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Saving on Trips to the Store

May 23, 2011 by

 

CHANGCHUN, CHINA - DECEMBER 28: Residents wal...

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Everybody knows the economy runs on consumption. While consuming is a good thing in moderation, it also tends to burn a lot of gas. Not only can this become very expensive, but burning lots of fossil fuels is also bad for the environment, to say nothing of being just a waste of resources. So it can be worth your time to save when you can on trips to any kind of store.

Naturally, great products like Apple Bottoms jeans will help you save on trips to the clothing stores. Unfortunately, that and line drying your wardrobe to keep it wearable for a long time are only two small steps. Most folks don’t buy clothes all that often, anyway. However, you can also buy your food in bulk, as well. Every time you don’t have to turn on your engine to go somewhere, you save yourself time, money and a little bit of pollution in the air. Every one of those three components is ultimately good for you and the world we all share.

However, you can even up that a little bit. While delivery companies tend to also burn plenty of fossil fuels, they have measures in place to be more fuel efficient, even with big trucks, than you would likely be able to pull off. This is why it can be even cheaper to order things directly, and it can even save on the amount of pollution put out from the vehicles involved. After all, stores don’t magically produce things. The less shipping points involved, the better it is for the environment and you.

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Recycled Construction Materials

January 19, 2011 by

You know of the benefits of recycling on the environment and do your part to recycle at home. Were you aware that the products you use when building or remodeling your home can be from recycled sources? Who knows, maybe some of that plastic you recycled has come full circle and is being used in your home project!

Plastic is recycled into many different household items. Type 1 plastic which is used in soda, juice, and liquor bottles as well as peanut butter jars and some oil jars can be recycled into carpet fibers and some types of fabrics. Type 2 plastics which is heavier and used for containers used for milk, juice, detergents, bleach and motor oil is recycled into trash containers, lumber substitutes, and other useful items. Type 3 plastic or PVC which is used in windows, doors, shower curtains, and other similar items can be recycled into garden hoses, sewer pipes and fences. Plastic types 4 through 6 which are plastic wrap, food containers, and Styrofoam can also be recycled into items such as plastic wood, carpeting, or furniture.

Paper that has not been contaminated can be recycled into construction products such as cellulose for insulation, cellulose fiberboard, or gypsum board sheeting materials. Glass is another recyclable material that is used in the construction industry. Recycled glass is used in fiberglass insulation, window glazing, and wall and floor tiles.

Aluminum and steel can also be recycled, although they must be recycled separately. Aluminum can be made into window components and flashing material. Steel is recycled into structural framing, framing connectors, and nails.

Other than the materials constructed from recycled items, there is another type of construction recycling that can be done. When building or remodeling a home you may want to consider saving yourself some money as well as contributing to recycling efforts by purchasing used items such as doors, lighting fixtures, cabinets, and more from a construction “recycling” store such as Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store.

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Recycled Home Decor

January 9, 2011 by

Decorating your home does not have to be expensive. In fact, you can recycle old items you or people you know have while saving money and making your house look great! How can you accomplish this? Using items you already have and turning them into something new, interesting, and beautiful can be enjoyable. Use old or broken items to make new, refreshed, unique items.

Use a set of old license plates into a set of bookends by simply bending one end of the license plate over a table or countertop. This gives it the end that slides under the books while the rest of the license plate rests against the books. You can leave as-is for a vintage look or spray paint and decorate for a more modernized look.

Create a pet bed out of an old stained jacket, unwanted or worn out jeans, damaged drapes, or even an old quilt or blanket that you no longer use. Simply cut the fabric to the size you want, avoiding any damaged areas. Sew the sides together leaving one side open for turning. You can either leave this open or stitch across lengthwise to create tunnels. Stuff (of course recycling stuffing from old unwanted items if possible). Stitch over open end.

Use vintage aprons, handkerchiefs, clothing, etc. to create one-of-a-kind drapes or valances for your home. Recycling old clothing or other fabric items into new designs is a great way to use these things and maybe even preserve some memories.

Instead of throwing out your old light bulbs when they burn out recycle them by making them into holiday ornaments! Any size or shape of bulb can be used to create interesting and adorable items. For example, a large round bulb such as you would see in a bathroom fixture can be painted with a base coat of white paint. Add some eyes, an orange nose, and a crocked smile. Paint the metal end that is screwed into the fixture with black paint. You now have a snowman!

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Recyling Can be Fun

January 4, 2011 by

There is a lot of talk about recycling, but have you considered the fun aspects of recycling? Recycling does not have to just be about separating your garbage or composting your grass trimmings. There are many fun projects you can do to recycle as well. Finding uses for old items is not only good for the environment but it is also good for your creativity.

Don’t throw out that old worn pair of blue jeans. Instead use them to create a functional work of art. Denim can be used to make Barbie clothing, throw rugs, quilts, a denim diary cover, make an organizer out of a leg from an old pair of jeans, convert those jeans into a skirt, or make a purse out of the pockets. Finding new uses for your old worn out blue jeans is not only practical but it can also be a lot of fun.

What about those old CDs or ancient vinyl records? You can create some interesting and useful items with these. You can recycle your old CDs to hold your mail by making a letter holder with them. Use them to make a cute snowman. With a little heat and some ingenuity you can turn an old vinyl record into a bowl!

You can even use items such as broken dishes to create art. Use the broken shards of a dinner plate to create mosaic art. This can be added to clay flowerpots to dress them up or even create a mosaic design on an old table top that needs some added interest. For that old teacup and saucer set that doesn’t match anything else you have, instead of throwing it out turn it into a stylish lamp.

There is no limit on the things you can do with items you would have normally thrown out. If you do not feel you are creative enough to come up with ideas of your own, spend some time on the internet searching for crafts you can make with recycled items. Use your imagination. You may be surprised by what you can come up with!

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