Lessen Environmental Impacts

In today’s world, reducing waste and being resourceful is more important than ever. Reusing items at home or at work not only saves money but also lessen environmental impact.

Whether it’s repurposing everyday objects or finding creative ways to extend their life, there are countless ways to give new purpose to old things. Here are 35 simple reuse tips to help you get started.

Reuse helps to reduce waste, saves energy, and cut pollution. By giving items new life, we conserve resources, lower emissions, and inspire eco-friendly habits that drive stronger climate action worldwide.

35 Simple Home and Small Office Reuse Tips

1. Reuse glass jars for storing spices, screws, or craft supplies.
2. Turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags instead of buying paper towels.
3. Repurpose cardboard boxes as organizers for drawers or closets.
4. Use old coffee grounds as fertilizer for your plants.
5. Reuse envelopes by placing labels over old addresses for mailing or storing small items.
6. Save paper towel and toilet paper tubes to organize cords or hold plastic bags.
7. Turn wine corks into bulletin board push pins or use them in crafts.
8. Use leftover wrapping paper to line drawers or shelves.
9. Turn old magazines into gift wrapping paper or collage materials for creative projects.
10. Reuse broken crayons by melting them into new, multicolored crayons.
11. Convert plastic containers (from yogurt, butter, etc.) into storage for snacks, screws, or art supplies.
12. Repurpose fabric scraps into patches for clothes or use them in quilting projects.
13. Use newspaper to clean windows, an effective and eco-friendly alternative to paper towels.
14. Turn old towels into pet bedding or cleaning cloths for messes around the house.
15. Use cereal boxes to make bookmarks, file dividers, or crafts.
16. Repurpose broken dishes into mosaic art or garden décor.
17. Reuse bubble wrap for storing fragile items or mailing packages.
18. Turn old toothbrushes into cleaning tools for hard-to-reach areas.
19. Reuse old lightbulbs as small vases for tiny plants or as decorative ornaments.
20. Turn old picture frames into trays or whiteboards for notes.
21. Use broken jewelry pieces in DIY craft projects like decorating bags or frames.
22. Repurpose old calendars as artwork or use the images in scrapbooks or journaling.
23. Reuse plastic bags as trash can liners or to store items like shoes when traveling.
24. Turn wine bottles into candle holders or vases for flowers.
25. Use leftover candle wax to make new candles by melting and repouring.
26. Repurpose a broken ladder as a bookshelf or towel rack.
27. Use egg cartons to start seedlings for your garden.
28. Turn old scarves into gift wraps for a more sustainable wrapping solution.
29. Repurpose empty pill bottles to store small office supplies like paperclips or pushpins.
30. Use old shoes or boots as planters in your garden for a quirky and unique touch.
31. Repurpose glass pasta sauce jars as homemade salad dressing containers or overnight oat jars.
32. Use old bed sheets or curtains to sew reusable shopping or produce bags.
33. Turn tin cans into pencil holders, utensil caddies, or even lanterns by punching decorative holes.
34. Reuse worn-out tires as garden planters, outdoor stools, or play area features.
35. Transform old ladders or wooden pallets into vertical garden stands or shelving units.

Finally

Incorporating these simple reuse ideas into your home or small office can lead to a more sustainable and creative lifestyle. By rethinking the purpose of items that might otherwise be discarded, you not only reduce waste but also discover new ways to organize and enhance your space. Small changes like these can make a big difference over time, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at