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Household Moneysavers

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1406 -- More Projects »
Moneysaving expert Terri Lee offers her latest tips.

Many items besides aluminum cans and glass bottles can be recycled and used in new and inventive ways. The following are some examples:

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Figure A

  • Use reply envelopes for miscellaneous bills and letters (figure A).

  • Cut off the front of cards you have received and turn them into notecards.
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • If you receive a funny card that reminds you of someone else, recycle it! Cut out the center and glue it to a blank card (figure B).

  • Recycle the beautiful photographs on calendars by making charming gift pockets. Just fold the pictures into boxes and glue or tape them together. Add a piece of ribbon to act as a holder (figure C). These make great party favors.
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    Figure D
  • Recycle mesh fruit bags to take to the beach. Use for collecting shells and toting sunscreens (figure D). You can rinse them off in the water just as you leave and they are dry before you get home.

  • Most evening bags aren't large enough for a wallet, but here's an idea for keeping your ID and money together: Cut out the credit card holder of an old wallet. This should be small and flat enough to place in an evening bag.

  • Make a cat toy out of empty film canisters. Buy catnip in bulk, place in a canister and snap the lid back on. Poke holes into the top to release the scent. You can also secure string or feathers through the holes, but make sure they are secure and cannot be pulled off.
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    Figure E
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    Figure F
  • Disposable storage containers are great, but the lids often crack or get lost. If that happens, just save the container portion and use them as drawer dividers (figure E).

  • Cut off the bottom of a plastic milk carton when you need a large scoop or funnel in a pinch (figure F).
    • Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1406
    •Household Moneysavers
    •Quick and Healthy Dinners
    •Getting Creative With Colanders
    •Tip of the Day
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