Let’s take being green to the next level by instigating creative solutions into our everyday lives.

Sure, you wash and save jars and to-go containers for future use and while you almost always take your own bag to the grocery store, we’ve all been caught without one.

Of course, you’ll use it as a trash bag and that’s fantastic, but here are a few more simple, albeit quirky tips, for keeping your household green that you may not have considered:

1. Opening a new package of toilet paper? Don’t just rip into the plastic; cut it across the top and use it as a trash bag.
2. Use individual wrapped tea bags? Save the wrapper and make a mini note pad.
3. Got a new bottle of vitamins? Save the cotton out of the top for future use.
4. No space to compost? If you live in a city with limited space and don’t have room to make compost, many places are now offering a pick up service for your organic scraps.
5. Taking a trip? Bring clothes you no longer want and donate them especially if you’re traveling to a developing country; people will appreciate them. Chances are, the items are still in good condition. You almost always buy something new on vacation anyway, right? If the clothes are beyond donation state, use them for cleaning rags.
6. Do you have baking soda in your fridge to keep it fresh? When it’s time to change that out use that baking soda to scrub the tub.
7. Have old coffee filters you no longer use? They make great window and mirror cleaners!
8. Clean with used dryer sheets. If you use dryer sheets, save them afterwards to spot clean the floor.
9. Time to wash your hair? Years ago while on a long distance backpacking trip I weaned my hair to only washing once a week (or whenever we made it into town). Turn the water off while scrubbing your head. Just like how you turn the water off for brushing your teeth. Imagine you have to physically work for that water. We probably wouldn’t waste as much if we had to collect it ourselves with buckets like in the old days.
10. Speaking of wasting water, do you really need to flush that pee? I say if it’s yellow let it mellow!

It’s spectacular that so many people are commuting by bike, recycling like never before and ultimately living greener lifestyles.

Let’s take it to the next level by instigating creative solutions into our everyday lives.

What are some of your green oddities?

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Assistant Ed.: Stephanie Sefton/Ed: Bryonie Wise

{Photo: via Pinterest}