Some items are easy to recycle: Old books make great additions to your local school. Hand-me-downs can be given to a neighbor or youngest child. Glass bottles make delightful DIYs.

What about old toothbrushes? While we wouldn’t recommend giving them to anyone at Thursday night book club, we do have a few (sanitary) ideas.

By reusing old toothbrushes, you are saving energy, preventing pollution and more. So do your part for Mother Earth! These dental hacks will benefit the planet and Y-O-U.

Here’s how your old toothbrush can help you…

Look good! 

Who knew your old toothbrush could be your best-kept beauty secret? Your brush works hard for your pearly whites. Once the bristles fray, it’s time for your toothbrush to make the rest of you sparkle.

For a flawless-face free of flyaways, spray bristles with hairspray and gently wipe at your hairline. You can also use the same method to groom unruly eyebrows.

Your toothbrush is a great exfoliator, too! Apply your favorite moisturizing balm to your lips and then gently scrub off dead skin. Final step: celebrate your soft and silky lips!

Tidy up.

The military used to make soldiers clean bathroom floors with old toothbrushes. While we respect the soldiers’ earth-friendly punishment, our toothbrush cleaning routine is all about reaching those nooks and crannies. The possibilities are endless: appliances, windowsills, keyboards, grout, shoe soles and even your hairdryer. And please – save your Swiffer for the floor.

 Bring out your inner Jackson Pollock.

Toothbrushes make unique interpretive art instruments. Bust out a white canvas, gather old toothbrushes and pick your favorite acrylic paint colors. Drip, flick and drizzle until you get a mantle-worthy masterpiece.

And there you have it! You’re making the world a better place…one old toothbrush at a time.

Do you have more ways to make less waste? Share your re-usable hacks in the comments section.