5 Things You Probably Didn't Know You Could 'Recycle'

Have you known some people who either don't know, or just don't care?

The "Don't Know" faction I can, for fear of sounding like a holier-than-thou windbag, forgive for not knowing. You don't know. Understandable. It's those "Don't Care" folks that irk me.

There is a subsection of the "Don't Know" group I can sort-of get: the Jaded. The Jaded, when it comes to recycling (and we are going to use the term somewhat liberally in today's column, in honor of Earth Day on April 22) may just be, well, jaded about the whole thing. They don't believe what they do makes a difference, so they don't bother. And, it's understandable. Recycling, like most things, is a business. Cardboard, bottles, etc., are bought and sold. Those recycled materials, if there is a glut of them at a particular time, are sold for cheaper and cheaper. If there is too much, well, where does it go?

So, in that vein, we look at five ways to "recycle," in ways you may not have known were possible.

1. You Need to Know About Those Panty Hose: I remember seeing this on some program, perhaps something on HGTV, or PBS. The pantyhose you bought a while back at , once used up for its original purpose, turned out to be a great way to store certain items of length, like giftwrapping. And, admit it, by the time birthdays and other holidays roll around, it seems most of that giftwrap has spread out, torn, crinkled in some pile in the closet. This way, it all stays in one place.
2. You Need to Know About Those Plastic Bags: While many would prefer a cloth bag or one of those other reusable bags you can buy at most supermarkets like and these days, the inevitability of having gone shopping without them may arise. And, if you already have a dozen reusable bags at home, spending a buck for another one or four seems like defeating the purpose. While many of us may use the plastic bags again, perhaps for a smaller trash can like one in the bathroom, another useful use may be as a poopie bag for your pooch. Why buy more plastic bags made specifically for their refuse when you've got a ton already taking up space under the sink?
3. You Need to Know About Coffee Grounds: When I began using a French Press for my whole bean coffee from , those used up coffee grounds got a lot more apparent as I dumped them into the trash. Then I heard you could put some of those over your plants, as the nutrients found in them were actually beneficial. A site I found in four seconds online offers up some other uses, though the "cellulite cream" one seems a bit dubious. Hey, if some folks put mayonaise in their hair ...
4. You Need to Know About How Those Jeans Are Fine: This one might "ick" some, and for that I don't apologize, because you're being paranoid. Certain items, like underwear and socks, are no-brainers to me: wear them once, throw them in the hamper. But jeans do not need to be washed every single time you wear them. First of all, if they're darker jeans, you're causing the colors to fade that much quicker. I would even go so far as to say some shirts, especially if you're not an excessive sweater, can be worn more than once. There are certainly exceptions to these rules even I, a gross, gross person, will make. But, before you blindly throw those clothes into the hamper, give 'em a sniff test. And, speaking of which ...
5. You Need to Know Those Clothes Are Not Finished Yet: So, those jeans you wore for a full week before washing them have still finally gotten ragged enough that you're ready to get rid of them. Consider donating them to a thrift store, like the , or the (but, please wash them first). Have a t-shirt with an ironic saying you're way too embarassed to wear out anymore? Give it to your little niece who might actually laugh at a shirt that says "Vote for Pedro" or use it to wipe the massive layer of dust off your dashboard the next time you let a date into your car. Your massive, muscular calves stretched the elastic in those socks beyond the point of no return? That's a great place to put all those hotel soaps and shampoos you always swipe, or maybe even store all the rolls of film you still haven't developed from 15 years ago. They have to go somewhere, and it's a lot better than having them getting lost in a box full of junk in the attic.

The point is, there are so many ways to "recycle," from the most obvious bottles and magazines, to the fishnet stockings you thought were so cool when you used to listen to Marilyn Manson. It's about thinking outside the box, not being on a soapbox. And, now, I'll get off of mine.