Recycle, eh!

My friend Fran has a few great tips for recycling worn linens and curtains. Here are her tips:

"If you have sheets that are worn in the middle, you can make pillowcases from the less worn edges before you 'rag' the sheet. Single flat sheets can be made to fit a double bed by stitching a pleat down each corner, or two can be stitched together to make a duvet cover, or use one as the backing for a new piece of fabric to make a duvet cover.

If you cut away the worn parts of a large towel you can cut the rest into smaller towels, hem them to use in the kitchen.

Good parts of curtains can be made into cushion covers or bags. Totes for groceries don't need to be perfect, but nicer pieces can be made into something more fashionable. Curtain linings can be used to line the bags."

Thanks Fran!!

Here's a tip from Anna G. of Sudbury: "I use empty nail polish bottles to store paint for touchups.  First I clean empty nail polish bottles and their brushes with thinners, then fill each with paint after a paint job. Whenever a wall or a piece of furniture gets a little ding, it's easy  to fix it with the paint stored in the nail polish bottle."

What a great, yet simple, idea. This not only is a new use for an old container but it also takes away the hassle of having to go find that old can of paint, get a paintbrush messy, have to clean it, etc.  Genius!

Thanks Anna.

Here's a great tip from a visitor Ollie G. in Toronto concerning regifting. She says, "Since not everyone may have your sense of style, if you do get a few gifts that just aren’t you, instead of tossing them into the recycle bin consider repurposing. For example, that set of Victorian-style parfait glasses you got for your 5th anniversary or those 'heirloom' tea cups from your Aunt Olive can be reused to hold small houseplants and suddenly can seem almost charming. These are perfect for regifting next time you are invited to a housewarming!"

Thursday, November 29, 2007

My friend Bill B. recycles his old hockey sticks to use as hangers for the family's bikes. He cuts off the blade ends first and then uses the handle to hang the bikes up in his garage rafters.

Tuesday, August 29, 2007

Ann I. from Victoria, B.C. sends along her tip for recycling tissue boxes as drawer dividers:

Cut the tops - to the four corners - remove the cellophane paper and use tape to glue down the rest of the cardboard top. These might not be particularly sturdy, but can be changed as often as you like. 

Ann also uses pictures from tissue boxes as scrapbooking embellishments. 

Thanks Ann!

Friday, June 22, 2007

I use those wide elastic bands that are used to bundle veggies to open jars and bottle caps. Just wind the elastic a few times around the cap and twist. Works like a charm.

Monday, April 23, 2007

I love getting recycling project ideas and tips from my site visitors. Here are two recent ones:

Thanks to Brycat for this: Turn your baby’s outgrown vests into clothes peg bags.

Here's a great idea from Franbee: Make drawstring bags for shoes, laundry, etc., from old T-shirts, instead of them cluttering a drawer.

I've made bags from sleeveless tees. Just sew the bottom up and you've got a nifty bag! You can also tear up your old cotton T-shirts and flannelette pj’s and use them as cleaning rags instead of sponges.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Offices are amazing places for picking up all kinds of material for recycling. Everything from boxes to computers to paper to plastic is thrown out on a regular basis. Start a recycling club at work and schedule regular meetings to brainstorm on ideas for reusing or repurposing what's being thrown out. Look for organizations or groups in your area that can use the stuff.

Have a little fun, too. Hold contests for the best 'inventions' and give out silly awards--the main thing is to cut down on office waste and have fun doing it. Check out my blog for projects and ideas.

Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006

When you buy cosmetics at your drugstore, you'll sometimes get free gift samples in an attractive cosmetic bag. Why not consider giving your next one to a homeless person?  Add sample-sized deodorant, lip balm, a good SPF lotion or cream, and any other goodies that you can think of. It won't cost you much and you'll make someone's day!

Don't toss out the water you boiled your veggies or morning eggs in. Let water cool and pour into a recycled glass or plastic container. Keep it refrigerated or it goes sour. Use to water your potted plants as soon as possible.