We wouldn’t dream of throwing away items that hold personal and sentimental value, but there are many other things that we’d happily throw on the trash pile. And while decluttering and organizing your space is always a good idea, there are some things that we should never, ever throw away.
Most grandmas will tell you that there are many items that can and should be used again.
Grandmothers have gained a lot of life experience, and they’ve also picked up many skills along the way. One of these skills is how to get the most out of every penny by repurposing and reusing old items again and again.
And with the global waste crisis that we’re currently facing, grandma’s advice on how to be less wasteful is more relevant than ever.
So, next time you think about decluttering, remember these 12 items that your grandma probably wouldn’t have throw away.
1. Mason Jars
Believe it or not, one of the most useful things that is probably lying somewhere in your house is a mason jar. Repurpose it to create an aesthetically pleasing storage container for your dry pasta and rice, use it as a stylish vase, candle holder, or even a soap dispenser. With mason jars, the possibilities are endless!
2. Coins
Pennies are quite literally valuable, but the thing is that they lose their value over time. If you have a jar of old pennies lying around, you can use them as attractive decorations on your wall or floor, or even as coasters for your drinks.
3. Citrus Peels
Soak your discarded lemon peels in hot water and voila! You have a 100% natural and non-toxic disinfectant. The acid in the citrus peel makes for a great de-greaser. As a bonus, it will leave your surfaces shiny and smelling lemony-fresh!
4. Bedsheets
When your bedsheets have become worn-out and faded, don’t just throw them away! There are many things you can make out of the material, including aprons, pajama pants, dog blankets, dish rags, or even doll clothes!
5. Egg Shells
Eggs are a superfood protein bomb, but did you know that their shells have uses too? You can add crushed eggshells to your soil for a fantastic fertilizer that’s packed with calcium… and they are a natural pest repellant, too.
6. Used Dryer Sheets
Next time you’re about to toss your used dryer sheets into the trash, stop yourself. These sheets can be used to wipe down dusty surfaces because they have an uncanny ability to trap and absorb dust.
7. Empty Wine and Beer Bottles
Aside from returning your bottles to the store to get some extra pocket change, you can use them as stylish flower vases too. You can even mount them on a wall for an extra-classy effect!
8. Vegetable Scraps
Did you know that you can use your vegetable peels and scraps to make a delicious broth or stock? Just add olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices that take your fancy. Add some water and leave the mixture on the stove for 30-60 minutes.
If you want to see the results from the picture above, you can view the original post here.
9. Newspapers
Aside from containing fact-checked news (unlike social media), newspapers are also useful when you’ve finished reading them. There are countless ways to reuse old newspapers – you can use them for craft projects, making eco-friendly wrapping paper, and even use them to line your cupboards. And when you run out of bubble wrap, newspaper wrapped around your fragile items will protect them when you’re moving house.
10. Aluminum Foil
Most people use aluminum foil solely for food storage or baking, but did you know that it also makes an excellent pot scrubber? And that’s not all, you can also use it to sharpen your scissors!
11. Buttons
If you’ve ever checked your grandmother’s sewing kit, you’ll probably notice that there are a lot of buttons in there! That’s because buttons can be used over and over again. If you pop a button on your favorite shirt, you’ll always have a replacement.
12. Soap Scraps
When your bar of soap reaches the end of its life and you only have a tiny scrap left, don’t just toss it in the trash! Collect all your soap scraps and put them in a stocking and keep them – you never know when you might just need a tiny bit of soap.
For more ideas for how to reuse and upcycle things around the house, check out the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
