Recyclable Things

Now that you've read the title of this post, I just want to say this: before you think I'm a tree-hugger (no offense Oregonians...), just know that while I love the Earth and believe we should take care of it, I don't believe in putting a platform in the trees to stop them from being chopped down. However, I've discovered that there are simply ways to recycle things. And the best benefit for me is that you get at least a 2nd use out of it so it's another way of being frugal.

The biggest thing we do is actually literally recycle. This is what our recycling system looks like:

 I know, it's a complete eye sore in our garage (which I hope to eventually fix) but it's very practical. We've marked boxes with the different categories that are recycled here, and then we just rinse the items out after use and throw in the box. Then when they start to get full, I take whichever ones need emptying to the recycle bins outside Wal-Mart (But I just found out that they're going to start curbside recycling in my city in August... is it pathetic to say that makes me excited?).

It's an easy way to not only help "save the environment" but also, it saves us money on garbage! Once we started recycling, we were able to switch to every-other-week garbage and even then it's not always full. So we save over $90 a year by recycling. Of course, if you live in a state where they actually PAY you to recycle, I'm gonna be honest: you're stupid not to.


The next way I recycle is to use things that would get thrown away in a different way:

You know how sometimes you think of someone and would love to drop something off to let them know they're on your mind, but you don't have time to make bread/pie/etc?

Your answer: stop throwing away your baby food jars (and no I didn't save these from my 3-year-old's baby days). They make perfect little candy jars that you can make on a rainy day and then store so they're available on the go. And to make it cute and personalizable, hot glue fabric on the lid, add a little ribbon, and then a label so you can write a message like "Thinking of You" or "Get Better" or "I Love You".

You can even make it holiday specific like I did with fall. I'm lovin' fall! Too bad it only last 4 weeks here.

And maybe something that's broken and scuffed just needs a little TLC. Fix it up with glue and a new coat of paint and it's amazing the difference!

Before

After

The last way I recycle is to use worn out or too small or I'm-sick-of clothes in a new way:

This is a pretty common one for me. In fact, I never DI clothes anymore it seems (which however, is another good way of recycling). Instead, I make skirts, car caddys, superhero capes, baby tights, pants, etc. out of them (sorry I don't have a picture of everything I just mentioned).

This is one reason I LOVE the Make It and Love It blog. She is so great at "repurposing".

Recycling can be a lot of work, but it's worth it! And sure, it doesn't hurt that you're helping out the environment while you're at it.