Reuse in the home

There are many ways in which people can reuse items to prolong their life and avoid buying new replacement items. Here are some simple tips for reuse around the house:

• Choose products that can be used again and again – real nappies, re-useable razors, pens, washable dusters etc. They will have a longer lifetime and more often than not they will save you money as well.

• Use rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. These batteries can be used time and time again, and can be fitted to toys, torches, audio equipment and many other household items.

• Jam jars and food containers can be washed out to make ideal storage containers for use around the house and in the garage. They can also be used in the shed and greenhouse as plant pots or for storing seeds. Alternatively jam jars are useful for school art classes where they can be used for cleaning paint brushes.

• Reuse carrier bags from your last shopping trip. Keep them in a convenient place so that you remember to take them with you next time you go shopping.

• If you do have excess plastic carrier bags, use them as bin liners. They are ideal for the job and you will save money.

• Envelopes and packets for posting items (jiffy bags) can be reused by putting a sticky label over the old address.

• Use a lunch box rather than wrap lunches in paper, foil or plastic wrapping. You can reuse it (saving you money on buying wrapping materials) and it will prevent your lunch being squashed too.

• Children’s art – paper and card that has been printed on just one side is an ideal material for children to draw on; many packaging items make interesting shapes for junk modelling. Or turn old Birthday or Christmas cards into gift labels.

• Reuse old newspapers, e.g. as a base for pet bedding.

• Where possible, repair household products such as shoes, clothes, electrical items and furniture.
  
• Take unwanted clothes and household items to charity shops or jumble sales;