Smart Woman: New Uses for Old Things
By: Katy Garcia
Updated: December 18, 2012
Americans waste nearly 1-million pounds of materials per person every year, and less than 2% of total waste is recycled. But, before you toss out those old items, think about what they could become.
That old tissue box you're done with could be an organizer for plastic bags. An old shower cap becomes the perfect wrapper for shoes when traveling, keeping them off clean clothes. An old napkin holder could be used to arrange bills.
A used ketchup bottle could be the ideal, "no-mess" pancake batter dispenser. A toilet paper tube can keep extension cords tangle-free - or become a hair clip holder!
Pack a few needles, pins and thread into a matchbox to make it a sewing kit. An old carton of beer becomes a condiment kit.
Another idea is to use an old plastic soap box as a camera case when traveling. It's the perfect size, and the hard case will protect your camera.
