The time to make New Year’s resolutions is almost upon us, but there’s no need to wait until January to resolve to go greener around your home. Did you know that taking simple measures to repurpose household goods can help you both reduce your carbon footprint and save you a ton of cold, hard cash to boot? It’s true!
Here are seven fun ways to save money and make the planet just a slightly better place, too..
- Save Your Takeout Containers
Old takeout containers can perfectly replace your pricey Tupperware. How many of us have spent way too much money on food containers only to end up losing the lid? Wash out that Moo Goo Gai Pan tray instead of tossing it into the recycling bin. Takeout containers are usually the perfect size for taking your lunch with you, too!
- Let Your Plants Go to Seed
Do you keep buying tomatoes and peppers year after year? Why? When you bring in your final harvest of the year, save some seeds from each plant, and use them to harvest new plants in the spring! You’ll save a ton of money and resources during spring planting.
- Get Creative with Eggshells
Speaking of planting, did you know that half an eggshell makes the perfect base for quickening seeds? It’s true! So, don’t toss the shells next time you whip up an omelet. Just sprinkle a bit of planting soil and a seed into each half-shell, place them on a sunny windowsill, water, and watch your new plants grow!
- Do Your Own Version of Kintsugi
In Japanese culture, when a piece of china breaks, instead of tossing the broken pieces, people mend the shards together with gold. This practice, called kintsugi, makes broken things even more beautiful than they were before.
Of course, you don’t have to use gold, but why not add some glitter to the ceramic-safe glue you use to mend that broken plate? Your china pattern may no longer perfectly match, but it will sparkle at the broken places… and be far more beautiful.
- Restore Your Furniture
Do you have an old table or dresser you’d love to restore but fear the difficulty involved? Fear not! Restoring old furniture can be fun, and it’s not nearly as difficult as you may think.
Simply remove all the hardware and disassemble the piece as much as possible. Once you’ve sanded the furniture down, get imaginative when you repaint it! You can create whimsical, playful textures using sponges, stencils, or even an old toothbrush. When you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful piece of decor that is truly uniquely yours.
- Repurpose Those Bags
Grocery bags are wonderful for repurposing, especially if you’re a student.Do you have school books you need to keep tidy? Cutting up a paper grocery bag and turning it into a book cover keeps your school book safe and also provides a customizable surface to doodle on.
- Use Glass Jars to Give Gifts
You can use glass jars for many purposes, the least of which is packaging small gifts! Simply decorate a glass jar with paint or ribbon, insert a scented pillar candle, and you’ve got a quick, crafty gift that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. If you have a crafter in your life, fill a decorated glass jar with beads, thread, or other crafting materials for a whimsical but useful present.
Once upon a time, reusing everyday items was second nature. Our need to keep our planet green has renewed interest in this dying art. With just a little creativity, you, too, can save money and help to keep our planet healthy at the same time!
Featured image via Laura Mitulla on Unsplash
