Re-Using Everyday Household Items

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Re-Using Everyday Household ItemsFinding a second use for household items is a true mark of afrugal person. Reusing items saves us money, reduces waste and isa way to do something positive for the environment.

Here are a few ideas to get you started reusing household items:Clothespins can be used in many ways other than hanging garmentson the clothesline. I use them to hang my skirts on wire hangersinstead of buying expensive special skirt hangers.

I use clothespins to hold potato chip bags closed. To keepcereal fresh, fold the inner bag down and hold closed with aclothespin.Glue a magnet to one side of a clothespin and you have a notepad

holder for your fridge. Use one to hold your grocery list.Use the cardboard toilet paper tubes for storing extra extensioncords. Tubes from paper towels can be used for storing thingslike knitting needles. Just cover one end with masking tape.

Empty milk jugs can be used for many things. I use one forcarrying clothespins. Cut a hole in the front, leaving thehandle intact. Then just slice across the handle near the bottomand you can hang it on the clothesline.

Use an empty milk jug or other plastic jug to store yourbirdseed. It makes it easier to pour than trying to pour out ofthe plastic bag it comes in!By cutting off the top of an empty milk jug, you can make a handy

disposable funnel. These are good to use when changing the oilin your car.Make a pet poop scoop with a 1/2 gallon milk jug. Cut the topout, leaving the handle and a smooth edge for scooping. Place a

used plastic newspaper bag or plastic produce bag inside for easyremoval of waste.Empty Kleenex boxes (the boutique kind) can be used to storethose handy plastic shopping bags. Just stuff them in the hole

in the top and when you need one, just pull one out.Reuse the styrofoam trays meat sometimes comes on when you givehomemade goodies. Be sure to wash the tray thoroughly. Thencover with foil; place candy or cookies on top and cover with

plastic wrap.I also use the meat trays as a palette when I paint.Reuse an empty detergent squeeze bottle for watering plants, tofill a steam iron, or spot clean the floor.Store a water-filled squeeze bottle in the car and use it to

clean the windshield when the wiper fluid is used up or to cleanhands after changing a flat.-- Diana Gonzalez

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. -Unknown