Small Scale Recycling

You might recycle your aluminum cans and plastic items, but did you know you can get more mileage out of everyday items at home as well? Here are some tips on things you can do around the house to get more use out of items that would otherwise be considered waste.

Make the most of those plastic shopping bags

When you go shopping, most cashiers and baggers are trained to bag your groceries in a manner that will most protect them and keep the bags from becoming too heavy. This can leave you with lots of excess plastic bags at home. One method you may want to consider is to help bag your own groceries. You can make the bags a little heavier ( with canned goods for example ). This can save you from using several more plastic bags than you really need. Use these bags at home in your bathroom garbage can as a makeshift garbage bag. You can also use these bags to organize supplies for a camping trip. Try using one of these bags when you need to carry a lunch with you or for a small tote.

If your household produces a large supply of soda cans you might want to try making soda can art. You can make purses, mobiles, brooches and more with this flexible material. Check out some of the ideas on DIY's Soda Can Art page. Kids will also enjoy this craft while learning about recycling at the same time. Be sure and use close supervision with children since cans will be sharp and dangerous once you start cutting them. You might find yourself with a beautiful new piece of art for your home!

Save those garbage twisty ties for school projects and more. These can also come in handy when you need a quick fix around the house. Use these ties around the holidays to hang and secure decorations. Try them in the garden area to stabilize vine plants against a lattice or to attach a heavy plant to a support dowel.

If you have small children then you know those diaper boxes can stack up quickly. You can use these boxes to organize small toys. Children often get bored with their toys. You can put a portion of them away in these boxes and bring them out later for renewed interest. These size boxes are also great for storing away baby clothes. Try using these boxes in the garage for heavier tools and supplies. The handles on the sides of the box allows it to hold heavier items.