We all know how important it is to reduce, reuse and recycle these days. It is 2020, after all. We have access to the internet, which provides us with endless ways we can help Mother Nature.
We know the traditional ways we can incorporate the three R’s into our daily lives, like recycling aluminum cans and cardboard boxes.
But a new decade brings new ideas, including fresh and inventive ways that you can continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Amy Anthony from Oh So Spotless shares her favorite tips for you right here.
Reuse Skin Care Containers
Small bottles and tubs are perfect for storing your homemade beauty products, like lip balms and salves.
Make sure to thoroughly clean them once they’re empty, and allow to dry completely before reusing.
Using high proof alcohol (like 70 % rubbing alcohol) to sanitize will also prevent any cross-contamination from previous products.
Read more about how to clean containers here.
Donate Unopened Makeup
Makeup and skincare subscriptions are on the rise as of late. This is a great way to try new products at an affordable rate, but we often get things that we don’t use.
Instead of leaving them to sit around unused, waiting to expire, donate them to a local women’s shelter.
There are also organizations that help the homeless population find employment, and often these groups accept donations of skincare and makeup as well.
Save the Seeds for your Skin
Another great way to reduce, reuse and recycle is to save fruit peels, coffee grounds, and other food remnants that are usually tossed on the compost pile. They can actually be used as part of your skincare regimen.
There are plenty of DIY scrubs and face masks that can help make use of things that would otherwise be trash.
Save Peels for Natural Cleaners
Citrus peels make great deodorizers and disinfectants.
There are lots of recipes for homemade floor cleaners and ways to remove odors, all using natural and safe ingredients, and reducing waste at the same time.
Combine Leftover Oils
Both coconut and jojoba oils are frequently used in homemade skincare products. When you get to the bottom of the jar, you might not have enough for a full recipe.
Instead of throwing the leftovers away, use them to make your very own reusable beeswax wraps.
Recycle the Unexpected
Aluminum, plastics, and paper are widely known recyclables. But, there are plenty of other things that you might be ready to get rid of that you can also reuse, reduce and recycle.
Here are just a few examples of items that might be sitting around your house that can be recycled:
- Sneakers
- Vacuum cleaners
- Crayons and markers
- Sports equipment
- Old appliances
Upcycle Furniture
Anyone can slap some paint on an old chair and make it look new. But, you can also repurpose an existing item for something completely different than its original use.
This will keep things from finding their way into the landfill, and save you from having to purchase something new.
An old stool might make a great side table after shortening the legs. Or a media stand can be transformed into an art studio shelf.
Make Room for Plants
Plants are the perfect addition to any home, both indoors and out.
Not only do they look good, some plants also purify the air.
While you’re in the mood to reuse and repurpose furniture, consider turning some into planters.
One of my favorite things that I’ve ever used for plants is a vintage refrigerator. But coolers, pots and pans, tea kettles, and even toy trucks all make really unique and stylish homes for plants.
Make Old Clothes New
There are hundreds of ways to take shirts and turn them into something else, whether it’s a t-shirt quilt or even a pillowcase.
Soft t-shirts also make really great rags for cleaning, and they don’t scratch delicate surfaces.
Skirts are also very easy to rework. I had a skirt that was a little too short for me to wear, so I simply took it in at the waist and now it’s the perfect maxi for my daughter.
Or, maybe you have a skirt that’s gone out of style, but a few added decorative elements can give it new life.
Get Creative with Gift Wrap
Instead of using paper to wrap gifts, try something reusable. There are so many cute reusable shopping bags available that make perfect carriers for presents.
Using a fun dishtowel around a bottle of wine makes a great hostess present, but putting presents in baskets and buckets are also great alternatives to gift bags, and they can be used again.
Again, these are just a few of my favorite ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in 2020. But you don’t have to stop here.
Hopefully, these ten ideas will help you cut back on your waste and help you be more mindful of your own carbon footprint, without sacrificing things that make you happy.