40 New Uses for Things You Were Going to Throw Away
To think you almost got rid of all those super-useful paper towel tubes, egg cartons, and tissue boxes.
We all want to do a little better for the planet — and save some money too. We found several brilliant ways to re-use everyday household items that could be trash but shouldn't be. Get your house organized, your seedlings started, and your small items sorted — and hold onto your cash — by re-using these items instead of chucking them in the garbage. Remember: One man's trash could be another's lifesaver.
Egg Carton
Who needs a fancy cupcake holder when you have an empty egg carton? There are pockets for 12 treats and a lid to protect the frosting on top.
K-Cups
The next time you buy an entire bundle of parsley only to use four leaves, try this trick: Empty a used K-cup, then cut up your herbs, add some water, and freeze the mixture until the next time your recipe calls for that flavor.
Ketchup Bottle
The best way to make sure all your pancakes are the same size and completely round? Use a dispenser that elevates your batter-pouring skills to pro-level.
Milk Jugs
The bottom of a milk jug is a nifty container for each of your favorite herbs in your garden. Even better? When the weather gets colder, put the top half back on the jug to create a greenhouse effect and protect your plants.
Tissue Box
Just because you're out of tissues doesn't mean this box needs to go in the trash — use it to dispense other household items, like plastic grocery bags.
Tea Tins
These adorable containers can get a second life as the holder for a citronella candle — so even if you're using it to ward off nasty bugs, at least it looks good doing so.
Toilet Paper Roll
Nothing is more frustrating than going to your closet to get the wrapping paper and finding an unrolled, crinkled mess. Cut a toilet paper roll in half lengthwise to secure your paper in place.
To-Go Coffee Cup
It fits perfectly in your car cup-holder, so use it to dispense things you might need while you drive, like tissues.
Broken China
The gorgeous pattern on your favorite platter can get a second life as a mosaic tabletop. Here, blue-and-white patterns pop against the dark wood on this side table.
Cheese Shaker
It's so sad when the Parmesan is all gone. But this nifty idea might perk you up: Fill it with plant fertilizer for a super simple way to feed your garden.
Water Bottle
This is hands-down the easiest way to separate the yolk from the egg white: Just squeeze the water bottle, hold it over the yolk, then release your grip and the yellow middle will get sucked right up.
A Sock Without a Match
Bubble wrap and packing paper are overrated — use a sock without a mate to wrap up your breakables, like vases and candle stick holders instead.
Muffin Tins
If they're too old to be used for baking, you've got yourself a ready-made drawer organizer.
Coffee-Mate Lids
We're pretty sure you're going to flip your lid over this hack: It turns out Coffee-Mate toppers fit super snugly on top of mason jars, resulting in tighter, safer storage.
Wine Bottle
Here's a modern take on a bird feeder: The clear glass lets the seeds show through, while gravity pulls 'em down and out as the birds peck away.
Magazine Files
If you're not saving the magazines anymore, use the file to help handle hot appliances in the bathroom.
File Organizers
Or, if you have an old file separator lying around, you can use it to help organize your pot lids or pans.
Cat Litter Container
Surprisingly, one of the least pretty containers in your home can be the most adorable with a little creativity. Here the yarn is cute, but the red anchor is downright adorable.
Plastic Bags
Instead of getting your paint tray covered in, well, paint, use a plastic bag to line it and pour the paint on top. Unlike the liners at the hardware store, this plastic-bag trick is totally free.
Yesterday's Newspaper
Once you're done reading the cartoons (err, we mean the news) use that black-and-white paper to line an empty box. Tie stings on the top and voila, you've got a DIY gift bag for your next birthday party.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
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