Bagging Your Own Groceries?I have purchased several totes that are offered in various stores to use when I grocery shop in keeping up with being echo-friendly. The problem I seem to have is that the stores are not willing to help with bagging the items for you. Most larger grocery stores now have the carousels with their bags in place (plastic bags) so there is no room to put your totes.
Reusing Trampoline Mesh?Does anyone have any ideas of how to recycle an old trampoline mesh? My son is recycling the metal and my husband is keeping the springs. The mesh is still good and so nice and thick I was trying to think of something it could be used for. We have a mule and I was thinking we could use it as some shade for his lot. That's all I could come up with.
Can't Recycle Plastic Containers?I am overrun with plastic containers that aren't recyclable in my area (we only can recycle #1 and #2 plastics). Are there any crafts I can do with them or does anyone have a suggestion for donating them. Our local senior center can't use them. I have given away bagfuls at yard sales and still have more. Thanks in advance for your help.
Reusing Hospital TraysWhen you come home from the hospital with a bath pan full of goodies, it's nice. I have several of those plastic pans that I have collected over the years. They last forever.
Saving Money on Irrigation?I am looking for ideas. We just got our water bill and although we have had more rain than normal our 1/2 year water bill was a whopping $600. I believe it is our irrigation "system".
Creative Ways To Live Green?I need creative ways on how to live green.
Reusing a Steel Trampoline Frame?What can I do with a 7-foot x 7-foot round, steel trampoline frame? The trampoline part is all ripped up from sun-rot, but the frame is really solid, and I know it could have a use, but what?
Uses for Store Hangers?I have a bunch of the Walmart hangers. Does anyone have any other uses for them? I prefer the sturdy plastic ones for everyday use. Even if there was some place to recycle them, I'd be happy.
Ideas for Using Stand from a Bird Bath?The neighbor's cat knocked the bowl off of my bird bath and broke it in two. Any ideas for the stand that is left?
Using Glass Punch Cups?I have about 100 glass punch cups. Any ideas (besides drinking punch) on what I can use them for? Any craft ideas?
Use a Metal Coffee Can to Store BagsEasy storage for grocery store plastic bags: Save your metal coffee can when finished with them. Cut a medium size "X" in the middle of the plastic lid.
Faux Stone Siding Using Plastic Containers?Has anyone used plastic lids or empty lean cuisine containers for faux block or stone siding?
Save Your Back While Hanging LaundryTo save bending down and picking out your clothes one by one to peg on the line, put your hand through the waist and leg of the undies and fit as many as you can along your arm, thus bending once instead of many times.
Energy Efficient House Insulation?What type of whole-house insulation is the most energy efficient for an older home? Our house is a wood-frame, ranch style with a full basement.
Melting Plastic Containers?Does anyone know how to safely melt plastics to recycle them? I once visited a class in a California high school that was doing that. They cut up and melted down milk jugs and poured them into molds for little games. Then they sold the games to raise money to finance more equipment for their class. I think that would be fun, maybe 2 liter soda bottles, too?
Change Clothes in Dryer Before It StopsWhen doing laundry, remove clothing from the dryer before it stops on its own, and put the next load in.
Reusing Remote Controls?I have several remote controls that I no longer use. Can they be recycled or reprogrammed so they can be used for a different TV or electronic appliance?
Humidity Softens My ClothesI'm fortunate to live in a climate that's humid and warm so I usually line dry. On the rare occasion I use the dryer, I'm able to dry my clothes without fabric softener or dryer sheets because of the humidity.
Use the Sun to Dry DishesI have a portable dishwasher, and just the other day, I had this idea of letting the sun dry the dishes instead of using the energy it takes for the dry cycle. I am turning the washer around so the sun that comes in through the window can dry them.
Recycle BG Strip Containers For StorageDiabetics who need to test their BG get their strips to use in very nice air tight containers, and may end up with an abundance which they probably toss.
Save Money and Shop NaturalWith today's push to "go green" it's not a bad idea to try some natural products in the home rather than chemical products. Even more motivating is the cost of the natural products versus the man-made ones.
