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By now we should all heard about and know the importance of "reduce, reuse, recycle". Here are a few helpful suggestions of ways you can reuse some ordinary household items:

Turning a coffee can or any type of can into a money bank is quick and easy.

Old film containers can be used to hold aspirin or other medicines you might need to carry with you in your purse. They are also the perfect size to hold quarters.

If you still get plastic bags when you go shopping, use them to line your smaller trash cans. They also make good wrapping when you are putting away your breakable holiday knick-knacks.

Newspaper can be used for packaging as well during the holiday decoration switch over, or during a move. It's also great for wrapping paper for gifts!

For those of you with small children; you can use the baby wipes containers for smaller storage needs.

Old clothes can be used for many things. Cutting them into squares for a patchwork quilt, crafts like jean purses, or even sock puppets. Old T-shirts make great shop rags for the garage.

You can use cracked or old laundry baskets for recycling bins.

Egg cartons can be used as jewelry boxes. The small compartments are perfect for storing pairs of earrings.

After the numbers have worn off your measuring cups or spoons, give them to the kids as bath toys or sand box toys!

Champagne or wine bottles used as candle holders can add an elegant/ romantic look to any occasion.

Plastic gallon milk cartons can be cut on the side opposite the handle to become a scoop for livestock or dog food. Cutting off the top below the handle line creates a food dish for smaller animals as well.

Plastic swimming/wading pools make great holders for smaller raised gardens. Punch large holes in the bottom for drainage so your plants don't suffer from root rot.

Cut an oil container in half to create a funnel instead of going out to buy one. It's the perfect size and it eliminates wasted/spilled oil during changes or top offs.

Old tires can be turned into tire swings. For larger sizes, like tractor tires turn them into sand boxes or smaller flower garden holders.

Big or small, there is almost always a use for things other than what they were originally created or intended for. Use your imagination and get those creative juices flowing! Mother Nature will appreciate your efforts.

Learn more about this author, Katrina Norman.
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