Bag Holder for Picking Up LitterThere is a great need for volunteers to help clean up our roads these days. I have found that the winter months are the best time for me as the grass is short and the litter is so accessible and there are no biting insects to bother me.
Reusing an Upright Tissue HolderI know I have submitted a tip before about using a flat holder and a plastic canvas holder for other things, but this one is cool, too.
Toothbrush Holder for Desk SuppliesWe had a few of these toothbrush holders laying around. I was planning on donating them to Goodwill, but in my hunt for something to hold desk supplies I realized that these would be perfect. I am able to separate different items, making it easy to grab just what I want.
Tame TurtleMy 3 yr. old son and I saw this turtle that didn't 'run' or should we say walk away, when we approached it on our morning walk. It seemed to enjoy the attention. Very cute little fella!
Polyphemus MothBeautiful female polyphemus moth. 04/13/20
DIY Paper Towel Sheet Saver Using a Tissue BoxThis is a way to make your paper towel rolls last longer. Simply cut each sheet in half and place them into an empty tissue box.
Folding Plastic Grocery BagsIn 1987, when I first started picking up roadside litter, I asked my friend to save me her Wal-mart bags. She brought them to me in a Wal-Mart bag and all of them were neatly folded. This is where I got the idea of folding my bags. Using these bags, I would stuff my pockets with over 20 bags and walk a mile and pick up the litter, filling the bags as I walked. I never ran out of bags.
Snow White Squirrel (UK)I saw this snow white squirrel in a country park next to my house.
Iced Feeder for the HummingbirdsA few years ago when I was changing one of the feeders, I emptied it out to put in fresh sugar water/nectar, and the sugar water was *scalding hot* from the triple digit summer's heat.
Make a Difference By Picking Up TrashIf you want something done, sometimes you just have to do it yourself.
It's Roadside Litter Cleaning TimeIt's spring and people are getting in the cleaning mood. We want our houses and yards to look nice. But have you ever considered helping to keep our roads clean? I'm an old littergitter and I look at it as great exercise that produces quick results.
Repurpose Spent Water Filter CartridgesWater filters contain activated charcoal and after mine expire I cut open the cartridge (CAREFULLY with a steak knife) and pour the contents into my cats' litter box to reduce odor. I could also use it in my chicken coop for the same reason.
Using Toy Catalog Pages as Gift WrapWhen it comes to wrapping presents/gifts, I try to recycle what I have before purchasing anything unnecessary. Don't throw away all those holiday toy catalogs you receive in the mail. I was able to recycle and wrap a couple of gifts with the Target catalog!
Mother Bat and Her PupJuly 1st was a hot/humid day in Wisconsin. I noticed this mother and her pup slept out of the bat house very low to the ground where it was cooler. The pup is tucked behind her body, near her legs, close to the cedar. We have 34 moms in the bat house, it's a maternity colony.
Hummingbird SilhouetteI make my own hummingbird food and every year they come back. We love to sit and watch them feed. They fly right over our heads to get to the feeder. I am amazed how aggressive they can be with each other. They are amazing little birds.
Re-label Vitamin ContainersI purchase vitamins in bulk because you save a lot more money and can spilt them among family members or friends (who use the same vitamins). Temporarily I placed my vitamins in a Ziploc. Now, that I have an empty vitamin container - it is extremely simple and easy to re-label any vitamin container or container with adhesive.
Picking Up Roadside LitterHelping to keep the roadsides free of litter in your neighborhood can be quite satisfying. You will want to have a good pair of gloves, a reach extender, and bags to put it in. Often your Department of Transportation will give you the bags and arrange to pick them up once filled. This is a page about picking up roadside litter.
Battery Basics - Reduce, Recharge and Recycle!Batteries are used in electronic products we use every day. Being a responsible battery user can help maximize usage, as well as, reduce waste and pollution. This is a page about battery basics!
