photo by barkdog

You can dry your washed baggies on a jar or glass filled with chopsticks. Or simply fold back the zip tops so the bag is strong enough to dry upside down on your counter. You can make your own drying rack with a block of wood and dowels, too. The first reader tip is another great way to dry baggies and double your reusing efforts.

MULTIUSE BOTTLE RACK: I, too, wash and reuse my zipper bags. For years, I never needed to buy any with the grandmas and grandpas always sending snacks home in them for the grandkids. Anyway, I have kept a bottle-drying rack from the “baby days” to dry the bags after I wash them. I even had one new friend ask, “Do you have a baby?” when she saw it on my counter. It’s perfect for drying — holds the bags upside down and keeps them open to dry. — Dawn B., e-mail

VERSATILE MUFFIN TIN: I stopped using foil on my baked potatoes. I started baking them in a muffin pan so they are easier to take out of the oven. — Ellise, e-mail

SMART GIFTS: I was inspired by giving gifts in reusable canvas bags. A woman in front of me in line at the grocery store was buying Klean Kanteen reusable stainless water bottles (which come in cute colors) as gifts. I thought that was really smart! — Kristin, California

PACKAGE HOMEMADE GOODIES: This would be good for homemade cookies or candies. Take an empty peanut-butter jar. Clean it out good, and clean the label off the outside. Get some of those little paper doilies that are the size of cup coasters. Place one in the bottom of the clean jar. Put a layer of candies on top of that. Put a paper doily on top of that. Continue layering candies and paper doilies until you get to the top. It looked really nice and could probably be done with some mason jars as well. Better start saving up those peanut-butter jars! — Denita, e-mail

FRUGAL SHRINKY DINKS: The latest thing we’ve found is a use for No. 6 plastic, which we can’t recycle at our plant (they only take No. 1 and No. 2 plastics). Using permanent markers and some creativity, No. 6 plastic (like the kind that berries or deli salads come in) can be used to make homemade shrinky dinks. My kids love it, and my daughter has even been making jewelry with some of her creations by poking a hole in the design before baking. For directions, visit www.curbly.com/Chrisjob/posts/2252-diy-shrinky-dinks and www.dabbled.org/2008/07/part-1-how-to-doodle-charms-jewelry-from-recycled-plastic.html. — Hope, e-mail

TAR REMOVAL: I use peanut butter to remove tar from my car — and it really works. I put on a light coat of peanut butter if it’s a big spot behind the tire or just a little bit if it’s just one spot. Rub it in. Almost all comes off. Then I wipe it off with a rag and polish it. — Cody, Pennsylvania

CRAYON REMOVAL: Last week, my son colored on my front porch (painted wood). A friend suggested a little WD-40. I put it on, and it wiped right off like magic! — Kellie, New Jersey

WRINKLE RELEASE: 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon liquid fabric softener. Mix and pour into small spray bottle. Spray wrinkled garment lightly, shake, and, if it’s really wrinkled, press with hands on a solid surface. It’s great for travel. Works for static, too. — Lisa C., Texas

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