Waukegan Public Library - reuse

How to Become a Reusable Bag Ninja

Sara T — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:07:35 +0000

Like most people, I have reusable bags for grocery shopping. But! I usually forget them at home when I go to the food store. I also wasn’t bringing my bags along when I went to the mall or the thrift store or anywhere else. I had oodles of plastic bags under my kitchen sink, and I never seemed to reuse them at the same pace I was acquiring them. Then someone gave me a compact reusable bag that squishes into a tiny carrying pouch. I use it all the time! The brand I was given is ChicoBag, but there are others and they all work just fine.

I’ve gotten some funny looks when I pull out a bag that fits in the palm of my hand and ask, “Can I use my own bag, please?” They always laugh when I unfold it into a bag that holds a surprising amount. Now that I keep a reusable bag with me all the time, my stash of plastic bags is finally dwindling.

Green Christmas

Sara T — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:47:35 +0000

How many trips have you made to the mall this holiday season? Not to rub it in, but I have made none! This year, I chose to cut down on my list of gift recipients and give each person a handmade gift. I’ve made two trips to the craft store and spent about $35. I don’t have any children so my list is admittedly shorter than most, but my gifting philosophy can be easily adapted to fit your situation. Here are a few gifts I’ve made:

Book boxes. For the cost of a jar of Mod Podge and a donation to the library’s used book sale, I’ve made 5 unique, personalized book boxes.

Christmas tree ornaments. I bought plain glass ornaments from the craft store for $2.99 and decoupaged them with book pages (leftovers from my book boxes). I also ripped some pages into strips, curled them around a narrow paintbrush handle, and dropped them into clear glass ornaments. I added glitter on the bottom for some sparkle.

Baby bath towel. This is simply a towel with a washcloth sewn into one corner. The little one puts the washcloth corner over his head and he can run around with his towel as a superhero cape!

Coasters. If you don’t know how to crochet, learn! I made a set of six coasters from yarn I had left over from other projects. Note: To access the pattern in this link, you’ll need to create a free account at the Lion Yarn website.

Cookie mix. Layer the dry ingredients for a batch of cookies in a mason jar, add a bright ribbon and tag, and you’re done! The gift recipient can reuse the jar after she’s made the cookies.

Wishing for a Green Christmas

Sara T — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:16:37 +0000

We’ve all done it: filled a big black trash bag with wrapping paper, boxes, ribbon and bows. Instead of buying paper and stick-on bows, wrap your Christmas gifts in brown grocery bags (no one will know!) and tie them up with leftover ribbon or fabric strips from craft projects, old clothes… whatever you can get your hands on. After the presents are opened, recycle the paper and either reuse the ribbon or toss it outside for the birds to feather their nests (natural fibers only, please!). Your presents will be infused with shabby-chic elegance, you’ll cut waste and save money.

More holiday tips to come!

The Three... no, Four! R's

Sara T — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:48:58 +0000

We all know the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. What is the fourth R? Rebuy! Whether you’re in the market to remodel your home or just buy a roll of paper towels, consider seeking out items that are made with recycled content. Items made with recycled content save energy and conserve natural resources.