There are two types of people in this world: those who keep old things in hopes of repurposing them, and those who simply throw things out when they are of no use anymore. Now, though we can see the value in purging every once in a while, we also think it’s important to get the most out of our items!

That’s why we are sharing this list of 10 of our favorite items that can be successfully upcycled. You won’t believe how many purposes an everyday object can have!

1. Newspapers

   On top of being a seasoned crafter’s regular go-to, old papers can also be used to better the appearance of your lawn. Believe it or not, laying some damp newspapers beneath the moss will actually block the weeds from seeing the light of day. As an added bonus, they help create the perfect environment for a garden’s best friend—earth worms.

2. Used Dryer Sheets

   These clingy wonders double as powerful dusters, scrubbers, and even ‘sponges’ for burned, caked-on food particles that can stick to pots and pans. The best part about used dryer sheets is that they’re truly durable and won’t break apart, even when you are working with strong detergents. They ARE made to endure the heat, after all!

3. Beer Bottles

   We’re guessing that you end up disposing of all of those used beer bottles after you throw a party, but, after you learn this tip, you may just hang on to them! You see, these recyclables can easily be repurposed into some super chic (and unique!) drinking glasses. We think these would definitely make a great gift for the beer lover in your life!

4. Orange Peels

   Like newspapers, orange peels have many, many alternate uses. They can be used to help deodorize a musty closet, as all-natural mosquito repellant, an eco-friendly sponge, and even as a teeth whitener!

5. Egg Shells

   Most of you gardeners out there are already well aware of the merits of these calcium-rich wonders, but we bet you didn’t know that egg shells can be used to help your skin glow, your coffee lose its bitterness, and to get rid of hard-to-reach stains on dish ware.

6. Kitchen Scraps

   From watermelon seeds to corn cobs, it may be easy to forget that your granny was likely saving scraps to infuse into future dishes. Our personal favorite unlikely ingredient is potato peels. If you season these guys just right and stick them in the oven, you’ll end up with a low-starch healthy alternative to fatty loaded potato skins.

7. Toothpaste Tubes

   If you’re an avid home chef, then you know that so many condiments come in clunky jars and bottles that have the tendency to hoard the product in their nooks and crannies. Instead of rooting around for some mayo with a butter knife, consider adding some dollops into a used toothpaste bottle. It sounds involved, but the process only takes a few minutes to complete!

8. Candle Jars

   It can be hard to part with a burned-out candle—especially if the jar that it sat in happened to be extra ornate. So, instead of throwing it away, simply dig out the excess wax and make it into a decorative bathroom organizer or one-of-a-kind jewelry holder.

9. Old Light Bulbs

   Before I learned of some of these repurposing tricks, I would, naturally, just throw out my light bulbs when they burned out. But, now that I know that they can be used as unique vases, solar lights, and even ornaments, I make sure to hold onto them to use for some homemade décor.

10. Pennies

    OK, we doubt that you are over there throwing away your pennies, but we bet you rarely stop in the middle of the street to pick one up. In fact, we’re SURE that you have a jar of these suckers sitting in a closet somewhere. If that’s the case, consider using them as the shiny focal point in your next crafty DIY. The results can be unexpected, and seriously gorgeous!

What do you think of this ultimate upcycling list? What items do you like to repurpose? What types of foods can be reused safely? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!