Use Rags Instead of Paper TowelsWhile incredibly handy, paper towels are wasteful. Pretty much every task that a paper towel can be used for, a cloth rag can do the same job without having to be thrown away. This is a page about use rags instead of paper towels.
Rain Barrels for Practically FreeBy asking around at various businesses you may be able to find suitable plastic barrels to make your own rain barrels for little or no cost. This is a page about rain barrels for practically free.
Watering WiselyWater is a limited resource and should be conserved whenever possible. This is a page about watering wisely.
Being Frugal and GreenOften, being frugal and taking good care of the environment can be accomplished simultaneously. This is a page about being frugal and green.
Uses for Used Canning LidsOnce used for canning, lids can not be used again, but they have lots of alternative uses. This is a page about uses for used canning lids.
The Northern CardinalThe northern cardinal, also know as a redbird or common cardinal is easily recognizable. The male sports a distinctive crest along with its brilliant red plumage. This is a page about the northern cardinal.
Using Tablecloths for FabricYou can often get tablecloths at yard sales and thrift stores inexpensively. Even if they are worn or stained there is often some salvageable fabric to be gotten from them for other projects. This is a page about using tablecloths for fabric.
Recycling Metal, Paper, Plastics and GlassHaving a good system to clean, organize and store your recyclables will help keep them out of the landfill. This is a page about recycling metal, paper, plastics and glass.
Using Lemon Juice Containers as an Ice PackThe small lemon shaped plastic juice containers can be reused for a small ice pack. This is a page about using lemon juice containers as an ice pack.
Toilet Paper Tube Seedling PotsA great way to recycle toilet paper tubes is to use them as containers to start vegetable and flower seeds for garden plants. This is a page about toilet paper tube seedling pots.
Using Less Toilet TissueHere are 2 tricks to encourage other members of your household to use less toilet tissue.
Eastern Box TurtleThe Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), is native to the eastern half of the United States. Both the shell, called a carapace, and the skin are brown with orange and yellow spots and splotches to help camouflage it in the leaf litter where it can often be found.
Playing With Packing FoamI am always looking for inexpensive things for my son to play with. My stepdad has a bunch of pieces of packing foam at his house and my son loves to play with it. It is fairly rigid foam and works really well for building. This is the fire station and parking garage that we built for his cars.
Cute SquirrelI managed to catch this adorable squirrel in my backyard the other day! I like how clear the photograph has come out and you can see the details like its whiskers too! I only wished he had stayed longer and not sprinted off so soon.
Butterfly with Autumn ColorsThis little beauty landed on the railing of a walkway in a local forest area. This was taken in the beginning of November in Nebraska. That year it got to 80 something degrees that day. Most of the leaves were already gone from the trees, but this little guy gave us some fall colors.
Beaver On the RiverWe see lots of geese and ducks on the river, but seeing a beaver is a rare treat. This big guy was out there early this morning eating a branch.
Just Waking Up From My NapRaccoons are nocturnal animals meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. But where do raccoons sleep during the day? Well I got my answer the other day. I looked up into the tree above my back deck one morning and saw this raccoon lying on a limb.
TP Tube Tunnels for Toy CarsMy toddler found some tp tubes set aside for a craft project. He played for quite awhile with just the tubes, then he realized that his little toy cars could drive through them. He thought it was so cool! I can put 1-2 of these in his diaper bag, along with a few cars, for when he is bored while we are out.
Reinforced Shopping BagEnjoy this easy project and be ready for lots of compliments!
Bathroom Recycle BinIn an effort to recycle even more at our house, I put a small recycling bin in our bathroom. Now we can easily recycle the tp tubes, paper tp wrappers, and any little cardboard packages that end up in the bathroom. It seems that if its easy people are more willing to recycle it. :)
Saving an Orphaned Baby SquirrelMy mother was doing some gardening when she found a squirrels' nest knocked out of a tree on to the garden ground. There was no mother squirrel around, mum made a warm bed of foliage for the little guy while keeping an eye out for mother squirrel.
