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Youllsave moneyand reduce your waste.
Gift Bags
it’s possible for you to also use gift bags a second time.
If someone gives you a gift in abeautiful gift bag, dont throw that bag out.
Its part of the gift and you could give it a second life.
Store your gift bags with your other gift-giving supplies for the next time you give someone a present.
Gift bags typically cost between $1 and $5 but can be over $20 forlarge decorative ones.
Each time you reuse a gift bag, you reduce your waste and save at least a few dollars.
The recipient of your reused gift bag will never know the difference.
Just verify you tear off any tags or personalized touches before passing on the bag.
Kim confessed that he has a collection of gift bags of all sizes and all occasions.
Who says you cant use aChristmas-themed gift bagfor a birthday present if its the perfect size?
I have no shame.
Gift-Wrapping Supplies
Along the same lines, Kim recommended reusing gift-wrapping supplies.
Hotels often provide soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other toiletries.
As Kim pointed out, higher-end hotels typically offer even higher-quality versions of these products.
Theyre not really free since theyre included in the booking cost, but theyre fun nonetheless.
You dont have to throw these items away or leave them when you check out.
If theres any product left over, consider taking it with you to use at home.
Save these products and use them as needed.
We have a whole bin dedicated to free hotel stuff weve collected, Kim said.
Scratch Paper
Even in the digital age, sometimes you just need to jot something down.
If you write in small print, you’re able to repeatedly use the same piece of paper.
ensure to use both sides whenever possible.
Folders
You probably have many file folders if you work in an office.
Even for personal organization or your childrens schooling, you may have several folders lying around.
Its tempting to throw these folders out after a single use.
However, theres no reason not to reuse them unless theyre badly damaged.
Kim recommended giving them a second life as a folder for your kids artwork or unprocessed bills.
A box of100 file folderscosts around $20 or 20 cents each.
Every time you reuse one of these folders, youre saving 20cents.
Dont throw out the blank envelopes you get.
Instead, collect them and set them aside to use later.
They dont take up much space, so finding a place to keep them should be easy.
If a company happens to send you free blank letter envelopes, save them for future use.
A box of 100business envelopesis around $10.
Takeout Containers
Between meal delivery services and traditional takeout, you probably get plenty of takeout containers.
Many people just eat their food and throw these containers away.
A better option is to clean them and keep them for the next time you should probably store food.
An extensive set offood storage containerscan cost $30 or more.
Instead, back up your money and reuse your takeout containers.
Sure, your containers probably wont all match, but the money youll save is worth it.
Toothbrushes
TheAmerican Dental Associationrecommends replacing your toothbrush at least every three to four months.
Dont just throw your old toothbrush in the trash when that time is up, though.
There are other ways to use an old toothbrush besides cleaning your teeth.
I especially like using them to cleanbathroom and kitchen grout.
Before reusing your toothbrush as a cleaning tool, check that to disinfect it.
Boil just the bristles for a few minutes while keeping the plastic handle out of the hot water.
Then, it should be ready for all of your cleaning needs.
Aluminum Foil
Kim also recommended using aluminum foil more than once.
Then, leave it to dry, and soon it will be ready to use again.
you might fold it and keep it near your other food storage supplies.
A box of standardaluminum foilis over $3.
The more you reuse the foil you already have, the more youll save.
Glass Containers
While many products come in plastic, you probably buy some items in glass containers.
Examples include pickle jars, jam jars and drink bottles.
Once you finish the original products, wash out the glass containers and reuse them as storage.
Kim likes to reuse glass containers to storesmall loose itemsoutside the kitchen.
you’re able to also use them for kitchen storage, though.
He gives the example of pouring oil into an extra glass jar to have it available while cooking.
By reusing glass containers from products youre already buying, you may not need to buy designated storage containers.
A large set ofglass containerscosts around $50, so those are some significant savings.
If your Amazon packages are in boxes, dont throw them away.
Instead, keep them in case you should probably ship or store anything in a cardboard box later.
Once theyre flat, the boxes are much easier to store.
No need to ever pay money for boxes.
If you have to buyboxes, they cost around $1.50 each for basic, small-sized options.
Larger boxes are more expensive.
Why waste money buying new boxes when it’s possible for you to reuse your Amazon boxes for free?
These might be Styrofoam fillers, bubble wrap or air pillows made of plastic.
A package ofair pillowscosts around $17.50 andfoam wrap rollscost over $12.
stash your money and keep the packing material you get with your orders.
Apple Product Boxes
Apple famously uses high-quality boxes to package all of its products.
Kim mentioned that theyre quite sturdy, well-built and aesthetically pleasing.
It seems like a waste to just throw them away every time you buy an Apple product.
Instead, Kim suggested using them to organize small items in your home, like as a drawer organizer.
Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are surprisingly useful around the house.
Many products, including vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, come with them for free.
Take them off those items and store them in a separate container.
As Kim said, Theres no need to throw them away just because theyve been used once.
You wont need to spend the $10 a bag ofrubber bandscosts.
Twist Ties
Twist ties are similar.
Many companies use them to secure their items, so you get them for free with your purchase.
Save yourtwist tiesto reuse them later so you wont have to buy a $10 box.
Kim suggested using them to tie together cables or secure a bag of cookies.
Plastic Easter Eggs
Celebrating Easter with an egg hunt is always good fun.
Many people now useplastic Easter eggsto hide small candies or treats for their kids to find.
When the Easter egg hunt is over, save the empty eggs for next years celebration.
Kim said he reuses his Easter eggs every year and his kids dont know the difference.
you’re able to take these crayons with you when you leave to continue the fun at home.
Youll save a dollar by not having to buycrayonsfrom the store.
Used Coffee Grounds
After making your morning coffee, you probably throw out the used coffee grounds.
Kim and his wife found ways to reuse their grounds since they drink so much coffee.
They use them in the garden asfertilizer, which can cost $15 per bag otherwise.
you’re able to also use the grounds to neutralize odors in your home.
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