I remember when I was growing up, my grandmother would never just throw something away.

Her cabinets were filled with emptied and recycled butter tubs and cookie tins that contained odds and ends.

Christmas wrapping paper was carefully folded back up and reused the next year.

It seems like we are far removed from those days—and we are making a mistake.

Not only are many of the things we toss useful for everyday tasks, but they are also helpful in emergencies.

For example, an old t-shirt can be used as a tourniquet. Simply tear a strip of the shirt, fold it so it is sturdy, then wrap it above the bleeding wound and tighten it until the bleeding stops.

Read on for even more things that people typically toss out that may help them survive in emergencies.

1. Plastic Bottles

While you don’t want a garage full of empty and used plastic bottles, you should hold on to a few.

Plastic bottles are ideal for storing clean water in an emergency. They can also be used to create solar stills or fishing traps.

2. Broken Umbrella Parts

If your umbrella breaks, hold on to the parts!

The metal spokes and fabric can be repurposed for shelter-building, and the handle can serve as a makeshift spear or digging tool.

Plus, the fabric itself is often water-resistant and can be used for covering bags and essential gear that you don’t want getting wet.

3. Ripped Plastic Pool Floats

It is tempting to toss plastic pool floats or rafts when they get holes in them. After all, they won’t work as intended anymore.

But remember, these are waterproof tools that can be used for insulation!

You can also cut them into strips to make small, individual waterproof storage bags.

Plus, with minimal repair, you can still get them to function as flotation devices if partially inflated.

4. Old Newspapers

Old newspapers are excellent for fire-starting and insulation. In an emergency, they can even be used to make bandages.

5. Toilet Paper Rolls

Keep some empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls on hand. Stuff these with dryer lint or other flammable materials, and you have an awesome fire starter!

In addition, these biodegradable rolls work well as seed starters.

6. Dryer or Vacuum Lint

While we often discard vacuum contents and dryer lint right away, this material is densely packed and highly flammable, making it an excellent fire starter.

Combine this lint with the empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls, and you will not have to worry about starting a fire in an emergency.

7. Crayon Stubs

Crayons are made mostly of wax and can burn for up to thirty minutes, acting as small candles or fire starters in an emergency.

8. Petroleum Jelly Containers

A nearly empty jar of petroleum jelly is a fantastic fire accelerant. Even a little left in the container can be used to waterproof small matches or create a fire-starting balm when combined with cotton balls.

9. Aluminum Cans

The next time you empty out a can of cream of mushroom soup, don’t toss it. In an emergency, aluminum cans can work as makeshift cooking pots, alarm systems, and signal mirrors. 

They can even function as small solar ovens!

[Related Read: 18 Uses for #10 Cans]

10. Glass Jars

Glass jars are super useful for storing food and water—especially in an emergency. 

You can use them to make small lanterns as well.

11. Corks

Corks can serve as fishing bobbers. 

And when soaked in alcohol, they can also function as small emergency fire starters.

12. Plastic Bags

Plastic bags offer a variety of uses. They can be used for everything from waterproofing to collecting water, and from carrying items to creating makeshift shelters.

[Related Read: 18 Essential Items to Keep Your Household Running During a Disaster]

13. Egg Cartons

If you have kept some lint, you can combine it with a cardboard egg carton to create an egg-cellent fire starter. (See what we did there?)

14. Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes work well for insulation, fire kindling, carrying items, and constructing a temporary shelter.

15. Empty Prescription Bottles

Empty prescription bottles are the perfect size to make waterproof containers for matches or tinder. 

Or, you can use an old prescription bottle to create a small emergency fishing kit.

16. Old Shoe Insoles

Insoles from worn-out shoes can function as improvised insulators to add warmth to emergency footwear or gloves, especially in colder conditions.

17. Old Shoelaces

Use old shoelaces as cordage for building shelter, setting traps, or tying things together.

18. Old Candles

Melt down the remaining candle to create waterproof matches or improve kindling.

19. Broken Mirrors

Fragments can serve as signal mirrors or be used to start fires, using the mirror parts and the sun. Just be very careful and use gloves to avoid getting cut.

20. Gum Wrappers

If you want to feel like MacGyver, try pairing a gum wrapper with a battery to start a fire. Can you do it?

21. Soda Tabs

Soda tabs can be modified to create fishing hooks or used as emergency tools. 

Toss a soda can tab in your prescription bottle fishing kit!

22. Wine Bottles

Wine bottles aren’t just for décor. They can be recycled to carry water, signal for help, or heat in the sun for warmth.

23. Old T-Shirts

Rip into strips for bandages and tourniquets, char the cloth for fire-starting, or use for makeshift water filtration.

24. Tin Foil

Tin foil works as a reflective signal, insulator, and even as a makeshift frying surface when cooking.

25. Broken Electronic Wiring

When electronics break, see if you can reuse some of the parts.

In particular, pay attention to wiring. Copper wiring works well for traps, fishing lines, or other emergency repairs.

26. Expired Lip Balm

Old lip balm can be used as a fire accelerant, as well as to soothe cracked skin in harsh conditions.

27. Paper Clips

Paper clips are malleable, which makes them easy to bend and use as small tools, fishing hooks, or improvised locks.

Consider other uses before you toss anything in the garbage, friends.

 

In liberty,

Elizabeth Anderson

Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply