When we think about reducing waste, we often focus on recycling or buying new sustainable
products. But what if some of the most useful materials for sustainable living are already in your home? There are countless household items that can be reused in ways you might not have considered. Here are a few surprising items to consider reusing before you toss them in the trash.

• Toothbrushes: Old toothbrushes can become powerful cleaning tools! You can use them
  to scrub grout, clean jewelry, or detail hard-to-reach spots in your home. They can also
  be great for cleaning shoes or outdoor gear like gardening tools.
• Cereal Boxes: Next time you finish a box of cereal, don’t throw the box away. It can
  easily be repurposed into storage containers, homemade bookmarks, or even fun craft
  projects with kids. You can also cut and flatten the boxes to create sturdy dividers for
  organizing drawers and shelves.
• Wine Corks: Whether you drink wine regularly or occasionally, wine corks are often
  thrown out without a second thought. However, they can be upcycled into everything
  from bulletin boards to coasters, keychains, and even creative garden markers. If you
  have a lot, they can also be turned into decorative pieces like wreaths or picture frames.
• Egg Cartons: Egg cartons are one of the easiest items to reuse. Instead of tossing them,
  use them for organizing small items like screws, nails, and buttons, or for starting
  seedlings in your garden. They’re also handy for arts and crafts projects, such as
  creating puppets or making a homemade bird feeder.
• Old Towels: Old towels can easily be transformed into cleaning rags or used as padding
  in various storage solutions. You can even cut them up to make reusable cloth napkins
  or create a pet bed. Towels are versatile and, when reused properly, can last a long
  time.
• Glass Jars: Instead of tossing your empty glass jars, reuse them for food storage,
  crafting, or organizing small household items. Glass jars are perfect for storing spices,
  nuts, or even craft supplies like buttons, beads, and thread. They’re durable and can
  help reduce your need for plastic containers.

By rethinking these common household items, you’re reducing your waste and giving objects a new life instead of sending them to the landfill. Small changes like these add up and make a
significant impact on the environment, all while saving you money and sparking creativity in the process.

By Uliana Moshina