Reduce, reuse, recycle – it’s the “environmental stewardship” trio. Reuse of various items is not only environmentally-friendly; it’s pocketbook friendly.  Unfortunately, most of us have a hard time knowing WHAT can be reused, and for
what. Hopefully the following ideas will get your creative juices flowing.

• Tissue boxes: hold plastic grocery bags
• Parmesan cheese containers: make terrific shakers for baking soda, borax, etc.
• Syrup bottles: make dispensers for squirt-type cleaners, paint, etc.
• Plastic 3-lb. shortening cans: are the perfect size for holding hamburger patties in the freezer.
• Cotton fabric scraps: can be used for stuffing.
• Empty juice bottles: will hold water to keep around the house for watering plants, or to stock in a less-than-full freezer to help it work efficiently.
• Boxes of various sizes: can, of course, be used for storage. (Don’t overlook very small boxes. I have an offering-envelope box that serves me well by holding postage stamps.)
• Egg cartons: are useful as sorting trays, either for little children’s play, or as a means of organizing jewelry and other small items.
• Pringles cans: hold juice-can lids (the metal kind off of frozen juice concentrate) very neatly. The lids can be decorated to make matching games and stored inside the potato-chip cans.
• Bouillon jars: are a great size for storing homemade seasoning mixes (like taco seasoning).
• Film canisters: hold small craft supplies (beads, sequins, etc.) or coins.
• Spice jars: are good for beads, as well. If the beads are small enough and the holes (in the jar) are large enough, the beads can even be shaken out a few at a time.
• 5-quart ice cream buckets: are good for storing small amounts of whole grains. I store homemade powdered laundry detergent in one, as well.
• Pill bottles: art good for holding small items, like garden seeds.

For other great re-uses, check out my Upcycle & Repurpose Pinterest board.