Secure to the pool deck and use for protection from the sun while supervising swimming children.
Set up in yard to give your pet shelter from the sun if there are no trees.

Vegetable Peeler
Use to sharpen pencils. (Judy)

Vegetable Scrubber
Keep near the sink in your basement and use for scrubbing automotive grease off of your hands.
Use for scrubbing bathroom tiles or tile floors.
Use for cleaning running boards, mud flaps, floor mats and tires.
Use to scrub burned food off of pots and pans.
Use for cleaning greasy tools.

Video Cassettes
If it's a movie you don't want anymore, take it into a local video shop as a trade in. (Everheart)
Make a place at work, etc. where people can leave unwanted movie videos for others to view. (Everheart)
Donate movies to your local library, school, etc. (Everheart)
Cover over the hollow spot on the back with tape so you can re-record over them. (Everheart)

Wagon
Use for transporting gardening tools around the yard.
Use it when transporting wood for your fireplace.
Use for storing your automotive tools. Just pull the wagon out when you need them.
Use for general transport of bulky objects.
Use for bringing groceries home from the store (or from your car to your front door).
Take the wheels and handle off, line it with a thick blanket and use it as a pet bed.
Save the wheels for use on the lawn mower or in a homemade sled.
Use the wheels as training wheels (although this will take some handiwork).
Paint to the desired color, roll it out to the middle of the yard and use it as a really big flower pot.
Take the wheels and handle off and use as a storage container for the garage or basement.
Use to transport garbage to the curb on garbage day. (Jon)

Wallpaper
Make into a lightweight, waterproof sitting pad.
Use excess pieces to cover light switches and electrical sockets.
Cover tin cans or jars with wallpaper and use to hold pencils, pens, etc.

Washing Machine
Detach the glass bubble from the door of a front-loading washing machine, wash it really, really good and then use it for a fancy salad bowl. (Xtan)
Use the inner tub of a broken washing machine as an outdoor flower pot. (Frugel)
Use the metal inner tub as a fire pit for backyard bonfires. (Make-ends-meet)

Watch Bands
Watch Bands--Leather
Use as "stoppers" by cutting and glueing to cupboard frames.

Watch Bands--Nylon (one-piece)
Wrap around tent poles/tripod poles to keep them all together.
Fasten several together and make into a long band for tying larger objects.

Water
Use water from a dehumidifier to water your plants.
Set out a bucket or small trash can when it rains and then use the water on your house plants. (Jen)
When you are waiting for your shower water to become hot, rather than running it down the drain, collect it in a bowl. Then use it to water your plants, mop your floors, wash your cars, etc. (MoonBelly)

Weights
Use to hold down tarps.
Hang five pound weights from the pool cover to keep it from blowing around.
Stack flat weights in two columns to an equal height and place a piece of plywood across for quick shelving in the basement or garage.
Use as a door stop.
Take the velcro from the ankle or wrist weights and use for something which requires velcro.

Wheel Barrow
Paint to the desired color, roll it out to the middle of the yard and use it as a really big flower pot.

Window Shades
Use the pull-down type as a protective covering for your table when the kids are painting, playing with play-doh, etc.
Use in the garage for resting greasy tools on (to keep the work bench clean).

Wine Bottles
See Bottles--Beverage (Glass)
Fill with sunflower or canola oil and herbs for cooking or dipping. Note: Recipes can be found in Italian Cookbooks. (Garrick)
Reuse the corks as bottle corks. (Garrick)
The corks can be made into a corkboard for your kitchen or a kid's room. If you have any questions on this craft, e-mail Garrick.

Wrapping Paper
Glue to a thin piece of cardboard (or thick piece of paper), hole punch and sew to clothing as sequins.

This thread made me smile... I work in recycling and operate a hotline, telling people where to bring their household batteries for proper disposal, what to do w/ scrap metal, why certain plastics are not recyclable despite the chasing arrow symbol, and there are months where the majority of calls I get center around people looking for somewhere, ANYwhere other than the local transfer station, to bring unwanted items to.

