Each day, countless people throw away plastic containers while others recycle at the curb or at a local recycling bin. When looking to save money and recycle, why not reuse some of those plastic containers in practical ways?
Recycling is great since plastic and other items will avoid landfills, at least temporarily, but people that chose to reuse save money while helping the environment. Although recycling is a fantastic practice, it still takes energy to transform used plastic into new items. Reuse some of the plastic containers in practical ways to save money and energy, and put used plastic containers to even greater use than recycling alone.
Latex Paint Containers for Touch-Ups
It is practical to keep small containers filled with paint for wall touch-ups instead of storing partially filled paint cans. Plastic drink containers are ideal for storing leftover latex paint in small quantities, and this is a practical way to reuse something that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin or trashcan. Unless the shades are very close, it will be easy to find the right colors at a glance. Containers can be marked to ensure perfect touchups every time.
Reuse Empty Plastic Cappuccino Containers for Drink Mix Packets
I purchase cappuccino in rectangular-shaped plastic boxes, and it always seems like such a shame to toss them into the recycling bin. I knew I could reuse these handy little plastic boxes in practical ways, and I found they are the perfect size for holding drink mix packets. I have used others for storing individual drink mix tubes for single-serving drinks and recycled the cardboard they originally came in. Why buy small plastic storage containers when they are easy to save and reuse?
Turn a Large Laundry Detergent Bottle Into a Handy Scoop
Scoops are practical and handy for pet food, birdseed, and numerous other scoop able products around the home. Reuse large laundry detergent bottles by turning them into sturdy scoops with handles. Carefully cut the bottles in half and form a scoop while keeping the handle intact. Reuse laundry detergent bottles to make practical scoops of many different colors that can be used for a variety of purposes, indoors and outdoors.
Reuse the Top of a Detergent Bottle for a Handy Funnel
When a funnel is necessary for filling containers with larger openings, reuse the top of a detergent bottle. Many detergent bottles are equipped with handy funnels that can be popped in and out. This practical way to reuse the ends of detergent bottles will save money and make use of something that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin or garbage can.
Reuse Empty Baby Wipe Containers to Hold Cosmetics
Stores sell fancy containers for holding cosmetics, but why buy plastic makeup boxes when ready-made containers can be used in practical ways? Baby wipe containers are ideal to reuse for holding makeup and other beauty supplies. They are practical because they can be decorated in a number of creative ways and stacked for storage. Remove the labels and glue on faux jewels, scrapbook stickers, craft foam cutouts, or anything else to embellish and personalize the containers.