Use it twice

A relative of mine tries to use disposable items at least twice before discarding.  Sometimes this means washing and re-using them for the same purpose, and sometimes it means re-purposing an item.  Before you discard or recycle an item, think about whether you can use it again.

• Glass jars can be used for storage of food or craft items.
• Plastic disposable forks, spoons, and knives can be washed and re-used for the next occasion.  Keep some in your car for use at fast food places instead of getting new ones.
• Plastic food containers can be re-used to send leftovers home with friends after a gathering.  Or to organize items in the shop or the garage.  We used to use some of them for food storage in the refrigerator but found that using clear containers is essential at our house for managing leftovers.
• Many carry-out restaurant containers are sturdy and reusable.  One way I re-use them is to take them to dine-in restaurants for my leftovers. 
• Old towels and t-shirts make excellent cleaning rags.
• Can you make one appliance work for two purposes?  I have an immersion-style blender that I also use instead of a regular blender, so I don’t need both. 
• Used coffee grounds are great fertilizer for plants, gardens, and lawns.  Be careful not to put coffee grounds on houseplants too often, as it could be too much fertilizer.
• Plastic pots left over after purchasing garden plants can be used the next year to try growing your own seedlings.  Or donate them for others to use.