The Clean Boot Blog

Recycling is not a new term especially if you belong to the ‘Go Green’ revolution. But, throwing a bottle into the recycling bin isn’t helping the environment as much as you think. Even if you invest time to sort different recyclable materials, it doesn’t necessarily mean everything you throw in the dedicated bins will be processed. This is where the concepts of ‘reduce’ and ‘reuse’ come into play.

Here are 11 smart ways through which you can reuse the things in your recycling bin:

1. Paint Plastic Containers to make New Planters

Take empty plastic containers and clean them thoroughly. Spray paint your containers and let them dry. Repeat this step three times for a flawless finish. Apply a clear coat and hot glue cord around the top. Use these new planters to cover tiny succulents.

2. Reuse Nut Cans

Peel off the label and paint with your favorite color. Use these painted nut cans to store essential bathroom accessories.

3. Make Pocket Organizers Out of Your Used Lotion Bottles

Take empty lotion bottles, peel off the labels and clean with some rubbing alcohol. Cut out a paper template, keep it on the bottle and cut along with lines with the help of a sharp cutter. Use sand paper to even out the surfaces. Hang these bottles on your wall and use them to store makeup brushes or stationery.

4. Use Empty Bottles to Make a Charging Cradle

You can also use the empty lotion bottles to make a DIY charging cradle for your home. Simply cut the bottle short enough so that you can see the screen. Also, make a hole for the charger’s plug and spray the whole cradle with your favorite color. Apply a clear coat for neatness.

5. Use Wine Bottles to Make Oil and Vinegar Dispensers

Decant your liquid kitchen ingredients such as oil and vinegar into an empty wine bottle. Simply, peel the labels off and fill in bottles with the help of a bottle pourer. Make sure to label them so you don’t have any difficulty finding your required ingredients.

6. Reuse Cereal Boxes to Make a Junk Drawer

Cut your empty cereal boxes with a sharp cutter so that it can be easily placed into a drawer. Cover with a wrapping sheet and you’re all set to organize your junk without breaking the bank.

7. Use Tissue Paper Box to Hold Plastic Bags

Instead of overstuffing your drawer with plastic bags, place them inside an empty tissue box. It will be much easier to reuse these bags when you need one to use as a garbage bag in your bathroom.

8. Use Baby Food Containers to Make Stick-On Spice Jars

Baby food containers can be used to make cute spice jars that you can stick onto your fridge for convenient use. Simply paint these containers or cover with your favorite decorative sheet. Stick magnets on the lid.

9. Nail Cans to the Fence

Nail empty cans to the fence so that your plants can have access to more sunlight. You can also paint these cans in different colors and include the name of each plant for a more personalized look.

10. Empty Mint Cans as a Travel Kit

You can easily make your DIY travel kits by using empty mint cases. Use them to hold your basic meds, contact lenses or you can also use them as a travel-friendly sewing kit.

11. Use Candle Jars to Store Makeup

Wiggle a butter knife on the sides to scrape all the excess wax. Clean thoroughly with soap and water. Use these jars to store your makeup and other beauty essentials.

There you have it. These simple yet effective tips will help you upcycling junk inside your home without much effort. The best part? You will be able to experiment with your creativity and create things you can use in your daily life.