Baking Soda and Salt for Cleaning PorcelainTo clean kitchen and bathroom sinks, I mix half a wide mouthed mason jar of baking soda with a 1/4 cup of pickling salt (large grained). It works great, is very cheap and simply dissolves as you use it.
Banana Stalks for Fleas?This tip is something I saw my father do back in the fifties. We moved into an apartment that had those old fiber mat room carpets. It was alive with fleas. They absolutely covered you when you walked in.
All Kids Recyclable BandMy neighbor and my self started a "All Kids Recyclable Band" last year. These kids have played for the mayor of St. Catharines. They have also played at schools, churches, and parades.
Reusable Cotton Menstrual PadsBased on a woman beginning to menstruate at the age of twelve and continuing to menstruate until she's 57 (that's 45 years of cycles), one could spend up to $10,000 on disposable pads.
Save Cold-Pak Insulin Shipping BagsIf you get your insulin shipped to you, it's kept cold during shipping with plastic bags filled with frozen gel. Save these gel-filled bags, and reuse them to keep lunch boxes and coolers cold.
Buying Old Technology - Music and Video?Does anyone know if you can buy cassette audio music tapes anywhere?
Recycling Coffee Containers?Looking for ideas to reuse those nice Maxwell House coffee containers. How can I cover up the label? Thanks and God bless.
Reusing Nestle Nesquick Containers?Does anyone have any ideas for recycling Nestle Nesquick Strawberry Mix containers. I use a lot of the the 21.8 ounce size and it is very difficult to throw them away. I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. Diane
Deer Eating Flowers?Does anyone have an organic recipe to put on plants to keep deer from eating flowers?
Using Plastic Bags?Does anyone have any ideas for uses for thin vacuum sealer bags. They don't work with my Foodsaver.
Is This a Toad?Can anyone tell us if this is a toad or a frog? I think it's a little toad, but someone else thinks it's a tree frog. We found it outside our office complex where we have a large pond/wetlands and prairie setting. He's so little!
Repurposing an Old Basketball Goal Post With No Backboard?This is going to sound like an odd question, but hoping some one might have some ideas. We have an old in ground basketball goal. The backboard gave out months ago and now I am stuck with a metal pole sticking out of the ground.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dry Cleaning?Is there any alternative to dry cleaning? My queen sized comforter says "dry clean only" on the tag, but my husband is not crazy about the idea of dry cleaning it because of the chemicals they use. Are there any other options out there?
Reusing Plastic Potato Chip Canisters?What are some ways to reuse the plastic potato chip canisters?
Creative Uses for A Broken Computer Mouse?I have a broken Apple Pro Mouse, that is a computer mouse. I would like to find some use for it, rather than sending it to a landfill. Any ideas?
Soda Pop Rings for Cash?Where can I exchange soda pop rings for cash?
Are "Green Bags" for Food Storage BPA Free?Does anyone know whether the "green bags" for storing food safely are also BPA free?
Paper Or Plastic Bags?Any interest in the paper vs plastic debate? Comments? I personally prefer paper bags, as they can be recycled curbside (and hold other paper recyclables at the same time), hold more, and come from a renewable resource.
Rerouting Downspout Water?I'm tired of a puddle at the end of the downspouts. I am wondering how to remove the pipe that goes to the ground and attach something to the gutter that lets the rain out in sprinkler form or a mister would be great.
Place a Wet Washcloth on Neck To Stay CoolI worked for years in a very hot environment. I found the best way to stay cool, is to buy new dish towels or hand towels. The reason I say buy some is the dish towels you already have might have a grease smell to them. I would take a supply of them to work with me.
Creatively Reusing Chop Sticks?What can be done with used chopsticks? I got a bowl at a craft fair once that was strung together with fishing line and folded up. That was pretty cool. I have made a folding business card holder with them. I was wondering what else people have thought of.
Making Solar Panels at Home?Can't find former post about DIY solar panels. It was by a woman and could be done for about $150.
Gray Water SystemHere in the desert southwest city of Tucson, Arizona our average rainfall is supposed to be about 12 inches with 7 of that falling in July, August, September, and October. But we have been in a drought, and so far we are way under in rain.
