Recycling and organizing

I put these two, recycling and organizing together for a reason, you see, much of what gets sent to be recycled could actually be recycled at home.

Let me give you an example or two. I like to buy the organic lettuce and spinach from Sam's Club in the plastic containers. After we have eaten the salad mix I wash out the containers and use them for shoe boxes. They are the perfect size for a pair of shoes. In this way my closet stays organized and they are clear so I can see what pair is in the box. I don't have to go out to buy those plastic shoe boxes. I would highly recommend that you punch holes in the lid with a paper punch to allow air circulation. I learned this the hard way. I had a really cute pair of sandals made with natural fibers, hemp, that apparently got a little damp and turned moldy in the plastic box.

As for the spinach containers, being a tad smaller, are very useful for organizing under the bathroom sink. I have first aid supplies in one, mostly band-aids and gauze pads and tape. Another contains cotton balls, another contains personal items, you get the idea. They are stackable and work very well for that kind of thing. I find all kinds of uses for all different size containers. Before I throw away, I ask myself if I can recycle it in the house somewhere.

Jars are another favorite of mine. When all the kids were at home most of my containers in the pantry were gallon size glass jars that used to have pickles or mayonnaise or some such in them. You can often get these at restaurants if you ask, unless of course you already buy stuff by the gallon for a large family. They are easy to sanitize, are mouse proof, and being clear you can easily see what is in them. I put all of our different beans, peas, lentils, rice, flours, oatmeal etc. in them. Quart size jars are also great even juice jars. You can pour pop corn out of a juice jar right into the pan very easily. (It is cheaper to make it yourself as opposed to microwave popcorn and it tastes better.) Just make sure that your jars are completely dry before storing any dry foods in them so they don't mold. So there you have it. Don't buy anymore containers, unless of course you just can't find one that fits the purpose you need it for. What do you reuse in your home? Any ideas out there?