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/)

---

Home Office: Identifying Your Needs

Not many years ago, the thought of working from home... Read More

Remodeling Online

Remodeling PlansMaking remodeling plans for a house helps you to... Read More

Lighting and your Kitchen - How to Design a Lighting Plan that Cooks!

Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home,... Read More

6 Saving Tips When Moving

Moving households, whether it is due to a job transfer... Read More

How to Care for Laminate Flooring

It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate... Read More

Create a Luxurious Laundry Room

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

Home Improvement for The Ladies!

Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More

Make Your Home Secure

The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More

How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars

Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part... Read More

Laminate Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century

The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years,... Read More

Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)

Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't... Read More

Tiles are the Foundation Stone for Your Stylish Bathroom!

Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles,... Read More

Installing Vinyl Siding - Making It Simple

Installing vinyl siding can be a very rewarding process that... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Gas And Electric Heating Systems

To make your home more energy efficient, you need to... Read More

Hardwood Floor Care Will Keep Your Hardwood Looking Fantastic

Hardwood is still the homeowner's favorite choice of flooring and... Read More

Repairing Your Own Machine Components

Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the... Read More

House Plans ? Where To Start

You have found the perfect lot on which to build... Read More

What is Injection Waterproofing?

Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Every one lives in a house but every house is... Read More

Clearing the Air on What to Look for in an Air Purifier

If you are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality... Read More

The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Mattress

Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few... Read More

Outdoor Kitchens ? Simple and Sophisticated

After September 11, many of us decided to stay closer... Read More

Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet

"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More

Hydronic vs Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years... Read More

Cheap Interior Design Ideas

Cheap interior design ideas come in many forms these days.... Read More

Stair Railings Styles

The stair railing at home is more than a simple... Read More

Poster, Print or Painting. Where Are You Going To Put It?

If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More

The Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget.... Read More

Aluminium Window Frames

When double glazing first became a popular window choice in... Read More

Pergo Flooring Is Perfect For The Home or Office

Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Dawning of Your Emotions

"I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me,... Read More

Paving The Way For Californias Asphalt Consumers

The California asphalt paving industry is ever-changing and in order... Read More