Seven Items You Should Never Throw Away
Cardboard tubes create TIDY DRAWERS
Just because an item has done its duty doesn't mean it's trash. These new uses will save you big money.
Make a super-simple drawer organizer for fashion accessories or office supplies using the cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Trim each roll so that it's slightly shorter than the height of the drawer. Apply a dot of hot glue to the sides of the rolls to secure a few together in a group. Dot the bottom of each roll with hot glue and press down onto a piece of posterboard trimmed to fit inside the drawer. Once in place, fill each compartment with anything—necklaces, hair clips, thumbtacks or rubber
Plastic jugs make GREAT SCOOPS
Turn empty gallon and half-gallon drink containers into handy mini-shovels—perfect for pet food, gardening or even digging snow away from car tires. Start with a clean, dry container positioned upright with the cap on. Use scissors to poke two holes: one about 2" below the handle, another on the opposite side an inch or two lower. Cut from hole to hole around the container to create an angled opening, then discard the bottom of the jug and trim away any jagged edges
Cooking oil STOPS SQUEAKS
Don't let those last drops of oil go to waste! Instead, dab what's at the bottom of the bottle onto a cotton swab and apply to a creaky door hinge to keep it quiet. Be sure to wipe away any excess to avoid drips.
Paper bags help DRY CLOTHES
Save those brown paper shopping bags (even the ripped ones) for a rainy day—literally. Tear the bag into sections, then loosely scrunch and stuff the pieces into wet shoes or the sleeves of drenched coats. The thick paper absorbs moisture, helping fibers dry faster and maintain their shape. And unlike newspaper, paper bags won't transfer ink to fabric when wet.
Cracked tiles support HEALTHY PLANTS
When potted plants sit in saturated soil for too long, they can begin to rot and mold. Elevate the roots and improve drainage by adding a layer of broken tile, stepping stones or pavement to the bottom of the planter. For best results, arrange 1" to 3" pieces so they overlap slightly, making sure the drainage hole isn't covered completely. Next, spread soil over the pieces, top with the plant and fill with remaining dirt.
Bread tags are CORD CLIPS
