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/)

---

Building Permits and Inspections

Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house... Read More

Heart of the Home

It started with my need for a new mixer. OK.... Read More

Hot Tubs: Without A Shadow Of A Doubt Guarantee Relaxation When You Dip Your Feet Into The Water!

A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to... Read More

Is a Hot Tub for You? Top 5 Questions You Need to Answer

As a way of relaxing, more and more people are... Read More

Dehumidifiers Wring Out Your Home

Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the... Read More

Why Double Glazing?

Why replace your single-glazed windows with double glazing ? For... Read More

Seeing the Light

Lighting"Light has illuminated the path of humanity" ? While Einstein... Read More

Building a Home Addition

Besides providing your home with more living space, a home... Read More

Create a Luxurious Laundry Room

Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry... Read More

Selling Houses: Payback of Window Treatments

If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight... Read More

The Right Bathroom Light Fixture Will Brighten Up Your Bathroom

A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor... Read More

Finishing Your Basement Can be Very Rewarding

Transforming your home's basement into a finished space can prove... Read More

The Right Shower Curtain For Your Bathroom!

A shower curtain can add the perfect touch to any... Read More

Ways to Heat Your Water

Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

A ceiling fan consists of three basic parts, namely the... Read More

Everything - Plus The Kitchen Sink

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

Repairing Your Faulty uPVC Double Glazed Windows And Doors

It is an amazing fact that uPVC double glazing was... Read More

Buying Home Appliances The Smart Way

When you add up all the money that you can... Read More

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers

"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently... Read More

Be Cool and Comfortable While Saving Money

The cost of energy is on the rise, so if... Read More

Architect or Building Designer ? Who Do You Choose?

Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you... Read More

Remedies for a Wet Basement

A wet basement can be just a nuisance or even... Read More

Shopping For Carpet

The allure of carpet lays not only its soft and... Read More

Keeping Your Home Spa Clean

Purchasing a home spa is a great expense; which can... Read More

Make Your Hardwood Floors Shine

You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now... Read More

Why Not Add a Shower To Your Bathroom?

If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing... Read More

Upholstery Fabric Will Give Your Furniture a New Look!

Upholstery fabric will put some new life into your old... Read More

Chimney Cap Checklist: Four Quick Ways to Evaluate Your Existing Chimney Cap

While you are cleaning leaves out of your home's gutters,... Read More

Choosing Your Builder: Cheapest Quote Wins?

You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More

Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You

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

Use Ladders Safely

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

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More

Light Up Your Life

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