New bedding is frequently sold in plastic zippered bags. These can be reused to organize items such as toys and games, craft projects and supplies, seasonal clothing or Christmas wrapping supplies, just to name a few. How have you reused them?
The first reader tip shares an idea:
Reuse plastic zippered bags:
I keep them in my suitcase. Each one can hold an outfit or shoes. Use one for underwear. I love how I can quickly organize my suitcase with them. -- Diana, Iowa
Homemade gift idea:
Of all the gifts I gave my granddaughter, her favorite was a "handmade" notebook she will use as a journal. I purchased composition books during back-to-school sales and made covers for them using samples from a wallpaper sample book. For my granddaughter, I folded a Victorian floral print sample and covered the composition book as you would a school textbook. It makes a lovely gift for a teen or friend. -- Karen B., email
Shopping tips:
Like many, I jot down my grocery list as needed items occur to me at home. But before heading to the store, I'll circle all of the produce items and underline all of the dairy. Simple and quick differentiation marks like these help sort the items visually.
Relatedly, I don't bring cloth grocery bags along, as I reuse the plastic grocery bags. I also use those old plastic grocery bags in our kitchen trash bin (they fit perfectly), as well as in the bathrooms. By reusing, I'm also creating even less trash, since I'm not buying boxes of trash liner bags. -- Connie, Rhode Island
Uses for produce bags:
I have found many uses for those produce bags easily found in supermarket produce sections.
-- Breading items before frying or baking. Put food items inside bag with flour or breadcrumbs and shake to coat.
-- Covering shoes before packing them in a suitcase.
-- Storage of small items (i.e. gloves, socks, etc.)
-- Defrosting items in fridge while containing the mess.
-- Holding medicines when traveling.
-- As an RV owner, I deposit used toilet paper in these bags instead of throwing it in the holding tank, so as not to clog the plumbing or block the sensors.
-- When traveling back home from vacation, I use these bags to store wet bathing suits and washcloths. -- Hank G., Florida
Use for pool noodles:
I cut pool noodles to fit over hangers to prevent points on the shoulders of my clothing as it dries. For clothing that remains on the hanger after it dries, I use pipe insulators, because they are thinner and don't take up as much room in the closet. Pool noodles can also be used as temporary baby bumpers on the corners of sharp furniture. -- Mona G., email
Kitchen cleaning tips:
To clean your burners, place them in a large pot, cover them with water and add some dishwashing detergent. Boil for a couple of minutes, then let sit. Come back later and wash the grunge off. To clean your blender, add some dishwashing liquid and water, turn it on for a couple of seconds, then rinse. -- Chele, Tennessee
photo by cleanwalmart
The first reader tip shares an idea:
Reuse plastic zippered bags:
I keep them in my suitcase. Each one can hold an outfit or shoes. Use one for underwear. I love how I can quickly organize my suitcase with them. -- Diana, Iowa
Homemade gift idea:
Of all the gifts I gave my granddaughter, her favorite was a "handmade" notebook she will use as a journal. I purchased composition books during back-to-school sales and made covers for them using samples from a wallpaper sample book. For my granddaughter, I folded a Victorian floral print sample and covered the composition book as you would a school textbook. It makes a lovely gift for a teen or friend. -- Karen B., email
Shopping tips:
Like many, I jot down my grocery list as needed items occur to me at home. But before heading to the store, I'll circle all of the produce items and underline all of the dairy. Simple and quick differentiation marks like these help sort the items visually.
Relatedly, I don't bring cloth grocery bags along, as I reuse the plastic grocery bags. I also use those old plastic grocery bags in our kitchen trash bin (they fit perfectly), as well as in the bathrooms. By reusing, I'm also creating even less trash, since I'm not buying boxes of trash liner bags. -- Connie, Rhode Island
Uses for produce bags:
I have found many uses for those produce bags easily found in supermarket produce sections.
-- Breading items before frying or baking. Put food items inside bag with flour or breadcrumbs and shake to coat.
-- Covering shoes before packing them in a suitcase.
-- Storage of small items (i.e. gloves, socks, etc.)
-- Defrosting items in fridge while containing the mess.
-- Holding medicines when traveling.
-- As an RV owner, I deposit used toilet paper in these bags instead of throwing it in the holding tank, so as not to clog the plumbing or block the sensors.
-- When traveling back home from vacation, I use these bags to store wet bathing suits and washcloths. -- Hank G., Florida
Use for pool noodles:
I cut pool noodles to fit over hangers to prevent points on the shoulders of my clothing as it dries. For clothing that remains on the hanger after it dries, I use pipe insulators, because they are thinner and don't take up as much room in the closet. Pool noodles can also be used as temporary baby bumpers on the corners of sharp furniture. -- Mona G., email
Kitchen cleaning tips:
To clean your burners, place them in a large pot, cover them with water and add some dishwashing detergent. Boil for a couple of minutes, then let sit. Come back later and wash the grunge off. To clean your blender, add some dishwashing liquid and water, turn it on for a couple of seconds, then rinse. -- Chele, Tennessee
photo by cleanwalmart