euse bags, containers and other items

• Reuse paper and plastic bags and twist ties. If it's practical, keep a supply of bags on hand to use on the next shopping trip, or take a string mesh, or canvas tote bag to the store. When a reusable bag is not on hand and only one or two items are being purchased, consider whether you need a bag at all.

• Reuse scrap paper and envelopes. Use both sides of a piece of paper for writing notes before recycling it. Save and reuse gift boxes, ribbons and larger pieces of wrapping and tissue paper. Save packaging, clobbered paper, egg cartons and other items for reuse or for art and craft projects at day care facilities, schools, youth facilities and senior citizens centers. Find other uses or homes for old draperies, bedding, clothing, towels and cotton diapers. Then cut up what's left for use as patchwork, rags, doll clothes, rag rugs, or other projects.

• Reuse newspaper and boxes for packaging. Brown paper bags are excellent for wrapping parcels.

• Wash and reuse empty glass and plastic jars, milk jars, coffee cans, dairy tubs, and other similar containers that otherwise get thrown out. These containers can be used to store leftovers as well as buttons, nails and thumbtacks. An empty coffee can makes a fine flower pot.

• Turn used lumber into birdhouses, mailboxes, compost bins, or other woodwork projects.

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