Many common items are often overlooked for their green aspects. You may be surprised to find out what items are green and what ones aren’t. It may not be the ones you think. Check out this list, it just may help you to realize just how green you already are or how you might improve. Unusual doesn’t mean uncommon and green doesn’t always mean that it was made with recycled or sustainable materials.

1. Glass or plastic containers
Storing food, or other small items like screws, nails and bolts in jars is often not thought of as green. When you think of it in this way, however it makes sense. Reusing plastic or glass jars to store items in means less clutter, but also less going to the landfill.

2. Terra cotta pots
Terra cotta pots are great for green living. You can reuse them over and over and over instead of throwing them away and having them wind up in a landfill. Also even if they get broken they can make great mosaics, drainage hole covers for pots and even art pieces.

3. Picture frames
Picture frames can be reused over and over for years making them a great green item.

4. Bricks
Bricks not only last for years, but can be made from recycled clay or concrete making them extremely green.

5: Mulch
Not only can many types of mulch can be reused over and over for several years, but even the ones that don’t last are great for green gardening because they add natural nutrients and humus to your soil, making your plants happy and healthy. Also mulch can help you cut down on your water usage by slowing down evaporation and allowing more of your water to be absorbed by your plants.

6: Baskets
Baskets of course are great for storing items of almost any size in, but because they can be reused over and over and over again they are also great for going green.

7: Trunks, chests or totes
Storing items in trunks, chests or totes keeps things organized and easier to find, but also keeps these items from ending up in landfills.

8. Closet organizers
Closet organizers help you take care of the clutter in your closets making things easier to find, saving you energy, but also they can be reused over and over and over again, which makes them very green.

9. Vacuums
Vacuums may not be high on your list of green items, but all vacuums clean the floor which keeps your floor cleaner and healthier. Some vacuums are even more green because they also filter and clean the air as well as you vacuum.

10. Clotheslines
This may seem like an old or outdated idea and a waste of time and energy, but actually they are exactly the opposite. It’s an old idea, but a great green idea. Save energy by using the clothesline on a hot sunny day to dry your laundry instead of your dryer. Not only does it save you money, but it might even make you healthier.