We’ve all made the purchase: whether it’s shoes, purses or food. There are always those dreaded little silica packets that warn, Do Not Eat.

Those silica packets aren’t deadly, regardless of all those warnings. Instead, Silica gel is a desiccant, a substance that absorbs moisture that protects products through shipping and making it from the manufacturer to your home.

Here’s 10 ideas to reuse Silica Packets:

1. Save your water damaged cell phone. Leave a few packets with your phone and battery (separated) in an airtight container overnight to eliminate moisture.
2. Tape the packets to the lid of herbs, pet food, etc to prolong shelf life.
3. Place in drawers or closets where you store leather boots & shoes.
4. Put in plastic baggies to protect your electronics while traveling.
5. Keep in your gym bag to avoid smell.
6. Put on your car dashboard to keep your windshield clear. (Hint: remember for the winter...)
7. Dry flowers
8. Preserve important papers & documents
9. Protect your photos
10. Keep your razor blades sharp

Craving more? MNN has more silica gel packet suggestions for you.

Photo: Popular Mechanics

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher