Reuse Works for the Workshop

The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers? The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination.

Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. Although not overly costly when purchased a few pieces at a time, they can add up over the years. Salvage any reusable hardware and parts from old cabinets, furniture or mechanical items before discarding. These can easily be organized and stored in plastic containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers.

These are our favorite as they are recyclable, sturdy and you can easily determine the jar's contents at a glance. When buying screws and bolts avoid the small plastic packages and try to find a store that sells these items out of bulk bins. You save money and packaging too.

Strong plastic jugs from juice, milk, or detergents make excellent storage containers for tools, rags or parts in the workshop. At a section near the top of the jug remove all but a flap of plastic to attach it to a wall or post. Any rough spots can be filed off or covered with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.

Any clothing or towels too ragged to donate to a thrift store still have value. Cut the material into squares of different sizes to use as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Sewing groups would gladly accept the buttons and zippers gleaned from the clothing. Children's programs and daycare centers also use buttons for crafts.

Small household appliances that are no longer working can be salvaged for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation don't attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. Handles from pots and pans can come in handy for fashioning custom tools, or they can be used to make a storage box easy to carry. Old utensils can be bent and made into various picks and scrapers.

The workshop can become a veritable stew pot of reuse ideas. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromised by the reused items. Of course, the most important thing is the fact that you are reducing your landfill contribution by taking the matter into your own hands and making a difference!

Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their book, Trash Talk. The book offers useful solutions for the individual to reduce waste and better manage resources. A guide for anyone concerned about their impact on the environment. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/)

---

Mexico: Who Farted?

Do you have embarrassing gas problems? Do you find this... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Dawning of Your Emotions

"I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me,... Read More

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself

After years of use, your floor will need to be... Read More

The Four Major Types of Air Filters

Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this... Read More

Light Up Your Life

A house or any particular room can be carefully planned,... Read More

Concrete Cutting - Adding a Pre-Cast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home

Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home's basement is... Read More

How to Install a Ceiling Fan - A Simple Guide

A Complete manual on how to install a Ceiling Fan... Read More

10 Quick Ways to Change Your Fire-less Fireplace from a Black Hole to a Worthy Focal Point

Everyone loves a fireplace aglow with a roaring fire or... Read More

Designing Great-looking Window Coverings on a Budget

Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More

Design Psychology: Beds and Emotional Well-Being

The bed represents the beginning and ending of life. In... Read More

Feng Shui Your Home, Work and Life For Balance and Harmony

Feng Shui describes the communication that takes place every day... Read More

Everything - Plus The Kitchen Sink

Looking to do some remodeling in your kitchen sink area... Read More

Your Candles Are Killing You and Your Furniture - Substitute It!

Even though most of the houses are well lighted with... Read More

The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers

So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More

The Science of Architecture

You're told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get... Read More

Use Ladders Safely

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that each year more... Read More

Pool Decks ? Add Ambiance to Your Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained... Read More

Daydreaming About Your Home Makeover Projects

Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More

Choosing Window Frames

There are three main types of material used to manufacture... Read More

Cleaning House and the 80-20 Rule

Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing... Read More

The Secret to Your Home?s Interior Design

The secret to your home's interior design is Love.If you... Read More

Would You Steel Your Household Appliances

Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many... Read More

Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a... Read More

Log Homes for Beginners - 10 Steps to Success

For those who may be thinking of building a new... Read More

Complete Home Rehab In 10 Days

This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More

Buying The Right Bed Sheets For Your Bed

You spend a lot of your life in your bed... Read More

Apartment Inspection Checklist

You have found an apartment you like and you are... Read More

Unique and Imaginative Wall Storage Ideas

Everyone can use more organization in their lives (except those... Read More

How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part... Read More

Bathroom Interior Design

Any advice or guide on the interior design of a... Read More

A Look at Steel Building Kits

Steel building kits are a comprehensive set of all the... Read More

Deck Decorating

On my blog, I once wrote about life on the... Read More

Painting and Decorating Tile

Ceramic tile can be beautiful and elegant. But it can... Read More