Recycle This: Baby Wipe Containers

As a parent with two kids that used to go through about one container of baby wipes every other day, I know the value in finding creative ways to stretch a dollar. Surprisingly, I have found that the little containers are pretty versatile and can be reused in a lot of different ways. When properly cleaned and disinfected, the sky is the limit within your own creative mind. Older kids in the house can decorate these containers and find new uses as :

• A piggy bank
• A pencil/pen/marker/crayon holder
• Flash card container
• Jewelry box
• Craft box
• Paint supply box
• Hot Wheels box
• Valentines day card box
• "Special" box for most prized items or treasures
• Invitation box - for the next big party
• And on and on and on. Only limited by your child's imagination

For adults there are still many more uses. Some are very practical and others take a keen eye to see the value in. You can try many of these new uses such as:

• Travel tote, for toiletries like soap, razors, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, bath sponge, etc.
• Craft box for the hobby enthusiast
• Jewelry box for fine jewelry - Yes! I said it. It has been researched that home invaders rarely open boxes that appear to have no value on first glance. A box like this to hold your most valuable jewelry is in its own right, an insurance policy.
• Contact list box with each contact on an index card
• Card box - never run out of cards for special occasions
• Auto box - for those pesky items that overflow the glove box
• Napkin box - for cookouts and get togethers

Of course these ideas were just what I was able to come up with on a whim. With more thought, you will be able to find many more uses yourself. And who wants to run out and spend more money every time you need a box of some sort. Next time you find yourself saying, I need to go to the store to pick up a box for my scrapbook nick nacks, you may think twice about reusing what you already have. Of course it's better for the environment to recycle as much as possible, but it's also better for your wallet. How many other items around the house do you think may hold untapped potential for recycling? I would love to hear your ideas.