Zero Waste Communities of San Bernadino County

Aluminum Foil

After use, wash and let dry or use to store food. You can get a few rounds out of foil with a little care.

Blankets, Comforters and Sleeping

. Keep one in your trunk, in case you need it (either for warmth or wrapping fragile items) so you will always have one on hand.

. Use for recreation such as concerts, sports games, camping or days in the park.

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Compact Discs

. Make them into coasters. Attach rubber or felt "feet" to the CD so they don't slide.

. Use fishing line or string and hang them outside as sun catchers.

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Egg Cartons

. Use to sprout seedlings for your garden.

. Break them into smaller pieces and use them to protect items while shipping or in storage.

. Use to store different odds and ends like ping-pong balls, rings, watches, hair ties or bobby pins.

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Eyeglasses

. Remove the lenses and use for games of dress-up.

. Have your local eyeglass boutique reuse the frames for new glasses or sunglasses.

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Fabric Softener Sheets

. Place in your sock drawer to help keep your socks smelling clean.

. Use as dusters throughout the house.

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Garden Hose

. Turn an old hose into a soaker or sprinkler by poking holes along its length.

. Cut it up, and put a slit on one side of the rubber. Wrap it around bucket or paint can handles for easy carrying.

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Glass Jars

. Use for storage of anything small.

. Add wax and wick to make a new candle.

. Use for storing food.

. Reuse as drinking cups.

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Laundry Baskets

. Keep in your car to help keep groceries from falling over or rolling around while you drive.

. Use for storage of rags or other items in your garage or laundry room.

. Turn it into a garbage can.

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Plastic

Grocery Bags
. Use to line garbage cans in your bathroom or office.

. Use to discard pet waste from litter boxes or dog walks.

. Use as a travel recycling bag - keep in your car, purse or suitcase to collect recyclables while on the go. Plastic Food Containers
. Use to store leftover food or for packed lunches.

. Use as children's bowls.

. Use as water or food bowls for pets or wild birds.

Plastic Utensils
Store leftover plastic utensils from take-out meals for:
. Car Rides

. Plane Trips

. Picnics

. Eating at work

. Camping

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Shoe Box

. Use to store special items such as family documents and photos. These can easily be decorated and kept out for all to see.

. Use them to store medications and personal care products that you keep under the bathroom sink.

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Shower Curtain

. Use as a tarp for covering outdoor equipment.

. Use as a drop cloth for painting or crafts.

. Cover outdoor plants to prevent freezing.

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Three-Ring Binders

. Use to organize and store bills and financial statements.

. Use as a recipe book.

. Use as a photo album.

. Use as a journal or for work.

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Tires

. Hang from a tree and use as a swing or a hoop for throwing footballs.

. Use as a planter for your garden, front yard or porch.

. Take your used tires to be shred for use around your home, such as cushion under play equipment

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