Mother shares smart way to reuse empty tissue boxes: 'I've been doing this forever'

A popular TikTok account, JeffandLaurenShow (@jeffandlaurenshow), has revealed an easy trick to keep your car tidy using something as ordinary as an old tissue box. The caption of their post reads: "I wish I knew this sooner!"

The idea is straightforward: repurpose a small Kleenex box as a mini, reusable trash bin for your vehicle. Although any empty tissue box can work, the compact size of these boxes makes them particularly convenient. Not only does this method help maintain a clean car, but it also gives a second life to a box that might otherwise be discarded.

According to Green Groundswell, Americans throw away over 255 billion disposable tissues each year. Thats an immense amount of paper and cardboard packaging. Fortunately, many tissue boxes, including Kleenex cartons, are recyclable. Kleenex confirms that their boxes can be recycled even with the poly insert attached and are accepted at most recycling facilities nationwide. Other brands may vary depending on the type of lining.

Cardboard is highly recyclable, yet a significant portion still ends up in landfills. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory reported that in 2019, around 110 million metric tons of paper and cardboard were discarded in the U.S., with only 38% being recycled. When cardboard decomposes in landfills, it emits methane and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Proper cardboard recycling involves flattening boxes, keeping them dry and clean. Tape, staples, and labels generally do not need to be removed. Beyond recycling, cardboard boxes are highly versatile and can be reused in creative ways, such as making cat scratch toys, garden liners, or small plant pots from rolls.

This car trash box hack has been known to some users for years. One TikTok commenter wrote: "I've been doing this forever. Welcome to the Kleenex box club!" Others noted using these boxes for holding reusable shopping bags, proving the methods adaptability.

Repurposing everyday items like tissue boxes not only keeps your car clean but also contributes to reducing waste and maximizing the use of materials already at hand.

Author: Sophia Brooks