In our daily lives, we often toss items that seem to have served their purpose. However, many of these can be repurposed, upcycled, or recycled, saving money and reducing waste. By keeping and creatively reusing these items, you reduce waste, save money, and discover the joy of upcycling. Start with just a few items and watch as your household becomes more resourceful and environmentally friendly!
Here’s a detailed guide to 20 everyday items worth keeping, along with tips and creative options.
Glass Jars
Why Keep Them? Sturdy and versatile, glass jars are perfect for storage and organization.
Tips & Options:
- Use them to store pantry staples like grains or spices.
- Turn them into DIY candle holders or flower vases.
- Paint or decorate them for unique home décor
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Wine Corks
Why Keep Them? They’re biodegradable and excellent for craft projects.
Tips & Options:
- Create cork trivets or coasters.
- Use them as mulch in plant pots to retain moisture.
- Start a collection for future upcycling projects.
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Plastic Bags
Why Keep Them? Single-use plastics are harmful to the environment, but they can have multiple lives.
Tips & Options:
- Use them as liners for small trash bins.
- Twist them into ropes for DIY projects.
- Return them to stores with recycling programs.
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Old Towels
Why Keep Them? Worn-out towels can serve multiple purposes.Tips & Options:
- Cut them into cleaning rags.
- Donate to animal shelters for bedding.
- Use as padding in packaging or storage.
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Egg Cartons
Why Keep Them? Perfect for storage and crafts.Tips & Options:
- Start seedlings in the compartments.
- Use them as paint palettes for kids.
- Store small items like screws or jewelry.
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Tin Cans
Why Keep Them? These are recyclable and great for upcycling.Tips & Options:
- Turn them into pencil holders or planters.
- Create lanterns by punching designs into the sides.
- Use for DIY storage solutions.
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Leftover Food Scraps
Why Keep Them? Many food scraps can be composted or reused.Tips & Options:
- Compost fruit and vegetable peels for garden fertilizer.
- Boil bones to make stock.
- Regrow veggies like celery or green onions from scraps.
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Broken Crayons
Why Keep Them? They can be melted and reused.Tips & Options:
- Melt into molds to create new multi-colored crayons.
- Use for encaustic art projects.
- Donate to schools for art supplies.
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Cardboard Boxes
Why Keep Them? Reusable for storage and crafts.Tips & Options:
- Break them down for recycling.
- Turn them into kids’ playhouses or storage bins.
- Use as weed barriers in the garden.
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Coffee Grounds
Why Keep Them? Rich in nutrients, they have numerous uses.Tips & Options:
- Sprinkle in gardens to enrich soil.
- Deodorize your fridge by placing them in an open jar.
- Use as a natural exfoliant in skincare.
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Old Jeans
Why Keep Them? Denim is durable and can be repurposed easily.Tips & Options:
- Sew into tote bags, aprons, or quilts.
- Create patches for other clothes.
- Donate if they’re still wearable.
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Mason Jar Lids
Why Keep Them? Perfect for various creative projects.Tips & Options:
- Use as coasters.
- Make mini photo frames.
- Turn them into ornaments or mini chalkboards.
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Used Gift Wrap
Why Keep Them? Reusing wrapping paper reduces waste.Tips & Options:
- Smooth out and save for future gifts.
- Cut into pieces for crafting or journaling.
- Shred to use as packing material.
auntpeaches
Chopsticks
Why Keep Them? Strong and lightweight, chopsticks have surprising versatility.Tips & Options:
- Use as garden stakes for small plants.
- Craft them into ornaments or picture frames.
- Use as stirring sticks for DIY projects.
Yone Liau
Shoeboxes
Why Keep Them? Compact and sturdy, perfect for storage.Tips & Options:
- Decorate and use as organizers.
- Turn into dioramas for kids.
- Use for keeping cords or small tools tidy.
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Wine Bottles
Why Keep Them? Elegant and multifunctional.Tips & Options:
- Use as waterers for plants by filling and inverting them.
- Create lamps or decorative centerpieces.
- Make homemade infused oils or vinegar.
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Old Magazines
Why Keep Them? Packed with colorful imagery.Tips & Options:
- Create collages or mood boards.
- Make paper beads for jewelry.
- Donate to schools or art programs.
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Dryer Lint
Why Keep Them? Surprisingly useful for crafts and survival.Tips & Options:
- Use as a fire starter for camping.
- Mix with wax to make homemade fire logs.
- Stuff small sewing projects or pet toys.
The Spruce / Georgia Lloyd
Bread Clips
Why Keep Them? Tiny but practical.Tips & Options:
- Label cords and wires.
- Use as placeholders in books or games.
- Keep as emergency chip clips.
Aluminum Foil
Why Keep Them? Reusable for a variety of purposes.Tips & Options:
- Rinse and reuse for cooking or wrapping.
- Sharpen scissors by folding and cutting the foil.
- Ball up to scrub pans or clean grills.
Treehugger / Alexandra Cristina Nakamura
