Stop throwing them away! Here are 2 easy and cheap ideas to give them new life

**Stop Throwing Them Away! Here Are 2 Easy and Cheap Ideas to Give Them New Life**

In a world where sustainability is becoming more and more important, we all want to make smarter choices when it comes to reusing items that might otherwise end up in the trash. Instead of throwing away things you no longer need, why not consider upcycling or repurposing them? By giving old items new life, you not only save money but also reduce waste and help the environment.

This article will focus on two simple and affordable ways to breathe new life into everyday objects you might be thinking of tossing. These creative and practical ideas are fun, easy to do, and will help you make the most out of things you already have.

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### **Idea 1: Repurpose Old T-Shirts into Reusable Shopping Bags**

We all have old t-shirts lying around that we no longer wear, whether they’re too small, faded, or simply out of style. Rather than tossing them in the trash, you can transform them into eco-friendly, reusable shopping bags. Not only will this help reduce plastic waste, but it’s also a great way to keep your clothes out of the landfill.

Here’s how you can make your own reusable shopping bags with an old t-shirt:

#### **What You’ll Need:**

– An old t-shirt (preferably cotton, as it’s durable and easy to work with)
– Scissors
– Needle and thread or a sewing machine (optional)
– Fabric glue (optional)

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Lay the Shirt Flat**: Place the t-shirt on a flat surface. Make sure it’s clean and free from any stains or holes that will affect the look of your bag.

2. **Cut Off the Sleeves**: Using a pair of scissors, cut off both sleeves of the t-shirt. You can save the sleeves for other upcycling projects if you’d like.

3. **Cut the Neckline**: Next, cut around the neckline to remove it completely. This will become the opening of your shopping bag. You can either cut it in a straight line or create a more rounded shape if you prefer.

4. **Create the Bottom of the Bag**: Turn the t-shirt inside out and lay it flat again. Cut along the bottom of the shirt to create the base of the bag. You’ll want to cut across the bottom so it’s even, and this will form the bottom of your shopping bag.

5. **Tie the Bottom**: The key to making your t-shirt into a bag is to tie the bottom. Take the two layers of fabric (front and back) and tie them into knots. The number of knots will depend on how much fabric you have to work with, but tie them tightly to close the bottom of the bag. If you prefer, you can sew the bottom shut using a needle and thread or a sewing machine for a more secure and neat finish.

6. **Create Handles (Optional)**: If you want your t-shirt bag to have handles, simply cut two strips from the remaining fabric (either from the sleeves or the sides of the t-shirt). Tie them at the top of the bag or sew them into place for extra durability.

Now you have a custom, reusable shopping bag! These bags are not only great for grocery shopping, but they also make handy bags for carrying books, gym clothes, or beach gear. Plus, they make perfect gifts if you want to give your friends or family an eco-friendly item with a personal touch.

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### **Idea 2: Transform Glass Jars into Stylish Storage Containers**

Another common item we tend to throw away is glass jars, which often come from products like pasta sauce, jams, or pickles. But did you know that glass jars are incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into stylish storage containers? Whether you’re organizing your kitchen, crafting space, or bathroom, glass jars are a great way to keep your space tidy and clutter-free, while also being environmentally conscious.

Here’s how you can repurpose glass jars into useful and decorative storage containers:

#### **What You’ll Need:**

– Empty glass jars (e.g., mason jars, jam jars, pasta sauce jars)
– Paint or decorative tape (optional)
– Chalkboard labels or washi tape (optional)
– Scissors
– Craft supplies (e.g., ribbon, twine, fabric, etc.)

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