How to save money by recycling and repurposing in your home this year

There are many reasons to focus on recycling and repurposing the many unwanted items that are probably lying around your home. Along with saving money, you’re helping the environment, clearing space, and giving your home a stylish look.

Compare the Market has some great ways you can recycle and repurpose in your home this year:

Focus on your kitchen

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and it’s an important part of our household. Unfortunately though, a lot of the stuff that goes through our kitchens ends up thrown out. Paper towel rolls are one of these things, and instead of adding them to your recycling bin you can repurpose them and make them useful.

Consider using them to reinforce your clothes hangers if you have the wire ones. If you cut through the middle of the cardboard roll and wrap it around the frame of the clothes hanger (use tape if you need to), you’ll be able to prevent your clothes from getting those annoying creases and wrinkles.

You can also use them as napkin rings, and if you want to make them look a little more stylish you can paint them, wrap them in wrapping paper or use ribbon and twine.

Old bottles and jars can be used in many different ways, and make cute vases for flowers. Another option is to fill them with pretty shells or use them for your overnight oats and take breakfast to work with you.

Showcase your creativity in the bathroom

If you’re like most people, your bathroom is probably packed full of hair and body products like conditioner and shampoo bottles, shower gels and more. These can be cut open and repurposed, or you can consider filling them with just a little of your favourite shampoo if you don’t want to take a full bottle away with you when you travel.

It’s also a good idea to keep hold of your old towels. They can be used as rags for cleaning, towels for your pets and more.

Overhaul your bedroom

There are so many ways you can repurpose and recycle in your bedroom. If you have a bunch of clothes that you’re just not that into, consider getting some of your friends to come over for a clothes swap- you’ll be surprised at how many people are interested in your second-hand stuff, and you’ll be able to grab some goodies off your friends as well.

If you have old shirts, you can easily repurpose them and turn them into tea towels Simply cut them up, sew up the edges and they’re ready to use.

Visit the Lounge

It’s easy to get so focused on the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom that we forget about the lounge. But you can easily use magazines and books as a side table or desk. Just stack them up, secure them with a belt, or add a large book or big flat surface to work on.