Reduce Re-use Recycle

Every tightwad knows the best way to save money is to not spend it!
In skimming through my book of articles from the Tightwad Gazette I am truly amazed by the wealth of ideas on how to Re-use, or Recycle everyday household items. Here are a few of my favorites!

6 ways to reuse old blue jeans:
1.Workshop/Gardening apron
2. Tote bag
3. Neck roll pillow
4 Wall organizer
5. Purse
6. Pockets make cute coin purses
(If you are truly interested in making these, see me for instructions!)

Ziplock baggies are a great source of waste in America. To save money wash and reuse any plastic bags (except those that have come into contact with raw meat). One way to do this is to wait until laundry day. Like any true tightwad would, wash in cold water, turn your baggies inside out, add a bit of bleach to your white load, toss in the used baggies. They come out nice and clean! Hang them to dry and re-use. It’s not only good for the wallet, but also the land fills!

Used Sweatshirts (or really any sort of pullover!) Bibs can be made easily by leaving the front complete, trimming off the sleeves and back (leaving the neck hole intact) and finishing the rough edges with a zigzag stitch.

Old Sentimental T-shirts make for a great quilt when you reuse an old bed spread or comforter. (Or purchase one at a yard sale for $1.)

Bread bags make for the perfect freezer “tube” for ground beef or other meats. Divide your meat in 1 lb. sections (because of course you bought the family pack which is significantly cheaper!). Place first pound in the bread bag, twist or tie a knot then place the second pound in the same way. You can easily freeze three pounds of meat this way. When you want a pound of meat simply use scissors to snip off the lump. If you are afraid of freezer burn double the bags!

Is there too much chlorine taste in your water? Are you buying bottled water? (tsk, tsk, tsk) Fill a gallon milk jug (that has been washed out) with regular tap water. Let it sit on the counter for a couple of days opened. The chlorine evaporates out of the water! Tasty water a no extra cost. (you can also now put it in the fridge to chill and pour straight from the jug!)

Prescription glasses are another way to recycle. Have you ever considered taking those old glasses that you just got tired of and having them dyed at the optical store? The glass can be dyed to make sunglasses for a reasonable price!

Toilet paper tubes are great for holding extension cords, or gathering excess cord length.

Broken crayons can be melted in the muffin tin to form really cool “mixed color” cookie crayons.

Credit cards can be cut in the shape of a guitar pick You can make several from just one card!