In many parts of the world right now, cold and flu season is in full swing. Unfortunately, that also means that the tissues (Kleenex) are flying. I would guess that as a family of four, we go through a box of tissues every few days during the winter. A whole lot of tissues = a whole lot of empty tissue boxes. To offset my family’s paper waste (tissues cannot be recycled) and keep my good recycling karma, I reuse empty tissue boxes as mini trash cans.
Tissue box trash can
Where to use it: in a craft or sewing room, a child’s room, or any place where trash is in small amounts. Also perfect in the baby’s nursery as a receptacle for used wipes (cloth or disposable) when using cloth diapers.
What do do when it’s full: empty and reuse it of course! If it has become wet, dirty or otherwise un-reusable, empty it and recycle it. If it’s full of paper-only material, you can throw the whole box and contents into your paper recycling bin.
Take this One Small Step one step further: Try using a hanky, even occasionally, to cut down on your tissue use. This may not be the ideal choice for everyone, but it’s worth a try! If you don’t have a hanky, you can cut down and repurpose a piece of flannel or other soft material.
Photo by ladybugbkt.
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We re-use our tissue boxes as boxes for our flannel hankies. I love the conversation when my daughter has a friend over who sees the hankies. They are always skeptical … and then have to try. A few guest boogies are a small price to pay.
A tissue box for reusable hankies–makes so much sense! I can imagine that kids would get a kick out of the novelty. It’s a nice opportunity for you to teach your children (and their guests!) the value of green.
i stuff emrty plastic bags in them…then keep in my car to reuse…or donate to local thrift shop…they are always looking for bags…eswpecially now when less people are using and donating them