by Michelle Frank

Created on: February 14, 2009

Watching the news these days can be terrifying. When the news talks about what we are going to do with all the stuff in our land fills, and the amount of time that it takes for something to go back to a natural state, or that some things will never go back to a natural state I begin to panic. The landfill in our town has gotten at least 5 times bigger in the last 20 years. Stories like that make me wonder where will all the trash will go when we run out of room and how can we stop it from taking over the planet?

When this thought crosses my mind it makes me think of my grandparents that grew up in the depression. They never, (did I say never) threw anything out. We washed the plastic bags that the bread came in to store stuff in the refrigerator, kept the pieces of string from the bakery boxes, then burnt the boxes in the fireplace for heat in the winter. We washed the containers that food came in because they too could be used for something. I don't think I ever got a "new" dress till I got in high school. If I said liked my Grandma's blouse I could be sure that in time I would see it at Christmas remade into a modern young ladies blouse or sometimes a skirt. Nothing was ever wasted and nothing was ever bought new. Every one thinks that thrift stores are new or a modern way to save money. Not to my family that is how we lived and there was rarely any trash. Our living room set was reupholstered five times before my parents finally got rid of it.

After living this way I got out of the house and became very wasteful and possession oriented until I started watching the news and hearing about the landfills and the all garbage. I decided it was time to lead a more simple life. I now make quilts from clothing that my family outgrows and is too worn to pass along and I take donations from anyone that is willing to give them to me. I also make rice bags and other crafts from all the material that I have kept from going to the landfill. While this is just a small step in getting back to my roots I am sure that if I try I can be just as thrifty and "green" as my grandparents were.

You see recycling and remaking clothing into blankets, childrens clothing and other things makes this place just a little healthier for all of us. So when you are looking for something to do grab a needle and some thread and sit and remake something for someone. You will see that it really is not only good for the planet but also good for you.

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