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Reuse in the Workshop
By: Lillian & Dave Brummet, Wed Apr 19th, 2006
Reuse in the Workshop (476 words)
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!
About the author:
-- 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/~drumit)
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