Paper rolls

Paper rolls
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When expert crafters see paper towel or toilet paper rolls, they see endless crafting possibilities. But you don’t need to have an artistic vision to reuse cardboard tubes. Slip them over wrapped cables and extension cords to keep them from tangling. Cut and re-tape tubes over the bottom of hangers to keep pants from creasing. Stuff them with the many plastic bags laying around the house. The options are endless.

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Pickle jars

Pickle jars
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Give these a quick wash and you’ll have a reusable glass storage container. Beth Nydick, founder of Blue Barn Kitchen, uses them to “store leftovers, homemade sauces, freezing soups and dried teas.” They can even be used as a small planter.

Coffee mugs

Coffee mugs
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Lisa Torelli-Sauer, editor at Sensible Digs, upcycles old mugs into small flowerpots. She says, “Old coffee mugs can be painted to perfectly match your home’s decor. Repaint multiple mugs in coordinating colours or paint them in a matching theme. Coffee mugs are an especially good size for small succulents or herbs grown inside.”

Water jugs

Water jugs
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You can use water, milk or detergent jugs as weights instead of going out to purchase expensive exercise equipment.

Sneaking in these 60-second exercises can transform your body. 

Underwear

Underwear
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The author of Gilded Pearls (Vibrant Thoughts, Tips and Tidbits for a Full Life), Carol Gee, recycles old underwear and T-shirts as cleaning rags instead of purchasing towels. They are perfect for dusting, wiping countertops and even washing your car.

Meanwhile, here are 65 brilliant uses for old socks. 

Takeaway containers

Takeaway containers
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When you order takeaway, you can keep the containers and reuse them for storing your own homemade food or even future takeaway orders in order to reduce resources. Adam Lumb of Cashcow suggests, “The first time you try this, make sure to call the restaurant to explain your intention. Keep in mind that they might ask you to arrive a couple of minutes earlier than usual to box your food. Once they get familiar with this request, you can go back to ordering online if you did before – with a note explaining that you will bring your own packaging.”

Here are 9 brilliant ways other countries are replacing plastic. 

Eggshells

Eggshells
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The Marketing Director of Toolbox Genomics advises using thoroughly washed and dried eggshells to drop in your morning coffee to reduce the acidity. This will improve the taste and make your morning drink easier on your stomach.

Here are more great reasons you need to stop throwing away eggshells. 

Citrus rinds

Citrus rinds
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Take the rinds from citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, and boil them in hot water on the stove for a fresh-smelling house. Amy Bloomer, founder of Let Your Space Bloom, says, “I learned this trick from my Great Grandmother who had a lemon tree in her backyard.”

Here are more great hacks to have your home smelling great. 

Candle jars

Candle jars
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Candles come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own recyclable purpose, according to sustainability blogger Kaitlyn Ray. Larger glass containers can be used to store food in bulk, while smaller jars with lids are perfect for coffee, loose tea and spices. They can also be repurposed as bathroom storage for cotton buds and cotton balls or make for a trendy cocktail glass.

Kitty litter

Kitty litter
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For all the cat owners who find the copious amounts of kitty litter to be wasteful, an eco-friendly way to make use of the excess product is to use it as a grease absorbent. Doron Wolffberg of We’re All About Cats says, “Plain kitty litter is often used as an absorbent, which works well for cleaning up spilt grease or oil on driveways. It’s great for the garden, too. Next time you find little sink holes in your garden, use a few scoops of kitty litter to even it out.”

Here are 14 more cleaning hacks every dog or cat owner should know. 

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