Get Cash for Your Old Cell PhoneWhere can I sell old mobile phones?
Repurposing a Kitchen Sink?I just replaced my kitchen sink. It was a double sink and I was trying to think of ways to use it. I don't want to have to run lines to use it as a sink, but would like to use it somehow. All ideas appreciated.
Installing Alternative Energy Sources?Has anyone installed solar panels and/or a windmill? I would like to hear of your experiences. How did you get started? Did you use a contractor? If so, how did you find one? Have you covered all of your electricity needs this way? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
Empty Can to Hold Utensils When CookingI usually use more than one utensil when I am cooking but never know where to place them during the cooking time as I am still using them. Well, since I usually use some type of canned goods with all my meals, I came up with the following idea.
Uses for Plastic Clothing Hangers?Does anybody have any ideas for broken plastic hangers?
Use Recycled Drink Tubes For OrganizerRecently, I had the opportunity to organize a friend's pantry. To minimize space, I emptied all her drink mixes into a basket, leaving me with these wonderful tubes. I decided to take them and make a desk top organizer for my craft room.
Soften Line Dried Towels With A BrushThe best way to soften your towels after they have been hung dry is to brush them with a styling type hair brush or similar type of brush.
I Saw a White Deer?Has anyone seen an all white deer? I spotted one in the woods by my house and I still can't believe it. I tried to get a picture, but my camera doesn't take good distance pictures. I'm afraid no one else believes me either, but I did see it.
Importance of Insects?Why are insects an important biological resource?
Disposing of Kitchen Scraps Other Than Composting?I have been putting my kitchen scraps in an empty coffee container so they do not smell sitting in the trash can. But I feel guilty about sending these cans to the landfill and not recycling them.
Reusing Motor Oil?Has anyone tried to pour waste oil from tractors or automobiles into a newspaper log roll and let it soak in? I would think for a wood stove it would be a way to recycle oil as well. What are your thoughts? Would it burn too hot?
Use Grocery Sacks for Wrapping PackagesSimply cut out the bottom and slit down the side of a grocery sack. Use to wrap packages you mail. Why waste money on buying packaging paper when this works just as well!
Other Uses for a Cooker Gasket?Can anybody suggest a good use of cooker gasket, after it's no longer usable for cooking purposes?
Recycling Packing PaperI order a lot online and recently i have noticed that instead of "peanuts" the pkg. are arriving now packed with a generous supply of very nice brown paper. very much like butchers paper.
Disposing of Old Batteries?Why do alkaline batteries have to go in the trash? Can't they go to a recycling center or at least a battery place?
CFL Bulbs Won't Work in Older 5th Wheel CamperWe have a 1977 Golden Nugget 5th wheel camper. I want to put CFL bulbs in it, but when I do, they do not work. Regular light bulbs work fine. I have tried a few different brands and had the same results.
Installing Radiant Heating Under a Bathroom Floor?I am installing underfloor radiant heating (using water) between the joists under my bathroom. The whole floor will be a shower pan. I need to know if I put the thermostat wire between the pan and the tiles, or between the subfloor and the pan, or...
Recycling Water Around The HomeOur two favorite ways to conserve/recycle water is using plants and pet dishes. Drop an ice cube? Instead of throwing it in the sink to melt, put it in a pet's water dish. You pet will love having cold water for a change.
Recycle Thermal Undies Into Cleaning ClothesHere's a way to reuse and recycle thermal undies and the like. Make them into dishcloths, dish towels and scrub rags. If the thermal clothing you have is something you are no longer going to wear, and it is in clean condition, and 100% cotton, give it another life.
Reuse Chip Bags as Gift BagsWash the inside and let dry. When dry, turn inside out and you have a beautiful silver gift bag. Tie the top off with ribbon, put on a pretty bow, and you have a beautiful and frugal gift, wrapped and ready to give.
Making a Racetrack Using Recycled Materials?Does anyone know how to made a race track with recycled material?
Reusing Plastic Ice Cream ContainersSince we love ice cream so much, I like to buy the 5 quart size plastic containers of it. But instead of throwing the container away, I wash it out and reuse it for different things.
