Instead of tossing out that bottle, ask can it be reused first? You may be missing a chance to reorganize the garage or creating materials for a fun project with the kids. More often than not, after a good cleaning, everyday items can be used for other purposes before hitting the blue bin.

Listed below are a few ideas for common products:

• Vegetable Cans – containers for nuts, bolts, and other handyman items.
• Jelly Jars – plant pots for the kitchen or office.
• Milk Jugs – containers for gardening chemicals or watering pots.
• Spray Bottles – use for bug or plant sprays.

Fun with the kids:

• Cardboard Boxes – great for action figure dioramas (Star Wars being my recommendation).
• Plastic Bottles – Terrarium Projects
• Clothes – crafting smocks or materials, or dress-up costumes.

If items are difficult to recycle, consider donating them to local charities. Try creating a De-Accumulation Bag.

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