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Creative recycling can be loads of fun while saving time, money, and the environment. From kitchen to outbuilding, you are sure to find fresh uses for everyday items.

Tried and true keepers

White distilled vinegar, alone or combined with another household item, is an environmentally friendly cleaning agent that packs a greater punch than its toxic counter part. The level of acidity in vinegar kills bacteria, mold, and germs. To clean and deodorize a grimy drain, mix -cup hot vinegar with -cup baking soda. Pour into drain. Allow to sit for five minutes. While you wait, sanitize your microwave. You loosened stuck on food while heating the vinegar. Simply wipe inside microwave with a warm wet cloth. Return to the drain and rinse with warm water. Vinegar can also remove lime and mineral deposits from bathtubs, coffee pots, sink fixtures, and glasses.

Naturally absorbent, cornstarch has a skin-friendly texture. Substituting cornstarch for talcum powder is great for baby and family's skin and lungs. Make some non-toxic homemade fun by mixing -cup cornstarch with two cups water in a saucepan. Boil and stir to paint consistency. Divide mixture evenly into medicine bottles or film canisters. Add a few drops of food coloring to create desired colors.

Produce power

Lemons are a natural astringent and disinfectant. In addition, their pleasant aroma permeates the house for a natural air freshener. Apply diluted lemon juice to sunburns and canker sores for speedy relief and healing. Gargle with the juice of lemon and -cup water several times a day to sooth a sore throat. To disinfect, mix the juice on one lemon with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle. Spray on chopping blocks, countertops, sinks, as well as toys. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Miscellaneous

Rinse and remove pop tops from soda cans. Paint and decorate cans as ornaments for holidays. Fill with dried beans and seal the opening with tape for a fun cat toy. Recycle paper towel and toilet paper tubes for pet gerbils, hamsters, and mice. If you do not have pets of your own, donate these items to your local animal shelter, friends, and family. Save milk cartons, cardboard boxes, and 2-liter soda bottles for craft projects. Local schools, daycares, and parks and recreation often use these items as well.

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