Seems like we’re told left and right to get rid of the clutter and live a life that “sparks joy”. That’s not what my mom taught me. She pretty much showed me we need to keep the clutter and make use of it. So, today let’s look at some things to never throw away – some people might consider these garbage, but with some imagination and upcycling ideas you can make that trash work for you, save the environment and even save money. These following things can be used in your home and in your garden.
Keep Your Clutter: 7 Things To Never Throw away
1. Plastic Bottles.
I know, ideally we’d all be drinking clean water out of fountains anywhere on the street and eliminate plastic altogether, but the reality is that in many places around the world water isn’t good for drinking. Drinking water is often delivered in plastic bottles (I know it sucks, but that’s the reality we live in). You can either recycle or reuse and upcycle those bottles to save the environment and save money. I use plastic bottles in the garden in so many ways – to scare away birds and moles from the harvest, I cut them in half and make a wasp trap or use them as pots for starting seeds instead of buying new pots. You can decorate them and use them at home too as organizers or soap dispensers, you can find more ideas here.
2. Plastic cups.
You can use plastic cups from yogurt or drinks similarly to plastic bottles, and you don’t even need to cut them in half. Use them for starting seeds in your garden or as organizers at home. Here are some more creative ways to use plastic cups.
3. Old Cooking Pots And Baking Trays.
Got some scratched, burned or rusty kitchenware?You can still use it at home and in your garden. Transform these old cooking pots into beautiful planters, as bird feeders, upcycle into wall decor, as organizers or if you have young children, they could also use them during playtime. Here are some more ideas for your old pots and pans.
4. Cans
Canned food might not have the best reputation out there, but if you’ve got some cans of beans, tuna or even formula don’t throw them out once you eat the inside. Cans don’t break or bend easily and are great to repurpose into planters, pots for starting seeds, candle holders or organizers for your desk. Here are some more ideas for what to do with empty tin cans.
5. Old window screens
There are so many ways to repurpose old window screens. One reason I never throw these out is because I like to use them for drying herbs like mint or chamomile or vegetables like peppers. You can find 9 more ways to use window screens here.
6. Jars.
I never quite understand when people go and buy new empty jars from the store. How about repurposing old jars that you buy food in? You can clean them up, remove labels and stamps and use them as brand new to organize your pantry, to store dried herbs, decorated as organizers at home, to can your own food as well as airtight food containers that go into your fridge.
7. Ice Cream Containers
There are so many ways to use old ice cream containers. Again – use them in your garden as planters, for starting seeds or decorate them and use them as a regular box at home. I also like to use them to freeze fresh fruit. Seriously, why buy more plastic? Here are some more ideas for upcycling ice cream containers.
If that’s too much clutter for you, remember you don’t need to keep ugly old tuna cans or plastic bottles all over your house in case you might need them some day. Collect them and have a designated place for these, so you can use them when in need.
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