Recycling for the win at home can help you spend less, save more and be more efficient. The word recycle at its core means you’re using something again in some way instead of just disposing of it. And that’s definitely a win!
Start with Regular Recycling
- Cardboard shipping boxes, paper, newspapers, packaging
- Plastic water bottles, milk jugs, food containers, vitamin bottles
- Metal soda cans, canned goods cans
- Glass food jars, juice bottles, soda bottles
Give Trash Another Purpose
- Use egg cartons to start seeds to plant in your garden
- Turn old socks into dust mitts
- Cut up old towels for garage cloths
- Use big empty jars with lids as pantry storage for pasta, beans and rice
- Save newspapers to use as gift wrap
- Cut old t-shirts into squares for reusable “paper” towels
- Any old container can become a fun garden planter
- Broken plates can become mosaic tiles on an outdoor tabletop
- Decorative treasure boxes can be made from old shoe boxes
Recycling Water and Food
- Set plants under the drip hose from your air conditioner outside
- Divert rain water from your gutters to a rain barrel
- Keep a bucket in your shower to catch water for your garden
- Save vegetable scraps in a freezer bag, then boil with water for broth
- Freeze the extra juice in the bag from a rotisserie chicken in an ice cube tray for quick broth
- Save coffee grounds and egg shells for your garden to replenish the soil