Coffee Can Lid as Cutting BoardI am a compulsive recycler and not all of my recyclables go into the pickup bin. I emptied a large container of coffee this morning and discovered that the plastic cover makes a perfect cutting board for a small item. When I get to the point of cutting too many things on it I'll toss it in the bin.
Outdoor Pillows from Pet Food BagsInstead of watching my outdoor upholstered pillows on my many chairs become faded and mildewed, I decided to stuff them into recycled pet food bags!
Baby Food Snack ContainersI love the little plastic containers that our son's baby food comes in. They have some many uses. I like to reuse them for his snacks, such as goldfish crackers and sandwich crackers. The lids snaps on securely and they fit easily into my purse. :)
Tissues and a Trash CanWith the colds and flu that are going around, you may find that you are constantly dragging around a box of tissues. This simple tip will provide you with both the ever needed tissues, along with a handy trash can for the used ones.
Clorox 2 Watering CanClorox 2 bottles can hold a lot of water making them a great watering can.
No More Paper ProductsThis was something that put more money in our pockets instantly! We stopped using napkins and paper towels. We were spending at least $5.00 a week just to wipe our mouths and clean our house.
Other Uses for Easter GrassThis is a page about other uses for Easter grass. You can use leftover or sale Easter grass in other creative ways.
Uses for Banana PeelsThis is a page about uses for banana peels. Banana peels have many uses around the house, in addition to their usefulness in the garden, from cleaning to home remedies.
All About White-tailed FawnsWhite-tailed deer mate in the fall from October to early December. Their babies, called fawns, are born approximately seven months later in the early spring or summer.
Magnetic Metal Chip and Shavings CatcherThe DH has been disassembling some old PCs to recycle the parts. While taking apart a hard drive he came up with a use for the powerful magnet inside.
Egg Crates for Veggie StorageUse egg crates as a base for vegetables. If a veggie becomes "weepy" before you can use it, it won't drip onto the others. Cut the crates to fit your basket or shelf.
Save Those Eggshells!When I was a child, I had an elderly neighbor. Everyone called her 'Granny'. She kept chickens in a penned lot in back of her home. When she threw laying mash to her hens, she always included a smattering of crushed eggshells. Now, I know why.
Reusing a Salt Spout on a Mason JarThis is a page about reusing a salt container spout. The small metal spout on the top of your salt box can be reused with other containers for convenient pouring.
Uses for ClothespinsWhile most of us in the US dry our clothing in clothing dryers, there are still many uses for clothespins around the house. This is a page about uses for clothespins.
Uses for Bubble WrapBubble wrap is used to protect the contents of many packages shipped to our homes. Don't throw it away; it can be reused. This is a page about uses for bubble wrap.
Uses for Bread BagsThis is a page about uses for bread bags. So much of our food comes in plastic bags. Reusing them helps cut down on waste in our landfills.
Uses for Old CalendarsThis page contains uses for old calendars. Many times last year's calendar have pictures that you like.
Use Microwave Glass Plate Under Your...When my microwave finally quit on me, I decided to find a use for the glass turntable.
Recycle Gum Container for Business CardsCarry your business cards around in a recycled gum holder. You can even cover the box with cloth or wrapping paper, etc.
Reuse Gift Wrapping PaperI had done this for years without thinking about it and then, when I had to move out of state, I decided to dispose of the fairly large collection of used gift paper I had and boy, did I miss it last year! This is why I have decided to start again, and maybe tell y'all about it too.
Uses for Old PantyhoseEven with a run or snag your panty hose can continue to be useful in many ways. This is a page about uses for old pantyhose.
Landscaping with Native PlantsNative plants are a good landscaping choice; they can save on water usage and should thrive in your garden. This page is about how to landscape with native plants.
You Found a Baby Bird on the Ground - Now What?During the summer, one can often find baby birds sitting or hopping along on the ground. Often, people assume that these babies have "fallen out of the nest" and are in need of human help.
Uses for Wading PoolsThis page is about uses for wading pools. Once that wading pool is no longer of use for the kids, it can be repurposed in many different ways.
