Every year, millions of metric tons of single-use products are burned, tossed into landfills, or dumped into the ocean, releasing noxious pollutants into the environment. Not only that, but disposable products also go against the principles of thriftiness. Why use something only once? Whether its for environmental reasons or saving an extra buck, frugal Redditors recently shared their ideas for reusing so-called “single-use” products.
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Glassware
Before you throw your jam jars or wine bottles into the recycling — only about a third of glass products are actually recycled in the U.S. — think about repurposing them. You can reuse glass products in the kitchen as drinking glasses, food storage containers, salad dressing mixers, jam jars … the list goes on. Or be creative and transform your glassware into a candle holder, vase, or piggy bank.
Related: 7 Clever Uses For Cheap Vodka (Besides Drinking It)
Cardboard Toilet Rolls
Gardeners should hold onto paper towel and toilet paper rolls, which make great seedling planters. If you’ve got a wedding on your horizon, one Redditor also suggests repurposing them as confetti holders.
Related: 22 Tips to Keep Gardening Dirt Cheap
Plastic Take-Out Containers
Some take-out containers seem so sturdy that it’s a shame to throw them out after just one use. But before you do anything, check the item’s “chasing arrows” recycling symbol for a number. Containers labeled with a two, four, or five are safest to reuse, according to the Plastic Soup Foundation. Otherwise, don’t risk reusing disposable products for food prep or consumption, as they can leach harmful chemicals and grow bacteria.
Related: 15 Things You Need to Replace More Often Than You Think
Pens
While we’re not sure if anyone has ever refilled a BIC pen, it’s worth reminding eco- and budget-conscious folks that it’s possible. BIC even has a program to recycle all brands of writing instruments and packing. Sign up on the company’s website, send in your waste, and BIC will recycle the products.
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Plastic Bags
While it’s best to avoid plastic bags altogether, reusing them is better than sending them to a landfill, where they won’t decompose for at least 500 years. Thin plastic produce bags make great poop bags for dog owners, one Redditor says, while more durable sandwich baggies can be washed and reused for food products as long as they aren’t too dirty. Just be sure to avoid cross-contamination and throw out zip-top bags used to store meat, fish, eggs, and allergy-triggering foods.
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Toiletry Bottles
As long as the bottles come with a screw top, you can refill old shampoo and body wash containers at your local zero waste shop. Some companies even sell bulk refill bottles to reduce waste.
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