Recycle, eh

Looking for ways to celebrate Dad's special day. Look no further than your own home. What have you got squirreled away that would make a perfect gift. Making your own gifts not only saves you money, but it's sure to please Dad more than a store-bought gift. 

Here's one idea that you can make - wine label coasters.

To make, just round up all those empty wine bottles, and remove the labels by soaking the bottles in warm water for a bit. Carefully peel off the labels, place between two sheets of blank paper and gently iron dry with your iron at a low setting. Once dry, glue the wine labels to cork matting you can buy at any hardware or builder's store. Cover with clear contact paper then neaten up the edges with scissors or an X-acto knife. Make several and wrap up in recycled gift wrapping. 

I've been neglecting to post any recycling projects for a while. I've been on holidays and decided to see how the rest of the world copes with junk. Interesting ideas are swirling in my head. For today, here's another novel way to recycle corks and a small wooden cheese box.

No-it's not my idea. I saw a little boy put this together in a recycling workshop and I immediately had an aha moment - easy, peasy, no-cost trivet! Just shows you how simple recycling can be. It may not change the world, but it can inspire.

What have you recycled today?

I bought some wine yesterday and was dismayed to find that the cork was actually a plastic stopper and I had a heck of a time getting it out. Why would wineries start using plastic when we all know how dangerous it is? Cork is a renewable resource and corks from wine bottles can be recycled in many ways.

I've made many things out of cork including this key ring. It even floats!

As you can see, you don't have to toss out your wine corks, By using cork stoppers, we're helping to maintain the largest natural forest in Western Europe. So, say no to plastic and screw tops as well.

Ciao.