I'm not saying that if you recycle then you're not doing enough to help this planet. If you and your family recycle at a daily basis then you're doing a wonderful job, as we all know too well that there are some people that don’t recycle at all.
What I would like to bring to your attention is that even recycling require energy to be done. For example, an old, broken wine bottle will not transform into a beautiful jar by magic, I’m sure you know that. It will need transportation from the recycle center to the glass treatment plant and there there will be machinery to sort, melt and re-moulded it into something new (see: “How glass is recycled” http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/science-glass.html ) . All of this will costs energy.
Personally, I recycle at home. I know the importance of recycling. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by how a thing, when no more useful, could turn into something else. But if I can, I reuse a thing more and more times. For example, if I buy a bottle of water, I’ll refill it a few times before I’ll throw it in the recycle bin. Or , a few years ago, I did some bags with old jeans that didn’t fit me anymore (they are really easy to do). If I have a shirt that is too small or that is ripped, I use it as a dust cloth. There are many ways to reuse things so that you aren’t forced to throw them away. If you’re short on ideas you can always google it!
In conclusion, better recycle than nothing at all (way better, in my opinion), but when -and if- you can, reuse/repurpose something is fun and helpful.

I agree with you, I think your advices are very helpful for the environement. These are good ideas to reuse old things and I think I'll try to transform my old jeans in bags.
Last year I did some boxes with PET and with old wax I did new candles. It was very easy and funny so I advise  to everyone to reuse.