Since we've been sick a record 4 times this year (I rarely get colds, that is until I had a baby, and I believe the lack of sleep has destroyed my immune system), we have been buying tissues as of late. Of course tissues in themselves are not necessarily an eco-friendly choice, but I'll admit that I was lazy about the handkerchiefs we have. Somehow they've disappeared, and I think Mr. Geek is to blame after using them all summer as bandanas for tennis playing (they are those navy blue ones that one assumes cowboys use...you know the type).Enough of the confessional, though, and let's move on to what this post is about--reusing boxes. You'd be amazed at all of the things you can use them for. Since my empty tissue box had a cute pattern on it that was too nice to flatten for recycling, I decided to repurpose it into a bag holder for our car.
I took a few plastic bags (which we somehow manage to accumulate despite religiously bringing reusable ones with us) and stuffed them inside the empty box. I'll keep this in the car to use for trash and for carrying my and SoJo's wet bathing suits after our Monday swim sessions. I'm always forgetting to pack one in our swim bag.
A tissue box would make a great container for small dust rags, or ziplock bags that you've washed and reused. I also thought about cutting off the top and using it as a container for something else. With the top cut off, it could also be a pretty way to present a plant to someone. Just stick the pot inside.
I found some other ideas for recycling boxes on the web too. I've seen this one before, for turning a cereal box into a magazine holder. Imagine how nice it would look after decoupaging some scrapbooking paper onto it.
I also like this idea, of turing a pasta box into a cute little tray, from the blog all over the map. I can really see a person creating an entire desk set out of recycled boxes and coordinating craft paper. I'd love to do this, but I'd need an office (or desk for that matter).
Before you head back over to The Green Baby Guide for more Thrifty Green Thursday, I wanted to remind you that my Green and Clean Week begins on Sunday!
I'll be posting green cleaning tips and having multiple giveaways each day, all for various eco-friendly cleaning products. See you then!
14 comments:
you're so creative--i love the plastic bag container idea!
Love the ideas for repurposing tissue boxes!!
That's a great idea!
I hear you on the faulty-immune-system-after-childbirth theory. I think my son is sucking away my immune system every time he breastfeeds. Although I suppose this is great since he is in the throes of his first cold ever (he's 11 months), even though I've had a record number of sniffles since he was born.
Great re-use ideas with the boxes!
Great ideas! Also, I would love for you to post a link to my dryer balls post- I appreciate the linky love! Can't wait for all you have in store next week! I'll definitely tuning in!
That's brillant! I saw an on line store where they sell flannel hankies and put them inside a wooden tissue box so you have the convience of the disposable tissues. I bet you could do the same with your bandanas and an old paper tissue box.
I seriously need you to come out and rework everything in my house... please?
I'll look forward to reading the guide. I went to the Green Expo yesterday in NYC. I rally liked the Kids Konserve brand and also the folks from Tom's of Maine were great. Lots of new green cleaning supplies. Let me know if you want brand names...
Thanks for sharing your creativity...I look forward to reading more!
What a simple and clever idea! And, as always, you've managed to come up with something that's aesthetically pleasing while remaining green and practical. I too am amazed by how plastic bags still make their way into our lives despite our vigilance. I can't imagine how bad it would be if we weren't toting our fabric bags everywhere! Thanks for your brilliant thrifty green contribution!
Great idea. I also need a place to stuff my plastic bags. Why oh why do I have so many when I take canvas bags everywhere I go? It's a true mystery.
Thanks for joining us for TGT. Your green cleaning week looks great!
Thanks for all the great ideas!
Those are some great ideas! I'm always so impressed with all the creative ways to recycle people come up with!
And tissue boxes are often quite nice to look at, so I'm going to use one for all the plastic bags too!
Our car will never be the same, but in a good way.
good ideas!
I have been wanting to use some of that very pretty cardboard in my card making but haven't gotten it done yet.
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