Off the Urban Grid

Turn Common Items into Multi-Functional Ones

In order to live off of the grid, you have to start thinking in a different way. Remember in kindergarten when the teacher told you to put your “thinking cap” on, well that is exactly what you have to do. By thinking outside of the box and harnessing your creativity, you can live a more sustainable lifestyle, because you will be able to figure out more innovative uses for common household items.

When you have some free time, gather up some common household items, maybe those odds and ends that have found themselves in your junk drawer. Arrange them on a table and start brainstorming ways to use these things around your home. The more people you can get involved in the process the better. You can even turn it into a fun game and reward whoever comes up with the most ideas.

Here are some creative ideas that can help get you started:

Pantyhose

Clean hosiery can be used as a strainer. Or if you have scraps of hose, you can insert a piece of it over a hairbrush. Then when you’re ready to clean your brush, just pull off the hose and the loose hair will come with it.

Pillowcase

Old pillowcases can be great cleaning accessories, especially for dusting. For house fans, place a pillowcase over the fan blade and wipe it clean. By holding the pillowcase around the blade, you reduce the amount of dust floating off into your home.

Jelly Window Decals

Maybe you or your children got these to dress up the windows for the seasons. They’re definitely cute decorations, but once the season or holiday is over, you put them away and never use them again until next year. Instead you can add these jelly stickers onto drinks as a label so everyone knows which drink is theirs.

Living a more sustainable life is about altering your mindset. However, even if you’re not a normally creative person, you can always enlist your family to help.

Tags: common household items, creating sustainability, eco-friendly ideas