Talking Trash

[Texasmujer]

I hate to throw anything away (that's my clutter problem and a topic for another column). but I especially hate to toss something that can be recycled for another used. That's why I've developed these ways to give a second chance to stuff that's headed or the trash.

WATER BOTTLES OR MILK JUGS---CUT off the bottom and put over young plants to protect them from freezing. Remove cap to let in fresh air. *FILL soda bottles three-quarters full of water, freeze and use in picnic coolers. When ise melts, it won't get messy. *CUT on the diagonal from top to bottom and use as a scooper for pet food or sand.

OLD SOCKS---STORE off-season shoes inside them to prevent scuffing at thebottom of a closet or storage bin. *PULL onto your hand to dust crevices in pleated lampshades, louvered shades and furniture arms and legs. *FILL with soap slivers and use as a washcloth for kids' baths.

PLASTIC BERRY BASKETS---FILL with shredded paper nd small gifts for parrty favors. *INVERT a basket over a bow when mailing a package to protect thebow from being crushed. *USE as a sink strainer to keep peelings and other garbage from going down the drain and clogging it. *TURN upside down in a vase and use as a 'frog' for flower arrangements. It keeps flower stems upright.

BABY WIPES CONTAINERS---THEY'RE the perfect kitchen caddy: Use to hold sponges, dish soap, and cleaning brushes. *PUT inside drawers to organize kids' socks, scarves, underwear, hair accessories, jewelry, etc. *AFTER thoroughly washing, use to store toys---small cars, puzzle parts, action figures---and game pieces.

PAPER TOWEL TUBES---SLIDE them into knee-high boots to help thenhold their shape during summer storage. *Slip knoves in to protect hands from getting scratched inside kitchen drawers. *ROLL cloth napkins around tubes for crease-free storage. *WRAP extension cords or Christmas lights around them for tangle-free storage.