How to Save Money by Reusing Stuff You Already Have
In a tough economy, many people cut back on expenses and look for ways to save money. Others want to eliminate unnecessary waste by adopting a "green" lifestyle. There are many ways to cut costs and be kind to the environment by simply reusing items you already have.
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Instructions
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Recycle unwanted, unused items around the house by giving them as gifts. Think of the saying "Someone's trash is another person's treasure" the next time a birthday or holiday rolls around. Most people have received items that they will never use, such as clothing items that are not their style, scented candles that trigger allergies or photo frames that do not fit in with the rest of their home's decor theme. Rather than cluttering up your home with unwanted items that only gather dust, give them to someone who will actually use them. Save money on gifts and finally put the items to good use.
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Reuse clothing in traditional and unique ways. If you really love a particular piece but have not worn it in several years, make it more modern with inexpensive trendy accessories. If you know you will never wear an item of clothing again, give it new life as a cushion cover or dust rag. If you know how to sew, turn a patterned shirt into a new pillow cover or dish towel.
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Use old paper in new ways to save money. For example, turn old newspapers into cat litter liner or packing material. Old envelopes can be turned into grocery lists or scrap paper for notes. If you pay bills online but still receive the paper versions, cover up the mailing address with a blank sticker and use it instead of purchasing new envelopes.
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Transform common trash items into reusable household tools. If you use disposable plastic cups, plates or eating utensils, wash them after use instead of throwing them in the trash. Return plastic grocery bags to the store; you may be able to get a discount on your overall bill. You can also use them to empty out the litter box. Use old jelly or pickle jars as storage containers for pens or garage items, such as screws or nails. Give old egg cartons to your kids for craft time and save money on expensive new materials.
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References
- Yahoo! Green; Regifting Is Good for the Environment; Trystan L. Bass; December 21, 2007
- The Greenest Dollar; Green Living 101: Things You Can Reuse to Save Money; December 2008
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
- RecyclingGuide.org.uk: Reuse Everyday Items
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
