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Cardboard tubes. Ways to recycle cardboard tubes

Here are a host of unusual, uncommon and different uses for cardboard tubes.

Megaphone When you need to amplify your voice, talk through a cardboard tube.

Knitting-needle case Prevent bending and breaking of your knitting needles, store your needles in an empty cardboard tube. Seal one end with masking tape.

Light tidy For easy decorating next year, wrap your Christmas tree lights around an old toilet-roll tube and secure them with a piece of masking tape.

Fluorescent light storage Prevent breakage by keeping unused fluorescent lamps in long cardboard tubes.

Document holder Store diplomas, marriage licenses and other certificates by rolling them tightly and slipping them inside a paper towel tube. This prevents creases and will keep the documents clean and dry.

Play logs Notch the ends of several long tubes with a craft knife and then help your children to construct fences or huts with them.

Linen press Wrap tablecloths and napkins around long cardboard tubes after washing. It will prevent creases appearing where they were folded. First cover the tubes with adhesive-backed plastic or plastic film, though, to prevent stains.

Fabric keeper Store leftover fabric scraps, tightly rolled, inside a tube. For easy identification, staple a sample of each fabric to the outside of the tube.

Kazoo Cut three finger holes in the middle of a kitchen towel tube and then cover one end with wax paper held on with a rubber band. Hum into the other end, plugging different holes to alter the pitch.