7 Things Every Michigander is Guilty of Reusing

Sometimes, when you just can't bring yourself to throw something away, you find a way to reuse it.

Now, I'm not talking about throwing something in the recycling bin to be reused or donating an item to Goodwill. Instead, I'm talking about those everyday items that get a second life. They find a second, and often times third or fourth life within the household. Sometimes, they even get passed on to other people who might be able to use it.

Read Related: Michigan Goodwill Doesn't Want You to Donate These 19 Items

I feel like it's a thoroughly Midwestern and Michigan trait to use something over and over again until you just can't anymore.

This philosophy applies to so many things around the household, which is something I learned first hand after throwing my little one's first birthday party.

Read Related: These Things are Illegal to Throw Away in Michigan

Here are some things that every Michigander is guilty of reusing;

Gift Bags

I swear, I may never have to buy another gift bag again in my life. Somewhere in every Michigander's home is a pile of "Happy Birthday" and "It's a Girl!" gift bags just waiting to be given away to someone else at the next party. On a related note, can we all agree to just be okay with receiving unrelated gift bags? I don't care if you use a Christmas bag to put my Valentine's Day gift in.

Gift Tissue Paper

Hot on the trail of gift bags is that tissue paper you use to fill it. You bet I'm putting that back in the bag to reuse again when I'm gifting someone else.

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Grocery Bags

I would feel confident in walking into any Michigan home and finding a pile of waded up grocery bags sitting under the kitchen sink, waiting for a second life.

Margarine Tubs (aka Tupperware)

Open the fridge to some kind of giant margarine tub, there's a 50/50 chance there are leftovers in there.

Spaghetti Sauce Jars

Another food container getting a second life. This is perfect for leftovers, making salad dressing, or even keeping little knick-knacks in.

Sandwich/Gallon Baggies

I'm totally guilty of this. If I think a baggie is practically new, I'll just wash it out and put it upside down in the dish rack to dry out. I can totally put another snack in there.

Bread Twist Ties

These tend to go missing, so it's never a bad idea to stash one away in case you need it later.