This is the second in a series of posts that we are putting together that looks into some alternative users for the ubiquitous packing material known as bubble wrap. Some of us get bubble wrap in many of our packages, and many of us will often just throw it out - but if you think about it, it can have many more uses than just as packing material.

Bubble wrap is used for packing material many times for a couple of reasons - cushioning and insulation. In that vein, we are offering some ideas to recycle bubble wrap around your house before you throw it away and take up space in a landfill.

Today, we'll be talking about the car. It's hot outside, and many of us get into a car and drive to vacation spots or family reunions. Often, we have the A/C running and a cup of cold beverage in our cupholder. We may have ice, but the ice melts and the beverage gets warm pretty quickly due to the sun blazing through the windshield.

Here is a quick suggestion to help insulate your drink and keep it colder longer - bubble wrap lining your cupholder. It's cushioning properties can help keep the drink steady in case you drive over potholes and drink usully splashes; and its insulating qualities can keep the bottom of the cup or can colder longer, which then keeps the entire beverage colder.

So before you get in the car on a hot summer day, line your cupholders with bubble wrap and see your beverage stay cold and refreshing. That can make the summer a little more tolerable!