Reusing Glass Candle Canisters?Is it safe to use the glass canisters which come with candles, as ramekins? This is of course, after the wax residue has been thoroughly cleaned out. Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks.
Retractable ClotheslineHere you see my family room with a retractable clothes line and a nice fire going to dry my laundry. I mounted the retractable line on one wall and used two sturdy hooks so I can get two lines.
Recycling the Interior Metal Parts of a Piano?I am looking into recycling my old piano. My question is; is there any money to be made on the recycling of the innards, other than just scrap metal? Does anyone have any ideas on people or companies that might be looking for this stuff, brass, copper, iron, and steel?
Using Foil Covered Cardboard to Reflect Radiator Heat?I was reading somewhere on TF that if you covered cardboard in foil shiny side out it will help throw out more heat from radiators. Do you cut the card the length of the radiator and how far down the radiator do you place it?
Caring for Baby Starlings?I would love to hear from any of you who have been successful at taking care of baby starlings before they are transported to rescue and rehab.
Use the Sun to Whiten LinensIf you want to use bleach on your laundry, use very little bleach and then hang it outside in the winter sun. The Victorians used this method; in large houses laying out white linen on special "bleaching lawns" on bright winter days.
Uses for Golf Balls?I live on a golf course and end up with a bunch of balls. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do with them?
Estimating Appliance and Home Electronics Energy Usage?Does anyone know if you use more electricity on the older TVs or the newer type that is HD? Also is there much of a savings in electricity on the older refrigerator's compared to the Energy Star ones?Thanks for your help.
Fresh Fruit Container for Seed GerminatingI put seed starter mix in clear plastic clamshell containers that come with fruit (apples, mangoes, etc.) to germinate my seeds. With the cover snapped on, a moist and warm environment promotes germination. Puncture a few holes on the bottom if none are present.
Save Incomplete Kitchen Sets For Other PurposesIf you lose or break one of your measuring cups or spoons, the odd cups or spoons work great in sugar and flour canisters. I keep a 1/4 cup in with my rice in a jar.
Uses for Pecan Shells?What can I do with pecan shells and is the bitter part off the pecan useful?
Green Gardening Tips?Does anyone have any tips for green gardening? Thank you.
Uses for Used Paper?I have a lot of used paper. How can I reuse this paper?
Making Small Pieces of Chalk Useful?Thank you so much for sharing your ideas re: old diskettes and used papers. Another question for this week is: As teachers we always throw away smaller pieces of chalk. Do you have any idea what to do with it to make it still useful?
Identifying Reused Margarine Containers By LidsIf you reuse margarine containers, for example, to store food in the refrigerator, and have accumulated several of the same size yet different brands, use the top from the Brand A margarine with the container from Brand B to simplify identification.
Buy Locally Grown Food for Green LivingBeing green is not just about recycling and reusing things, turning off the water or lowering your heat. Yes they all help, but there is an area that people don't think about with being green. Eat local grown or raised food meat and veggies.
Uses for Small Liquid Soap ContainersThis time of the year, I start to save my small liquid dish soap containers. We use them on our RV refrigerator. They are the perfect size to fit in the RV refrigerator.
Natural Garden Fertilizer and Pest ControlWhen you water your seedlings, use a weak chamomile water in a spray bottle. It will be a help to strengthen and will help them grow.
Time For Hanging Laundry OutsideJump for Joy! Finally! We have been able to hang out some laundry this past week.
Birds on Protected Species List?This is about which birds are on the protected species list.
Turn Off Unused Lights?Does it cost more to leave lights on or to turn them off and on? I was raised that when you leave a room, you turn off the lights. My husband says to leave lights on and turn them off when you're completely finished for the day.
Hatching a Goose Egg?There used to be a goose that sat in the bushes all the time on a nest. Well the other day I was walking my dogs and I looked and saw blood and feathers dragged across the snow and the mom was gone.
Use Dental Plackers As Plant MarkersReuse dental plackers as name tags in seeding containers in your garden. They are easy to write on with a marker and already have a point so you can stick them in the soil in your containers. As your seedlings spring up you will know exactly what is in each container.
