One of my favorite things to do is be clever – kind of like MacGyver. Okay, so I have no need to blow open a door or untie myself with a paper clip, but I do like reusing. Hey, it is part of the recycled, REUSE, refuse mantra. So I decided that I would pick an item and find some sensible uses for them to pass along to you. Here are a few for an empty cardboard tubes such as toilet paper or paper towels:
* To hold hair ties and barrettes: Between the cat, myself and my daughter, our hair accessories are always all over the place! Hair band hold tight around the outside and barrettes snap in to the top! Voila! All is one place!
*Organize electrical cords: Who doesn’t love a little organization? Simply fold the cord and slide tube over. This may not work for LARGE cords unless you have a large tube.
*Protect important documents: Have a hope chest? Slide diplomas, birth certificates, and marriage certificates into paper tubes to protect them.
*Starting seedlings: With Spring around the corner, why not start your own seeds? Cut into TP tubes into two piece and paper towel tubes into four. Set in container, touching to hold each other up. Fill each with compost, soil, or starter for seedlings and then plant seeds. When they are ready to plant, plant the tube, making sure to bury completely in soil.
*Gift Wrapping/Shipping: Place gift inside roll and wrap tootsie roll style. Be more green and use newsprint, old sewing patterns, or magazine pages to wrap the gift. They can be used as padding for shipping or to keep those fragile items in place.
*Kindling: Use to get that warm fire going!
*Kid’s Crafts: If nothing else,. kids can tape two together for a great pair of binoculars! Need to dram a prefect circle?
*Organization: When placed upright cardboard tubes can help with storage for a variety of items: crayons, socks, jewelry, beads, crafts and more!
