Before you toss something out think about how you can reuse/repurpose the item, or if you can just donate it, and if neither of those options work then find out if it can be recycled. In my opinion recycling or simply throwing out something should be the last option, always consider a second life for the item first. Below are a few ideas on how you can reuse/repurpose some everyday household items:

Clothing

• Can be donated

• Handed down to a family member/friend

• Turn your old clothes into rags for cleaning or removing makeup

• Make them into produce bags for your food (there are a lot of youtube videos that show you how to do this)

Old Towels

• Can also be donated!

• Can be turned into rags

• Turn your old towels into a rug! Here are two different youtube videos to show you how to do that. I’m actually working on mine right now and will be using it in my dogs kennel.

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOR9jE0C_7s

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u93tDHZzy4Y

Glass Jars

• Reuse for food!

• Can be used for packing your lunch

• Use them as drinking jars

• Can be used as a pencil holder or for other office supplies

• They are great for storing your homemade cleaning products

• Can be repurposed as decorations. There are soooooo many different video tutorials to show you how to reuse glass jars that you can always watch for inspiration.

Plastic Food Containers from the store

• Keep using them for food storage

• Use them to pack your lunch

• Most of these containers will last for years if you wash them and don’t microwave them very often, so keep using them for food if you can.

Empty Plastic Spray Bottles

• Reuse these for your own homemade cleaning products (clean them out really well first!)

• You can use spray bottles to water your plants that don’t need a lot of water

These are just a few items that you can reuse, but there are so many more ways to repurpose your household items. If you need more inspiration youtube is a great resource, or use the search engine https://www.ecosia.org  and help the planet at the same time!

Before you go out and buy a new item, which we are all very used to doing, see if you can’t find what you need at a second hand store first. One of the best ways we can help our environment is by continuing to reuse what isn’t broken. Also this type of shopping is going to save you so much money! If you can’t find what you need by shopping second hand then try and buy from a company that makes eco-friendly, long lasting items.  Here are a few great options for shopping online:

• https://packagefreeshop.com/

• https://www.bestowedessentials.com

• https://wildminimalist.com/

• https://www.zeromarketplace.com

• https://zerowastestore.com/

Lastly, if there is no way that your item can be reused or donated/handed down, then it is time to research if it can be recycled. Most cities and towns will have a page to show you how to recycle things in your area. If you live in Eau Claire area like me here is a great resource:

https://www.co.eau-claire.wi.us/departments/departments-l-z/recycling-program

You can also check out the website https://www.terracycle.com which helps you to recycle for free at home.

Just keep in mind that living a zero waste life in order to help the planet largely revolves around these four simple terms, Reusing/Repurposing, Second Hand, Donating, Recycling. Feel free to comment below how you are reusing some of your own household items.