Every Friday we will be bringing you Tips to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

14 Little-Known Ways To Reuse Aluminum Foil

“Americans throw away about three pounds of aluminum foil annually. It will take roughly400 years for aluminum to break down naturally in the landfill. Some landfills incinerate aluminum, which releases toxic metals and gas into the atmosphere..” Source: Earth 911

Aluminum foil is pretty much 100% recyclable, but before you do give it a second, third or fourth life with one of these reuses for it.

Sharpen Scissors
Fold up aluminum foil into a square and cut it about 8-10 times. This will help to sharpen the edges of your dull scissors.

Shim
Have a table or desk that’s a bit unsturdy? Put aluminum foil under it to help balance it out.

Regulate Your Lotion Dispenser
Wrap aluminum foil around the pump dispenser of your soap or lotion to control how much comes out. Not only will you be reusing the aluminum foil, but you’ll also extend the life of your soap or lotion.

Scrub Your Gas Burner
Scrunch up that aluminum foil and use it the caked on grease that’s on under your stove top. You can also use it on your pots and pans, but be careful when using on non-stick surfaces.

Painting
When you are painting, instead of using tape to block off door knobs and other fixtures, reuse aluminum foil. If you have kids, give it to them when you are done so they can use the aluminum foil for their art projects.

In Your Garden
Protect your young plants from pesky insects by putting an aluminum foil collar around its base.

Eliminate Static Cling
If you are having problems with static cling on your clothing, add a piece of aluminum foil to the dryer next time you do a load. It will help to reduce the static cling.

Keep Your Silverware Shiny
Lay your silverware on top of aluminum foil to slow down the deterioration of it.

Remove Tarnish From Your Silverware
If your silverware is already tarnished, you’ll need some aluminum foil, baking soda and water to help get it shiny again. In a bowl add all of the products and allow it to sit, rinse and dry.

Keep the Mice Away
Have a mouse hole? Crumple up aluminum foil and stick it near the hole. The jagged edges of the aluminum foil will deter the mice.

Extend the Life of Your Bar Soap
Instead of letting your bar of soap sit in a puddle of water, lay it on a sheet of aluminum foil.

Soften Your Brown Sugar
Your brown sugar all hard and clumped together? Wrap it in aluminum foil and put it in the oven at 300 to help break it up.

Cut Down Your Ironing Time
Put a sheet of aluminum foil under your ironing board. It will help to reflect the heat and iron both sides at once.

Keep Your Pie Crusts From Burning
When baking a pie, cover the crust in aluminum foil during the final minutes of baking to keep them from browning.