Alternative Uses for Broken Bandsaw Blades?Does anyone have alternative uses for broken-at-the-weld bandsaw blades? Basically, these are 93" loops of steel and are anywhere from 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide, depending upon what kind of wood the person is cutting.
Finding Plastic Coffee Can Lids?I am in need of about 200 plastic coffee lids for a service project we are doing for our senior citizens in town. Color doesn't matter. They must be the small coffee can size. Must be round and flat similar to Maxwell coffee size. Not the Folger's style. Any suggestions?
Reusing Plastic Table Cloths?I am the president of a social organization in Port Ludllow and we hold several dinners each year for our members which range from 135 to 190. We use plastic table covers for two of the dinners because they are casual and the food is picnic like.
Helping Newborn Mallard Ducks?This morning six new born mallard ducks were swimming with their mother in our small garden pond. Now we can not find them. Are they hiding? Do they sleep, so young? Will they stay here before trying to leave? For how long, typically?
Environmentally Friendly Wood Floor Sealer?I have a solid mahogany floor, in a large area. It has been treated with a tung oil based sealer (several coats), but I am unhappy with the finish. I do not want to use polyurethane, but something more environmentally friendly. Any ideas please?
Treating Fleas on Feral Cats?How do you put flea drops on a wild cat? They are too expensive to not do it the right way. Any ideas?
Recycling Ivory Piano Keys?I've decided to strip a piano and cash in on the scrap metal. What should I do with the ivory keys? Thank you.
Do Mallards Move Their Eggs?Can a Mallard hen move her eggs from one location to another and how is she able to do this?
Use Heat Pump to Power Water HeaterMy husband and I recycle and compost. We have some big concerns about filling up land fills and until someone starts an energy producing plant using the waste we produce, this is our way of trying to help.
Locating a Wildlife Watching Club?I am looking for a wildlife watching club in southeastern North Carolina. Does anyone know of a wildlife (not just birds, but all wildlife) watching club in the southeastern portion of NC? Preferably close to Fayetteville, Lumberton, or even down as far as Florence, SC.
Sprinkle Used Coffee Grounds Around Plants?To keep your potted flowers and vegetables growing really well, take a plastic jug or bottle and fill it with water and add a few tablespoonfuls of used coffee grounds. Let this stand a few days then use it to water your plants every other time you water.
Alternative Uses for Elastic Hair Bands?Just curious! I'm wanting to know of some other ways to reuse/use elastic hair bands than just using to put your hair into a ponytail. Thanks.
Birds Prefer Dry Cat Food to Seed?I am an animal lover, all animals. I put bowls of dry cat food on our porches for strays. Although I feed the birds at several different feeders, the birds are always eating the cat food. This results in droppings on our porches and railings.
Can Snakes Damage House Foundation by Nesting Activities?I have a large family of garter snakes living under our side steps. I am not afraid of them, and do not mind them being there, but I am nervous that they could hurt the foundation by making pits underneath those steps or around the foundation.
Put Leftover Ice in House PlantsThis is a little tip for people who like conserving energy and water. When there is ice left in the glasses after a meal, I always pop them altogether and then put that ice into the house plants rather just throw it down the drain.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Pen Barrels?Can you please tell me about the harmful effects of plastic barrel pens to the environment? I am a member of Green Pen Campaign Vietnam (Green Pen Campaign is a non-profit project, powered by the 2010 Bayer Young Environmental Envoy program)
Cut Electricity Bill and Keep the ACWe live in South Florida, where AC is generally not an option, but a necessity. We're on the electric company's budget billing plan, but have slashed $100+ a month off compared to last year's bill - even with hotter temperatures this year.
Recycling #6 Coffee Cups?I'm trying to find out where I can recycle my clean used #6 coffee cups. I have many, many sleeves of them and refuse to put them in the landfill. And yes, from today on I will bring my own cup to Dunkin'! Thanks for your help in advance.
Reusing Old Curtain Fixtures?What can I do with old curtain fixtures?
