I thought it would be fun to create a page where everyone can post how they reuse “stuff” that would ordinarily go into the trash. I will go first.
How many of you visit fast food places? Come on, be honest. Wendy’ s is actually one of my favorite places. With four kids participating in many sports at the same time, we end up at Wendy’s, Subway, or pizza. You do not want to know what my car looks like. For all of you cringing out there saying how can you go to fast food places, it is one of my vices besides chocolate.
So, back to the picture. I started planting bulbs this year and I wanted to have a permanent marker where I planted them. Instead of buying fancy markers, I decided to either use the plastic knives or straws that we get with our food. I wash them and then use them as a marker. I need to put some color or something on them because I have to dig up certain bulbs in the fall.
So how have you used your trash??? Inquiring mind want to know.
Update 12/20/2011: Since I posted this article in 2007, I have been on a mission to try to re-purpose, recycle or give away my bound for trash items.
Let’s see…
- I have used old screens made into garden shades for newly planted thyme.
- Old Panty Hose that can be use to secure cucumbers and melon to trellises.
- Broken plates have become “stones” to help with drainage for my potted plants.
- Oh, and my favorite, 18 ways to use your old credit cards! Yeah, I know you want to read that one.
And the list goes on. To see other ways to re-purpose or recycle, see my category feed on recycling.
Join the Conversation:
- What have you re-purposed?
- Found a clever way to recycle an item?
- Have any ideas of who to give trash bound items to?
gawnd says
May 23, 2007 at 12:50 pmIts not the most original idea, but we eat a ton of yogurt and have found a handy use for the leftover containers. We use them to start out herbs and just about anything we plant from seed. Fits easily on a window sill and saves us money at the grocery store.
susan says
September 14, 2008 at 6:22 pmI reuse…
jam jars and the clear plastic tops of CD packaging as pen holders.
the tube part of pens as stakes for my baby plants.
cut off the bottom of large plastic cups to support plants that are falling over and to provide them with protection at the begining of the gardening season from little rabbits attaching mesh plastic bags on the top so the rabbits dont reach in.
my rabbit poops go directly in finger holes in the soil of my indoor plants.
plastic containers from lettuce and other foods are used to sort adapters and batteries. They stack up nicely too.
initially purchased plastic ice cream container from hand scooped ice cream from dairy queen and baskin robins are brought back and neither estabilishments can legaly refuse to refill your pre purchased container. Plus they cant charge full price for the ice cream. ask them to add scoops and press down the ice cream. Then ask only to be charged for the number of scoops added. It saves money and helps to stay green!
Green Talk says
September 14, 2008 at 10:14 pmSusan, you are my hero. These are amazing tips. Will you keep add tips? If you have a good picture for me, please contact me at my contact page. I would love to post it. Anna