Recycling for Parents

In an effort to keep fresh content on my blog, I thought I'd do a quick post before leaving for a family wedding.

I was never a coupon clipper - nor did I take time to do anything with used cans, containters, etc. other than rinse and throw them in the recycling bin. But between the associated of costs of a new child, and the sudden accumulation of stuff, I've started getting much more frugal and creative in the reuse of items. Some quick examples...

• Gerber Fruit/Veggie Puffs containers double as great bowling pins or marker canisters
• Medela breastmilk bottles are SUPER for storing emergency cheerios, etc. in your bag - much better than gladware containers (that your toddler can easily open) or baggies (which sometimes retain their crushed contents at the bottom of your carry-all for months)
• That Changing pad cover works great as a cover for the carseat on hot days
• That Christmas tin that the family's perpetual fruit cake was sent in works great for storing blocks or letter fridge magnets
• Film canisters with cheerios inside make great shakers/maracas

And my favorite item in the world are quart-size ziploc bags. Throw a diaper and a couple of wet naps inside, and you've got a quick emergency diaper change kit for your bag, hubby's car, etc., and best of all, the baggie doubles as a fairly smell-proof disposal bag for the dirty diaper. I also love packaging his daycare clothes in baggies, so the wet/soiled clothes are sent home in the baggie - sparing all of the other itmes in his tote from getting wet.

Well, I must pack for our trip so I'll come back later and install some interesting links (completed 7/10) - but enjoy for now!