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Can implementing the three R's - reduce, recycle, reuse, save you money?
If you only implemented the three R's in your kitchen, you would save money. Here are 10 tips that implements the three R's and helps your pocketbook:
1. Recycle margarine containers, and other plastic containers rather than buying new plastic containers. Margarine containers are great for storing leftover food, or for freezing foods.
2. Reuse plastic bags rather than buying more plastic bags. Everywhere we go we get plastic bags! Grocery bags can be used for liners in small garbage cans. Bread bags can be used for covering items such as cookies, baked bread and so on.
3. Reduce your electricity by buying larger roasts or turkeys. Cook your meat and then freeze the leftovers. This not only can save you money in electric bills, but also save you time and frustration when you forget to take something out for supper.
4. Reduce the need for paper napkins by making your own napkins out of old material. Cloth napkins are easy to make, and can be used many times!
5. Recycle tin cans. Tin cans once washed, and sharp edges removed, have many uses. They can be painted and used to put Christmas gifts in; they can be used as scoops for dog food. The smaller cans can be used as cookie cutters, or as candleholders.
6. Reuse your empty egg cartons. These can be used for storing small items, such as buttons, safety pins, etc. They are lightweight, so when tore up, they make great packing material when shipping items in the mail. They make a great item for children to collect rocks in!
7. Recycle empty cereal boxes. If you have younger children, have them cut out the letters and pictures on the boxes; then on a rainy day have them make cards, do a scrapbook, make a poster for a friend or loved one. We also use the cardboard for putting between something we are mailing so that it doesn't get bent.
8. Reuse those Popsicle sticks. They make great markers for your garden; they are great for stirring small amounts of paint, and children can make wonderful things from them.
9. Reuse glass bottles. They are great for storing nails, smaller items. Also the smaller bottles are good for mixing your flour and water for gravy. They make great ornaments for outside. Fill the bottle with water and float a tea light in it; they look wonderful against the snow.
10. Reduce your need for plastic wrap. When covering items in the fridge, use a small plate or bowl to cover the item. Use some of those plastic bags that we all get for free! Next time you reach for the plastic wrap, use what you already have!
Just by implementing these few tips for reducing, recycling and reusing in your kitchen, you will end up saving money over the run of the year. And, in addition, to saving money, you are also helping the environment!
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