TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham points out new uses for things that would normally get tossed in the trash.
- Cut the bottom off of a vinegar bottle at a diagonal and then cut the remainder in half lengthwise, creating two scoops to use around the house or for kids to use at the beach.
- Cut a two-liter bottle in half and use the bottom as a liner for a potted plant.
- Paper bags work better as packing material than packaging peanuts. Also save the tissue paper that comes wrapped around new clothes to use as packing material.
- Save the tea leaves from tea bags and use as fertilizer for plants. Roses love tea leaves.
- Decorate a cylindrical baby-wipe container with spray paint or self-adhesive paper and use as a twine dispenser.
- Use empty tomato cans as flower vases.
- Use an empty frozen concentrate juice can as a pet-food scoop.
- Use empty egg cartons for starting seeds or for storing golf balls.
- Cut out circles from the sides of milk jugs to put between hamburger patties before freezing them. Be sure to wash them really well before placing between patties. Small plastic lids will also work.
- Cover an empty oatmeal canister with self-adhesive paper and use to store a child's toys, such as building blocks.
- Use a coffee can lid for a tray in the cupboard. For example, use one to catch honey drips.
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