Uses for Old Garden HoseBefore throwing away a leaky water hose, there are a number of ways it can be reused. This is a page about uses for old garden hose.
Celebrating Earth DayThis is a page about celebrating Earth Day. April 22nd is Earth Day; we can all celebrate and show respect for our home planet in lots of ways.
Parmesan Cheese Lid on Mason JarI recently saw a suggestion that a lid from a Parmesan cheese container would fit on a mason jar. Honestly I was skeptical of it at first. Amazingly it fit!
Uses for Dryer LintThis is a page about uses for dryer lint. Lint from the dryer can be used for a few things around the house and for fire starter.
No-Wilt WildflowersI always save the water spikes left over from florist arrangements. Whenever I go on a nature hike, I take a bunch along in my pack. I can get my wildflowers and other finds home without worrying about them wilting.
Amazing Uses for Plastic BagsSave money on rubber and plastic! Want to re-purpose and re-use those plastic grocery store bags and get the most bang for your buck? Here are some answers that are sure to make you smile.
Saving Money on ElectricityThis week I thought I would share some ideas on how our family has saved money on our electric/gas bill. We have found that this particular bill has been one of our easiest to control. There are a several different things you can do to keep this bill under control.
Reusing Parts From A "Shake" FlashlightRemember a few years ago when everyone bought 'shake to charge' flashlights? You'd shake them a few times and they'd charge up enough power to get around in an emergency which was VERY handy.
Uses for Plastic Grocery BagsThis is a page about uses for plastic grocery bags. Reusing plastic grocery bags is a great way to help the environment and reduce trash in the landfills. There are many ways you can reuse these bags that can help save you money.
Water Conservation for Tough Economic TimesEverything seems to just keep going up, up, up these days! To say things are tight around our house is a major understatement! So, I have decided to do a few short articles on the things our little family does to try to save money/keep costs down.
Uses for Shredded PaperThis is a page about uses for shredded paper. Whether it's from shredding papers or from packaging material in something you received, shredded paper can take up quite a volume of space. There are plenty of other uses for all that paper though.
Craft Uses for Wine CorksThis is a page about craft uses for corks. Once the cork is out of the wine bottle, it's easy to just throw it away. However, they can be used for a myriad of things, craft projects in particular.
Uses for Plastic Pop BottlesThis is a page about uses for plastic pop bottles. Finding other uses for plastic pop bottles helps prevent them from ending up in the landfill.
Recycled Wrapping Paper IdeasThis is a page about recycled gift wrap ideas. Reusing gift wrap or wrapping gifts in recycled paper is a great way to not add more paper to the landfill. Share your ideas for using recycled or reusing gift wrap.
Plastic Bottle Solar LightsThis is a great way to reuse plastic bottles and save money on power. In the United States this idea could be used in sheds, chicken coops, or any structure with a tin roof.
Recycling Prescription BottlesIf you or a family member takes medication on a regular basis, empty prescription bottles can add up quickly. Make sure they don't end up in the landfill by recycling the bottles. This is a page about recycling prescription bottles.
Uses for Yogurt ContainersThis is a page about uses for yogurt containers. The number of empty yogurt containers you put into recycling can really add up, especially if you have children. However, these small handy containers have a myriad of uses other than holding yogurt.
Proper Disposal of Unwanted ThingsSometimes it is hard to know how to dispose of broken household items. It is best to try and find an alternative to the landfill if at all possible, especially since some things such as electronics and batteries pollute if not properly recycled.
Paper or Fabric? What Napkins Save the...A major cost in any household shouldn't be the napkins that sit on the dining room table, but it is an expense. The question, of paper napkins verses fabric napkins, is which is for the better good, both environmentally and economically?
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL)...We finally took the plunge last year and replaced nearly all of the lightbulbs in our house with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL). Now, less then a year later, 4 of the 6 bulbs in our bathroom have burned out within days of each other.
