An empty tissue box filled with grocery bags turns into a neat one-at-a-time bag dispenser instead of a stuffed drawer.
Four Ways to Give Everyday Packaging a Second Life
A lot of ordinary packaging has one more use left in it before the trash can, starting with the humble tissue box.
Turn a Tissue Box Into a Bag Dispenser
Reuse Dry Cleaning Bags When You Travel
Dry cleaning bags protect suits, dresses, and fine clothing from wrinkling while packing for a trip, though they should always be kept well out of reach of children.
Reuse Butter Wrappers to Grease Pans
The wrapper from a used stick of butter, stored in a container or bag in the fridge, still has enough residue on it to grease a baking pan.
Give Used Envelopes a Second Life
Cutting a corner off an old envelope turns it into a bookmark sleeve that slides over a page with no more folded corners, and whole envelopes make handy to-do lists, seed packets, or labels.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →