I recently discovered another great use for paper towel tubes! I use them to store chenille stems (pipe cleaners).  They are the perfect lengths, I can separate colors, and they don't get all bent up.  ~Submitted by Wren

Cover a toliet paper roll with patterned contact paper or decorate otherwise. Then use them to keep your electrical cords all wrapped up. Just fold up the cord and tuck it into the toilet paper roll. They can be used on curling irons or hair dryers or even your kitchen appliances that are not in use.  ~Submitted by Cindy O.

I have seen lots of concern about what to use when you are painting. I use the lids from any plastic containers such as yogurt, butter tubs, sour cream tubs, etc. No paper fibers, easy clean up and they are available everywhere! If you don't buy many of these products just wait until the paint is dried and peel it right off!  ~Submitted by Karla

I have a way to recycle some plastic as well as save some clean-up time. I save the plastic cups from the individual serving size applesauce containers, clean them out, and use them to put paint in whenever I am doing small painting activities. Usually the dry paint will easily peel off when I am done. If it doesn't, it's okay because you can just throw them away. I also save the plastic cups from Crystal Light drink mixes for even smaller paint jobs.  ~Submitted by Keri M.