subject: Reusable Silverware [print this page] According to the Annenberg Foundation http://www.annenbergfoundation.org/ , the average American throws away four pounds of trash a day, which adds up to 1,460 pounds a year. This makes us the country that generates the most trash. There are a large number of things that can be recycled and better yet, reused. Not only is it better on the wallet to reuse, but our landfills will be less filled up too.
Cleaning supplies are one of the easiest things to reuse. Mops, sponges and spray bottles last a long time. Paper towels can be replaced with scrap cloths from old clothes and towels that can be used for cleaning glass and countertops. Some stores allow containers to be filled with detergents so that less waste is generated with containers. If a detergent container cannot be refilled, it can be used to water plants, spot clean, or even fill an iron. Pumice stones are great for harder work such as mineral deposits in toilets. There are also special dusters that can be washed in a regular washer that work by using static to attract dust. Cleaning is much more ecologically friendly when using reusable tools.
In the kitchen, there are plenty of objects that can be reusable as well. Napkins and tablecloths work great for daily use and can be used multiple times before being put in the washer. When they are too worn for kitchen use, they can be used for cleaning rags. Tableware is another easy fix too. Instead of throwing away plastic items, they can be washed and used for years. Old food containers are great ways to carry lunches around without the risk of spills. Reusable coffee and tea filters can be bought at kitchen retailers. Jars can be used to hold food and are excellent for arts and crafts. The same goes for pie plates. Berry containers can be used as basket containers when ribbons or raffia are woven through. There are many more possibilities. The kitchen is one of the easiest places to reuse since many things were built to last.
In other areas of the home, there are ways to reuse several objects as well. Old cards from birthdays, anniversaries, and other events, can be torn in half (on the blank part underneath the art) and used as gift labels or cards again. Corks can be used to re-sharpen dull razors for a few more uses. Cork can also be attached to boat keys so they can easily be found when there is water inside. Interesting corkboards can be made too. Old cushions from couches can be used as exercise pads or children's' sleeping pads. Sandboxes that have been outgrown can be converted into gardens. The car can easily be protected from dust or rain by using old shower curtains. There are endless ways to reuse our everyday objects in the home.
Reusing everyday things in the home is easy. For other ideas on how to reuse things, contact your local recycling program or check out several college websites for useful tips. Together, we can all lessen what goes in landfills.
