Ways To Repurpose Paper and Plastic Around the House

Reducing household waste is a practical habit that also curbs personal expenses. Paper and plastic are common household items that people easily discard. However, they possess a value that extends beyond their initial purpose. Before consigning these materials to the recycling bin or landfill, try repurposing paper and plastic lying around the house. Shifting your perspective fosters ingenuity and reduces your environmental footprint in meaningful ways.

Paper, in its various forms, offers a wealth of second-life opportunities. Old newspapers, magazines, and junk mail can become effective packing material for fragile items during a move or for shipping packages. For gardeners, lay these down as a weed barrier in garden beds. The paper will decompose and enrich the soil.

Shredded paper—beyond its use in protecting sensitive information—makes excellent bedding for small pets. Another option is to add it to a compost pile as a carbon-rich brown material. Pay attention to how much paper you can shred at one time, and start repurposing the paper that’s cluttering your home.

Similarly, plastic containers have a diverse range of repurposing possibilities that combat the material’s long-term environmental persistence. Modify large plastic jugs, such as those from milk or laundry detergent, into durable watering cans for the garden or scoops for pet food and soil. Small plastic tubs from yogurt or butter are ideal for organizing small items like screws, nails, and craft supplies in a workshop or garage. With a bit of creativity, these containers can also become seed starters for a spring garden, providing a cost-free alternative to purchasing new trays.

Adopting a mindset of repurposing is a conscious decision to see potential where others see waste. Repurposing paper and plastic around the house requires a small investment of time and thought but yields substantial returns in cost savings and reduced consumption. By rethinking the lifecycle of materials, we actively participate in a circular economy within our own homes.