"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"
-- Leonardo da Vinci
Recycling Plastic Bottles
I'm always on the lookout for ways to recycle all the trash we generate. More specifically, I'm looking for ways to re-use what normally is thought of as trash.
The recycling part is fairly easy....save the trash and then take it to the recycling center, although since we don't have one in our town, we have to drive about 70 miles.
And, some re-using is easy...sturdy plastic containers, such as coffee "cans" and chocolate milk mix boxes are immediately put to good use storing other things, such as packets of garden seeds, candy, foods we buy in the bulk bins, etc. My 8-year-old daughter always has a good use for empty paper towel tubes, and if she doesn't grab them, my husband cuts and folds them into seedling planting pots.
One thing that is difficult for us to figure out how to recycle is plastic bottles, the ones that laundry detergent, milk, shampoo, etc., come in. But, I kept searching until I found a solution — make beads from the plastic. The Threadbanger Web site has a great tutorial on "How to Make Beads From Old Plastic Bottles." I haven't tried it yet, but I have the bottles, and I have a heat gun, so it won't be long!
The way I figure it, one less plastic bottle in the landfill will help Mother Earth.
The recycling part is fairly easy....save the trash and then take it to the recycling center, although since we don't have one in our town, we have to drive about 70 miles.
And, some re-using is easy...sturdy plastic containers, such as coffee "cans" and chocolate milk mix boxes are immediately put to good use storing other things, such as packets of garden seeds, candy, foods we buy in the bulk bins, etc. My 8-year-old daughter always has a good use for empty paper towel tubes, and if she doesn't grab them, my husband cuts and folds them into seedling planting pots.
One thing that is difficult for us to figure out how to recycle is plastic bottles, the ones that laundry detergent, milk, shampoo, etc., come in. But, I kept searching until I found a solution — make beads from the plastic. The Threadbanger Web site has a great tutorial on "How to Make Beads From Old Plastic Bottles." I haven't tried it yet, but I have the bottles, and I have a heat gun, so it won't be long!
The way I figure it, one less plastic bottle in the landfill will help Mother Earth.
Lots of recycling ideas!
Over at www.families.com, Mary Ann Romans has a blog on frugality that has many ideas for reusing everyday items that normally end up in the trash. Many of her suggestions are rather artistic.
For example, she gives directions for turning cans into candle holders, earrings into lampshade decorations, worn-out clothing into rugs and many other interesting projects.
Pay her a visit and see what you can do with your trash!
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On another note, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my newly listed Vintage Red Purse has been listed on the Vintage Bulletin blog in a collection of vintage Etsy picks. Look for the Etsy mini on the left side of the screen.
Thanks to the Vintage Bulletin group for including me!
For example, she gives directions for turning cans into candle holders, earrings into lampshade decorations, worn-out clothing into rugs and many other interesting projects.
Pay her a visit and see what you can do with your trash!
_____________________________________________________
On another note, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my newly listed Vintage Red Purse has been listed on the Vintage Bulletin blog in a collection of vintage Etsy picks. Look for the Etsy mini on the left side of the screen.
Thanks to the Vintage Bulletin group for including me!
Funny Valentines!
I just listed these funny, vintage sticker sheets in my Etsy shop. They are from a teen/kid magazine from the 1970s and '80s called "Dynamite."
From what I can find online, they came with or through the book order forms we got at school. I didn't recognize the stickers right off the bat, but once I saw pictures of the magazine online, I remembered them. I'm sure I had the covers of some of those magazines taped to my wall!
I also listed a set of tiny hearts made from handmade paper. And, the "With Love" stickers are still listed. Maybe they'll be just what someone is looking for to make their Valentine complete!
More trash news
Now that Dave Chameides' 365 Days of Trash are behind him, he's started up a new web site/blog called Sustainable Dave. Have you seen it? Lots of great information there!
Check it out!
Check it out!
My new blog
I just wanted to let you know about my new blog, 365Letters. It's all about my new project to write a letter a day every day in 2009. I hope you'll visit the new blog!
I'll update this blog tomorrow!
I'll update this blog tomorrow!
Happy New Year!
I'm wishing you a very happy new year. May you experience great joy and happiness throughout 2009!
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