More Trashy Treasures: Upcycling Plastic...There can never be enough trashy treasures in the world. When craft supplies are free and working double duty to keep landfills free, the urge to make more and more grows. Take stock of your plastic shopping bags, and consider "upcycling" them.
Trashy Treasures: Reusing Capri Sun...Recycling juice pouches into fashion accessories is a fun eco-stylish trend. All recycling projects require the same first step - cleaning. The great colors of the pouches make for endless design options.
The Electric Bill BattleEvery month I open the electric bill and accept it with quiet discontent. However, this month the bill was too high to ignore. I stepped away from my desk and took a 360 degree look around my home. What did I see? A giant electric sucking vortex of wasted energy.
Do These Little Things Really Add Up?We're governed by our habits, and while some of them are simply irksome, others serve a purpose. After coaxing the last spurt of shampoo from the bottle, do you add water and swish out whatever is left?
Cleaning Products You Already HaveCleaning products account for a substantial portion of each household's grocery budget. With laundry detergent topping the list as high as $15 per bottle, it isn't hard to see why. One could easily fill a cabinet or two with the bevy of cleaning products advertised on television.
A Snake In My Garden!I was doing some clean-up work in the garden today. As I was pulling spent bean vines (minding my own business, don't you know), I saw what looked like a great big worm. I can be kind of slow, but eventually I figured out that it was a snake.
Bookstore Shopping Trip as GiftOne Christmas, the neighbor came over with gifts for the children. She handed each of them an envelope with their name on it. Very curious, the children opened the envelopes one by one. Inside was a $20 with a note.
A Dozen Ways To Cut Your Trash BillWe have become a disposable society. We throw things away instead of getting them repaired or reusing them as our grandparents did. Make it a game to see how little you throw away. So here are a few ideas on how to cut your trash bill.
5 Tips To Make Your Pet More GreenIn today's world, most of us are working hard to make the world a greener place. But while we struggle to reduce, reuse, and recycle at every opportunity, Fido is getting a free pass, the bunny is hopping around anywhere he wants, and the cat is mocking us.
Green Savings and LossesMany claim that the "green movement" isn't as green as it claims. True, many green options rob Peter to pay Paul. Bamboo flooring is an example. While it surpasses hardwood flooring in its regeneration, the farming of bamboo is not necessarily done in the greenest of fashions.
How to Recycle WrongRecycling relieves the environment of a burden, but can it ever be harmful? Is there a way to recycle wrong? It's not necessarily the recycling that can be incorrect; it's the steps leading up to the act of recycling that can cause more harm than good.
Simple Ways to Manage Energy CostsEducate yourself to understand your utility bills and each line item and charge included in your bill. Knowledge can save you money!
The 3 Important Tips for New Organic...Organic gardening is not just a matter of replacing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with more natural products. It's about learning to look at your garden as a whole system and how all things are interconnected.
Environmentally Friendly Egg CartonsOne particularly useful household item normally finds itself in the garbage can, but it can be put to better use elsewhere. Before they find their ways into the garbage or recycling bin, catch those egg cartons and put them to one more better uses.
How To Avoid Misleading Environmental ClaimsAlmost no products are 100% green, but many claim to be. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned consumers are being persuaded to buy products that don't come close to delivering on their environmental promises.
How To Bike More And Drive LessWhether you ride your bike to work, to school, or to the grocery store, biking is a safe, inexpensive and fun way to get around. It's also good for your waistline and the environment.
Eating Green: How to Reduce the Amount of Meat You EatMany people don't realize it, but one of the best ways to reduce your personal impact on the environment is to eat less meat. Here are some easy ways to reduce the amount of meat in your diet, eat a healthier diet, and reduce your impact on the environment all at the same time.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Fabric...Many people use commercial fabric softeners or dryer sheets to reduce static cling and maker their clothes feel softer. Ironically, most people that use these products don't realize that they are essentially trading dirty clothes for clothes that are covered in a thin layer of toxic chemicals.