It is amazing how aware people have become. But by the same token, I still field calls from folks who refer to their recyclables as 'garbage', so obviously this hasn't gone as far as it can. And then I get calls from the folks who take the "We consume lots of recyclables to save the environment" approach to conservation, rather than "We consume as little as possible in order to save the environment".

It's a paradigm shift, and everyone's invited. More and more folks seem to be jumping onto the 'consume less' bandwagon, which is to everyone's betterment.

Anyway, didn't want to hijack, but had to chime in a bit!

I'd like to post an addition to this recycle thread: Freecycle!
this is a national (maybe international for all I know) group. I found one close to me through Yahoo, however i believe you can type in freecycle on any search engine and come up with this group. they ask for your zip code and put you in touch with a group near you based on that.
the group is totally about recycling goods and products and only free items; such as "offered: couch in good shape" or "wanted: couch in decent shape" i've seen everything form fruit to pets to windows and doors, computer parts and lawn furniture through this group. again they only allow free items to be offered or asked for and it keeps "things" out of your local landfill
definantely worth checking out

Yes! Freecycling eliminated some of the phone calls I used to get about furniture And packing boxes, and polystyrene. To some extent.

And CoyoteMoon, you're not alone where lack of curbside pickup is concerned. If soda bottles/cans have redemption value in your state, chances are the cost of running a sorting line where you live would be subsidized if not covered by that. It starts there.

I have friends in OH who have to drive a distance to recycle anything, and it generally involves taking scrap metals, bottles and cans, to a buyback center that begrudgingly accepts paper.

Recycling is pretty good business, and once people are on the bandwagon to participate and get enthused about it, there is often more material than the collectors can handle. We're finding this to be true where I live, where yard debris pickup is concerned. We're one of the few cities in this area that does not pick up food waste from households for composting with the yard debris, but should be rolling that out soon. Something a few cities have gotten into is methane digestion of the foodwastes. San Francisco's NorCal is doing this to run their sorting lines, if I remember rightly.

Quite often, the hindrance to recycling programs is the NIMBY thing. No one wants to hear bottles clacking on a sorting line, or big trucks back up to dump, all day.

Anyway, didn't want to just natter on, but had to post a bit more.

Where I work we have an entire store, that earns the Children's Museum actual income, all based on items that are donated to use, that would end up trashed.

It's called the Recycled Materials Center. WE get things from business and corporations.Companies will often bring us their old binders when they feel the need to replace theirs. Alot have writing, or things from projects in the covers, but given the cost of a new one at WM, about $5.00. You can get 5 for $2.00. Kids kilem anyways, or it's just for a filing projec,t or hell, we even get brand new ones. Hallmark donates alot of things they gooof up in printing. or items being discontinued. We just receive fur from their plush line of animals they are no longer making.

We've had crafters give up things they no longer need or use.

Every year there is a convention of a set of ruber stampers. The Angel Co. These are some awesome ladies. They love to shop with us, and it helps them to earn their livings as well.

I have little old folks who walk and I'll come back to my desk to find three toilet paper tubes on my desk, lol. Yes, we take anything that cna be used in a classroom project or as a learning tool, or a craft project, or a class project, or whatever you can dream up.

Oh yeah and the kids from Odesy of the Mind luv us! They have a limited budget to do what ever it is they are doing, and alot around here win awards! Even won at nationals!

A couple not listed:

Cotton from aspirin bottles can also be saved and used instead of storebought cotton balls, for removing makeup or as temporary earplugs when working with power tools, sleeping with snorers, etc.

Another good place to donate your old magazines is to a welfare clinic. Regular doctor's offices provide magazines, but I was broke and without insurance and had to go to one of the docs for poor people, and they had *nothing*, not even pictures to look at on the walls. It was an indescribably depressing experience to have to be sick and in a place like that. The next time I had to go back there, I gathered up a big pile of old magazines and short-story books( I usually save my old National Geographics for artistic inspiration, but the need was just too great here) and just left them there in the waiting room.

Finally, the entries for "Boxes---food" and "Boxes---candy" are referred to but not actually included in the listing.