Redecorate with Recycled Materials

As summer winds down, it seems that we start to dread the chill winds of fall and winter, even though the thermometer is proving that it is still the summer season.

But the kids are back to school and many of us are taking advantage of the extra time during the day to regain possession of the house, lawn and garden and put everything to rights. Before tossing anything into the trash headed to the landfill, consider its use to bring warmth to the house by means of changing the decor with homemade crafts.

Recycled materials from closets and gardens are ideal for bringing warmth and coziness into room décor. Country, primitive and rustic styles make good use of previously used materials. Worn clothing can be cut into quilting squares for pillows, wall hangings, curtains and blankets. Nothing invites relaxation like the site of a quilt draped over a chair, sofa or bed.

The stack of crafts the kids assembled during rainy summer afternoons can be incorporated into rooms as works of art. Frame those old pictures, display the clay sculptures and painted rocks and create a welcoming display in the guest bedroom, or even on the stairway wall.

Bring the outdoors in to create a rustic look in the home. Cut and dry flowers to display during the winter months. Cut back the grapevine and create wreaths. They’re not just for Christmas display and not just for walls. Hang them from any hook or finial. Decorate them with the dried flowers and you have country charm for any room in the house.

Tie flower stems together with twine, dry them and use them as an aromatic homemade fire starter this winter.

If the fence or gate needs replacing, use the boards to create rustic shelving or picture frames. Larger pieces can be used as headboards for the bed.

Large planter pots can be cleaned and used by the entry to hold the umbrellas that will need a handy place to live during autumn showers. The picnic basket is the perfect place to store and display dried flowers and pine cones. Both will also serve as charming organizers for extra gloves, mittens, hats and scarves during the winter months. Double duty means the containers will be available for their original use when winter is over.

There is no limit to what you can do if you remember to use it well, use it up, and then find another use for it.

Photo used with permission under morgueFile Free License

Green Alternatives to Gift Wrap

Landfill Clogging Holiday Gift Wrap

photo by Jane M Sawyer

I'm starting to get in the holiday mode. Now that it's almost Thanksgiving, I don't mind hearing holiday music in every store. I'm making side trips to the toy department, browsing through the gift areas, and basically spending a lot of time I don't have to spare looking at Christmas decorations and gift wrap.


I usually use a few early purchased holiday gifts, wrapped in festive colors with pretty bows for holiday decorations until it's time to present the gift. Looking at the price of wrapping paper this year, I was struck with the thought that it was a lot of money to spend for those gifts that would be ripped open immediately after they were received. So much of my hard earned money on something that would spend more time in the garbage can waiting for a trip to the landfill than it would spend time for its main purpose.

While I agree that the look of anticipation in a child's eyes is a treasure worth the price, I really don't think there is that much of a payback by wrapping a gift for an adult with all that costly landfill clogging paper and ribbon. There are so many other ways to spruce up a gift with eco friendly, homemade decorations that can also be a part of the gift. Many ideas are given here.

The Christmas tree shape of the herb rosemary lends itself so well to gift embellishments, while at the same time the scent invokes memories of holiday gatherings long past. Once the gift has been presented, the herb can be tucked into a wreath, next to a candle or added to the saucer of potpourri to keep on giving. The rosemary can be picked up in the produce aisle of the grocery along with the other holiday meal purchases.

Homemade cards tied to a gift will also give it a festive and personal touch. Frugal and environmentally friendly, wrapping paper alternatives give the impression that the gift is wrapped in your love.