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or sauce jars can also be reused. Baby food jars make great candle holders if you choose to make your own candles. They also can be used to hold art supplies including mixed paint from drying up, sewing buttons, or other little trinkets around the house. Sauce jars make very beautiful and simple vases. Some of the jars on the market now are quite unique and can add a touch of style when flowers are added.

Recycling Tip #6

Many of us enjoy reading the paper whether it is just the Sunday paper or the whole week. So how can we make use of the paper when we are finished? Old newspaper makes a great liner for kitty litter boxes or animal crates. If you enjoy crafts, consider using the paper to make something out of paper mache. You could use the paper to make a simple bowl and then use the bowl around the house. If you have a shredder, you can shred the paper and use it as padding for your packages. This would be an alternative to store bought package protection. Also, remember how cute those gifts looked when wrapped in the Funnies section? Use your old paper to make a creative gift wrap.

Recyclying Tip #7

If you plan to paint or redecorate your house anytime soon, consider using "oops" paint. This is paint that many stores sell at cheaper prices. It has been mixed but maybe at the wrong shade. So it is set aside and sold cheaper as an "oops" paint. This provides you a cheaper alternative and less paint is created for your project. Some of the "oops" colors can be absolutely beautiful. So try your luck!

Recycling Tip #8

If you are tired of getting junk mail that you end up tossing without reading, consider going online and finding one of the many organizations that fight against excessive junk mail. Among these many organizations, you can also call and remove yourself from any mailing lists you no longer wish to be a part of.

Recycling Tip 9

Many electronics end up in landfills. If you have items such as cell phones laying around that you don't use anymore consider donating them. Some organizations such as domestic violence shelters collect used cell phones to redistribute to domestic violence victims. Most cell phones are capable of dialing 911 even without a cell phone plan. This allows victims of abuse a way to call for help in an emergency. Plus, it helps by keeping cell phones out of our landfills.

Recycling Tip 10

We tend to accumulate lots of stuff over the years. Before tossing it to the curb, take your unwanted items to shelters, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or even have a yard sale. Many people have items that others need or want. Other options is to check with craigslist.org in your area or become a member of Freecycle.org. If you don't have a Freecycle group in your area, consider starting one. Freecycle allows for items to be exchanged free of charge with the purpose of keeping items out of landfills and making the most of its use.

Also consider book swaps, clothing swaps and other swap groups. Baby clothes can be exchanged with other parents with children. Start a book or magazine swap club in your neighborhood. This saves money, provides social time and helps the environment.

There are many ways we can incorporate recycling into our daily lives. As you can see, many of them require little effort, plus we can even save money along the way. So next time you have a load of stuff you don't know what to do with, consider all your options. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Learn more about this author, Alicia Holman.
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