Lots of household containers can be decorated and transformed from trash to gifts, art, or just little stash boxes. Reusing coffee cans, Pringles or oatmeal containers, or even little boxes with lids is fun and simple. This is a great craft for the kids, it's that easy. All you need is to scare up some magazines, catalogs, old books with pictures. Maybe you have some old posters, maps, anything you can cut up and collage together. Even some department stores bags have nice designs on them. Next grab some Mod Podge from any store that sells school, or craft supplies. This is cheap and goes a long way. Use some small paint brushes, old ones, for this project. You have to rinse them well when your done if you want to use the same ones over, and over. Then when you get all the pictures cut out put a small amount of the Mad Podge on the back and start layering. When the design is done let the glue dry. Then follow the directions to put on a thin layer of the Podge on for a glossy finish. Make sure to let this dry where nothing can get to it. You can paint the lids, cover them with fabric, or anything that looks cool. Use them on your desk or sewing table to organize stuff. You kids can keep any small toys in the ones they make. Match one to your bathroom to hide the little things from view. Dress up anything with this magic glue and you imagination.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Buy Recycled, Close the Loop

Recycling is only half the battle. It's important to remember that buying recycled increases the demand for recycled content products and closes the loop on the recycling process. As more and more Americans look for simple ways to become environmentally friendly, more and more companies are taking the initiative to make products out of recycled goods and fibers. Buying recycled helps conserve and protect natural resources, and makes a damned that companies will eventually supply. You can shop at places known to carry recycled products, or just buy them when you see them at your supermarket, either way puts presser on stores and companies to offer us more. Some are ahead of the game like Reynolds Wrap® Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum, or Pilot Pens BeGreen line which even the packaging is recycled. When shopping take a little time and read labels. Sometimes there's a recycled choice right on the shelf and you aren't aware of it. Even some small corner stores now carry recycled toilet paper and the like. Remember that as a costumer you do have some power, unless you choose not to use it.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Reduce Your Use - Water
Everyone should try to save water but if one rents they cant just install a low flow toilet or a double sink. There are easy things we can do to reduce the water being used in our apartments. We have heard all about only washing full loads of clothes and dishes. If you do all your dishes by hand without a double sink keep a medium sized bowel in the sink to fill with soapy water, instead of running the water to wash and rinse. When washing fruits and veggies collect the water for your house plants. Make any toilet low flow by adding water bottles with some sand or pebbles fill the rest with water and put the cap on. This can save water in one step. The easy thing is not to let the water run. Did you know that 25 gallons can be saved by turning the faucet off while brushing you teeth. Only one or two minutes in the shower can save 150 gallons per month, and there is a tool you can use to make this easy too. A shower timer is the best thing to shave off those extra minutes. They are found online, sometimes you can find one for free. This is just the start on how you can "Reduce Your Use."
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