Seven ways to reuse your recyclables

Recycling is one thing, but dutifully reusing your paper cups, plastic bottles and aluminum cans takes it to a whole new level. Finding a new purpose for these items within your home can help you save the environment and money in the process! If you’re not sure where to start, check out these creative ideas:

1. Mini-planters

If you have a caffeine habit you just can’t kick, put all of those paper coffee cups you’ve collected to good use! They can easily be repurposed into mini-planters. Simply poke a hole in the bottom of each cup, fill it with a bit of dirt and a sprouted seed and you’re good to go. You may want to repurpose a paper plate to catch the water that drains out.

2. Birdhouses

Old half-gallon milk containers can make beautiful birdhouses. Cut a 1.5-inch round hole in the side, staple the top shut and secure it to a tree with twine or yarn. You can use weatherproof markers or paint to decorate it in any way you like.

3. Organize cables

Instead of tossing your empty toilet paper rolls in the trash, place them on their ends inside of an old shoebox and organize your cables. This nifty little trick will also make it easy for you to keep track of all the various chargers you have lying around your home.

4. Pet food dispenser

To execute this creative idea, you’ll need two large plastic juice bottles. Cut two holes in the first bottle – one where your pet can access the food and the other so you can place the second bottle perpendicularly inside. Then, cut a hole near the bottom of the second juice container so the food will dispense itself – you’ll never have to worry about your furry friend going hungry while you’re out of town again!

5. Homemade ice packs

After you finish with your plastic water or soda bottles, fill them up with water and place them in the freezer to create homemade ice packs for your next picnic. It’s super easy to do and much more economical than continuing to buy bags of ice.

6. Desk organizers

Whether you choose to decorate them or not, empty coffee cups and aluminum cans make great desk organizers for pens and pencils.

7. Pancake squirter

Once you’re done with that ketchup bottle, give it a good scrub and use it to squirt pancake batter! You’ll get beautifully round pancakes every time.