My Frugal Life: Reuse Creatively

Creativity is important to living frugally. Before you go out and buy something, ask yourself "What can I use that I already have?", "What do I have that needs to be used up?", and "What can I make out of what I have?" You may find that you are very resourceful and find new uses for stuff that is just gathering dust.

For example, I used an old washtub on a tire rim for a fire-pit; a plastic bin became a cat-carrier, with air holes cut into it; a plastic dishpan or old loaf pans became pull-out cupboard and drawer organizers - I use one for spices, one for medications, one for onions, and so on; a big canning pot became a covered recycling bin for plastic bags; and a plastic clip became a way to keep reusable zip-lock bags together in a drawer.

Once you get into this habit, you will even surprise yourself at what you can come up with instead of going out and buying something.

By Jennifer from Gilbertsville, NY

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