Creative ways to Reuse rather than Dispose

Sometimes my need to be frugal blinds my sense of environmental consciousness and I end up buying things that are not the most eco-friendly. For instance, sometimes I buy a whole new container of baby wipes instead of buying just the refill package. Then I'm left with these horrible plastic containers that I've been collecting and I'm not sure what to do with.

So, I was looking for some creative things to do with them and I found some good tips about all kinds of things along the way.

Over on Lifehacker:

• Use old dryer sheets clean irons
  
• use yogurt containers as starter pots for seedlings; and some are apparently dishwasher safe so that opens up all kinds of possibilities

Over on Coupon Forum:

• Use wipe containers for coupon or receipt organizers. I like this one because I'm a coupon cutter. You can read more about it on my blog R-n-R Reviews.
  
• Of course, you can use them to store tons of odds and ends.

I saw someone at a garage sale, using the little plastic baby food containers for craft buttons, beads etc., which I thought was great because to by organizers like these in stores can really add up.

While all of this is fine and good, and I'm sure there are thousands of ideas like these out there. I'm trying to find more decorative ways to re-use the containers. I love scrapbooking and altered art, so I know all about altered mint cans and glass bottles, etc. I just can't find anything to make these everyday, bulky plastic nightmares, like wipes containers, milk jugs, coke bottles truly presentable.

I did however find some really cool stuff made from plastic bags. I just have to share.

Here's directions on making a dog leash out of braided plastic bags that I'd totally do if I had a dog. The site, Associated Content, where I found these directions has tons more great ideas about a little bit of everything.

I also found some great other things you can do by braiding plastic bags, like cute totes. Etsy Labs has instructions on how to fuse the bags to make tons more stuff. I was really impressed and can't wait to get started with the few plastic bags I do have.

The ultimate find though was a site called My Recycled Bags I am loving this site. I highly recommend you check it out.

If you know of any resources where I can find what to do with my wipes containers, or anything else for that matter, please let me know. I prefer sites with pictures myself.