by SFolly

Created on: May 08, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Recycling the old to make new treasures!

With the economy in the shape that it is and the environment needing some tender loving care, never has there been a better time to reuse old things around your home, recycle and reduce your carbon footprint.

Reusing Plastic Bags

It is easy to recycle paper, cans, bottles and glass, but what about the other things lying around in our home or garden? One of the biggest problems is the recycling or reusing carry bags. We can reuse them for other shopping trips and for putting inside our bins, but is that really saving the environment?

There is a trend at the moment to craft' with plastic bags. Why not cut the plastic bags and make them into loops, this creates plastic yarn! You can then make amazing crafts and treasures such as baskets, make larger bags or braided rugs! So if you have crafty fingers, there are lots of ways to make fantastic stuff from plastic bags.

Creative Uses for a Christmas Tree

Do you have a real Christmas tree at Christmas? If you do you may be faced with getting rid of the dead Christmas tree every year. Why not make something really special and reuse it in an amazingly unique way! Use the branches from the dead Christmas tree and make a sculpture. You can use the branches in your home to create a lasting memory of Christmas, and the tree! You could also make a wreath or other floral arrangements.

Another use for your Christmas tree is to use the pine needles in pot pourri. Add other berries and leaves to create a lovely smell throughout your home!

Create your own Dog Basket

Have a dog but no way to transport them from A to B? A really easy and cheap way to make a dog basket is to tie two laundry baskets together! A quick, simple and extremely cheap way of making a dog basket.

Make Use of Those Plastic Lids

If you have lots of plastic lids, and we all do, use them for creative crafts for your young children. Cut shapes out of them and use them as stencils for drawing or painting. Your children will love the inventive use of the lids and the effect they have on their art! You could also decorate the plastic lids for unique and handmade coasters.

Reusing Old Candles

What about uses for old candles that you are going to throw out. Instead of throwing them out, you could use them to make new candles or use the candle as a pin cushion. This is a great way to reuse and recycle the candle that would otherwise end up in the bin.

Think Before you Throw

There are so many other things to reuse and recycle in your home, so next time you are about to throw something in the bin, think of other ways to use it first. If you have to throw it out, remember to throw it away responsibly and take it to a recycling centre.

Why not post an advertisement either in your paper or on the internet for the items you are throwing out. Remember the saying another man's rubbish is another man's treasure before you throw something in the bin. You may even make some money from it at the same time!

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