The world is suffering from economic downturns. A time for practical living is highly needed. Cost cutting and recycling are the name of the game not only for business establishments but should start on our home itself. There are some things that can be found inside our house that if given attention can be valuable again for us.

Baking soda leftover can be used as hair conditioner and it is good to remove hair tangles. Just mix in your palm a small amount of baking soda and shampoo and lather it to your hair. Rinse well and you'll be surprised with the results - a shiny tangle free hair. It can also be used on skin as exfoliate. Just rub it gently on your skin during bath time, rinse well and it will surely give you a smooth skin.

Salt, either rock salt or iodized salt can be used as substitute for toothpaste. It will not only deodorize your breath but it will also whiten your teeth. It is also good as mouthwash if you have sore throat. Just mix an ample amount of salt on semi-hot water and gargle it in your mouth. You will notice that it can relieve sore throat.

Milk is well known nowadays as good hair and skin conditioner. Instead of going to a spa, just use leftover milk for your hair and skin treatment for it is rich in protein that could enhance the natural beauty of your hair and skin. It can also be combined with calamansi (lemon) and use as treatment for skin acne.

For bad odors especially inside your refrigerator, charcoal is the best for it easily absorb foul smell. It can also be used for newly painted room or house, same as with sliced onions. Just place them at the center of the room so it can absorb well the smell of new paints.

Toothpaste is good to use as emergency burn ointment for slight burns only. Just dab a small amount into affected area and in just few minutes, you will feel that it will ease the pain and refresh the burn part.

Chips, cookies and candy wrappers can be washed, dry and cut into small pieces and be good substitute for cushion fill on throw pillows.

Old magazines, newspapers, cigarette pack wrappers and other unused paper materials can be made as vases or house decors by means of origami (art of paper folding) or paper mosaic.

Old and unused clothes can be recycled and used as doilies for center piece, placemats, pot holders, or door rugs.

Fabric Conditioner can be used as substitute for air conditioner. Just add small amount into water, mix and pour it in a sprayer container. Used it as air conditioner by spraying it on bath rooms, bed rooms and even on living room and dining. Just make sure not to spray directly on food.

Empty Cans and jars can still be used as food container, trashcans or plant box.

Used candles or leftover candles can be melted by applying heat and can be used as floor wax.