Tea bags
One tea bag can make two cups of tea—possibly even three or four. To get the most bang for your brew, continuously steep your tea in a teapot on the stove. If you only drink one cup in the morning, place your used tea bag in the refrigerator and re-purpose it later in the day to relax your eyes. Cool tea bags do wonders for eye puffiness and irritation. Here are some more ways to put teabags to use.
Egg cartons
Egg cartons are designed to keep small, fragile items safe. Who says eggs should be the only thing to get that protection? Use empty (and clean!) cartons to store small Christmas ornaments and lightbulbs, or turn them into organizing trays for screws and bolts.
Paper rolls
When expert crafters see paper towel or toilet paper rolls, they see endless crafting possibilities. But you don’t need to have an artistic vision to reuse cardboard tubes. Slip them over wrapped cables and extension cords to keep them from tangling. Cut and re-tape tubes over the bottom of hangers to keep pants from creasing. Stuff them with the many plastic bags laying around the house. The options are endless.
Coffee mugs
Lisa Torelli-Sauer, editor at Sensible Digs, upcycles old mugs into small flowerpots. She says, “Old coffee mugs can be painted to perfectly match your home’s decor. Repaint multiple mugs in coordinating colors or paint them in a matching theme. Coffee mugs are an especially good size for small succulents or herbs grown inside.”
Citrus rinds
Take the rinds from citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, and boil them in hot water on the stove for a fresh-smelling house.
Candle jars
Candles come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own recyclable purpose, according to sustainability blogger Kaitlyn Ray. Larger glass containers can be used to store food in bulk, while smaller jars with lids are perfect for coffee, loose tea and spices. They can also be repurposed as bathroom storage for Q-tips and cotton balls or make for a trendy cocktail glass.
Baking cups
Loathe baking the perfect cupcake only to have to pull away a greasy, paper baking cup while eating it? Say hello to your new best friends. These colorful, silicone baking cups can go in the oven for baking up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can also withstand the freezer and microwave. They’re also non-stick, so you’ll never worry about a baking mess (or paper waste) again!
Broken dishes
Channel your inner Pinterest artist and get creative! Broken dishes can be used to add some design to outdoor tables, flower pots or walkways. You may even be able to repurpose it into some trendy DIY jewelry.
Bottle caps
Fill bottle caps with wax to make tiny candles. These are especially great for large gatherings that call for a couple of decorative candles on each table.
source: tasteofhome
