Tag Archives: recycle

How to Reuse Ribbon Scraps

Ribbons are so useful aren’t they? We usually use ribbons for an obvious reason, to tie up packages. Sometimes we even use them in crafts. But ribbon ends can quickly add up, and you may find yourself left with dozens of little pieces that can’t be used for anything els, or can they? If you just can’t bring yourself to toss your bits of ribbon, try using them in one of the following ways. Ribbon can be used to hang a picture for a designer look. You may not actually want to use the ribbon to hang it, because it … Continue reading →

How Green was 2008

Many analysts predicted that 2008 was going to be a green year in terms of the home. More people would adopt materials and practices that saved energy and were good for the environment. My own New Year Resolutions for the beginning of the year included being more green in our home. But then we had a downturn in the economy. So did everyone live up to the expectations? Yes and no. Let me start with my own home. We live pretty frugally and normally try to avoid waste whenever possible by reusing items. We do recycle quite a bit and … Continue reading →

New Uses for Chalk

Reusing items is more frugal than just recycling them or throwing them away. Many times, we can find new uses for inexpensive things that we already have, making an expensive trip to the store unnecessary. Chalk is pretty inexpensive, and if you have kids then chances are that you have chalk, since it is a popular and cheap toy that spurs on the creativity. Even if you don’t have kids, consider picking up some chalk, which may be on sale at the end of summer, and using it for one of the following tasks. You can use chalk with some … Continue reading →

6 Ways to Reuse Cereal Box Liners

Do you think that some things could never be reused? There are so many uses for the ordinary stuff that comes in and out of our lives. One good example is that cereal box liner. Cereal box liners are the waxed bags that hold the cereal and keep it fresh in the box. In an earlier blog about reusing the cereal boxes themselves, I touched on how useful these liners can be. Now, I’ll share six ideas for reusing them. Why throw something away if it could save money? Which idea is your favorite? Do you have an idea that … Continue reading →

What to Do with Vending Machine Bubbles

You know that you are really frugal when you can look at anything at all and find a way to reuse it. one such items that came up recently for me is the plastic vending machine bubble. These are the little plastic cases that hold rings, tattoos, erasers, cheap jewelry, bouncy balls and other little toys that can be had from a vending machine. Now, what am I doing talking about buying little overpriced things that cost 50 cents or more these days? Well, I am not actually talking about purchasing these bubble-filled toys, but actually just reusing the bubbles. … Continue reading →

What to Do with Old Windows

Reusing what you have is usually a sure bet to save money. Some things have obvious reuses, such as paper bags from the grocery store, while others may be a bit obscure, such as what to do with a bunch of leftover allen wrenches. One item that keeps coming up in reuse questions is the old window. This may be the year that we replace our old drafty single pane windows with insulating double pane ones. Just throwing the windows away could cost us two times. The first is the cost to dispose of the windows, either through the window … Continue reading →

Coffee and Scrapbooking – Organization and Storage You’ll Love

If you have been reading the scrapbooking blog for any period of time at all, you would know that finding innovative scrapbook storage is a major goal for me. On everything from ribbon storage to finding a way to store pens and markers, to finding items in weird places, I am always on the watch for something new! I have discovered a way to enjoy two of my favorite things, well perhaps three when you think of organization. I am a major coffee drinker and periodically I treat myself to the Starbucks or Godiva chocolate coffee drinks you can buy … Continue reading →

New Uses for Washcloths

Do you use wash cloths? If you have a bunch that are just sitting there, why not turn them into something useful? This morning, I decided to do a little spring cleaning of our linen closet. One thing that struck me was the amount of wash cloths that we have. There were probably 20 or more of them. Now, having a lot of washcloths could be a good thing if you use them, since it is recommended that you only use a washcloth once and then launder it. But, the fact remains that we seldom use wash cloths. I can … Continue reading →

Annual Bulk Trash

Do you have an annual or bi-annual bulk trash day? It is a great way to take a good look at all of that large stuff that is gathered around your home, sitting there and doing nothing. Our town’s bulk trash pick up is coming up soon. Here they charge for bulk trash pick up, but that is probably because our garbage pick up is not included in our town taxes as it was in our old home. The fee is $15 for every three items. What can go into bulk trash? Rules vary by town or region, but basically … Continue reading →

More Uses for Cans 2

In reply to a reader request, here are more uses for cans. This is part two of a two-part series. Flatten soda cans and turn them into bats by painting the cans and adding cardboard wings. In fact, there are so many different animal crafts that you can make with crushed cans with a little bit of paint and a little bit of imagination. Make a beer can roof. This is a great idea for the truly frugal. Collect beer and soda cans from friends and neighbors. See the instructions for the roof right here: Beer Can Roof Punch drainage … Continue reading →