Where Reducers are Producers
Eco Living
Garbage Picking:
Reclaim, Sell, Benefit All
Happy Earth Day 2010!
The Eve of Reduction Gets Business Cards!
In the last year, I've seen reporter queries looking for examples of alternative business cards. I thought, what a great idea. Everywhere I've worked I've gotten business cards and then something's changed: a new cell number, an updated company logo, office moves, etc. What a waste. The next time I'm bored I'm going to make a sculpture out of the business cards I haven't used.
So, I checked out articles on alternative business cards and what to my wondering eyes did I find, suggestions of pens and do-dad crap from China. I was like, okay, I guess I missed the point of alternative to business cards.
Then, I devised my own, green alternative. I bought a tag hole punch initially to turn used greeting cards into gift tags. Now I use it to turn junk mail, cards and book covers into business cards. I bought a couple rubber stamps with our logo and information to stamp on the blank, backside of my tags.
I even made a business card holder out of an Orbit's gum box covered in wrapping paper.
Now, that's an earth-friendly alternative to mass produced, largely wasted business cards.
~
Reclaim, Sell, Benefit All
My boys and I went out garbage picking on our bikes. We hit a sweet spot and snagged a train table for a toy train set. It was in excellent condition.
We listed it on Craigslist.org for $35 - priced to sell. Within 5 days we sold it to a woman for her son's third birthday.
It's a great feeling to save something useful from being crushed in a garbage truck and dumped in a landfill. It's even better when you pocket some cash and make a mom feel really lucky to get a great deal on a gift for her little one. And, hey, it comes assembled!
We listed it on Craigslist.org for $35 - priced to sell. Within 5 days we sold it to a woman for her son's third birthday.
It's a great feeling to save something useful from being crushed in a garbage truck and dumped in a landfill. It's even better when you pocket some cash and make a mom feel really lucky to get a great deal on a gift for her little one. And, hey, it comes assembled!
Happy Earth Day 2010!
The Eve of Reduction Gets Business Cards!
In the last year, I've seen reporter queries looking for examples of alternative business cards. I thought, what a great idea. Everywhere I've worked I've gotten business cards and then something's changed: a new cell number, an updated company logo, office moves, etc. What a waste. The next time I'm bored I'm going to make a sculpture out of the business cards I haven't used.
So, I checked out articles on alternative business cards and what to my wondering eyes did I find, suggestions of pens and do-dad crap from China. I was like, okay, I guess I missed the point of alternative to business cards.
Then, I devised my own, green alternative. I bought a tag hole punch initially to turn used greeting cards into gift tags. Now I use it to turn junk mail, cards and book covers into business cards. I bought a couple rubber stamps with our logo and information to stamp on the blank, backside of my tags.
I even made a business card holder out of an Orbit's gum box covered in wrapping paper.
Now, that's an earth-friendly alternative to mass produced, largely wasted business cards.
~
Titanic made out of wine corks
A few weeks ago I received a bag of corks from Merge Restaurant in
downtown Buffalo. They sat in my closet for a week before my 6 year-old son suggested we make a Titanic out of them. This wasn't a totally odd-ball suggestion since both my boys are obsessed with the Titanic and I had promised we'd have a memorial on April 15th, the 98th anniversary of the sinking.
I was originally thinking I'd try to make a Titanic out of Rice Crispie treats, but I've never even made a rectangle of Rice Crispie Treats. Secondly, that would be pretty wasteful. And the opposite of wasteful is The Eve of Reduction. So, upcycling wine corks was a fabulous idea, especially for a 6 year-old.
We got started with our bag of corks and a glue gun. The boys picked out the darkest stained corks to use as the portholes. They kept them coming until we were about 60% done with our two-foot wide Titanic model: We were out of corks!
This is where the community stepped up.
I called around to local restaurants to get more corks. It was surprising how the responses varied. Some were like, "Even if I asked the bartenders I'm sure they'd forget. Sorry..."
Most were like, "Sure, I'm (so and so) and I'll get you a couple hundred, sound okay?"
There was a great community outreach. I was delighted by the support.
Adding the final touches included using dried out typewriter ribbon, from a typewriter my son is currently rehabbing, to make the "ropes" around the deck.
The crows nest turned out great. We pinned a jingle bell above a quarter piece of cork.
It just happens to work out that the Titanic memorial falls the week before Earth Day. So, in the spirit of caring for Mother Earth, we hope our Titanic project inspires you to reclaim something destined for the dump and make it awesome.
A special thanks to:
Sarah at Merge Restaurant
Bernie Mahoney (private donation)
Joe at Salvatore's Italian Garden
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
downtown Buffalo. They sat in my closet for a week before my 6 year-old son suggested we make a Titanic out of them. This wasn't a totally odd-ball suggestion since both my boys are obsessed with the Titanic and I had promised we'd have a memorial on April 15th, the 98th anniversary of the sinking.I was originally thinking I'd try to make a Titanic out of Rice Crispie treats, but I've never even made a rectangle of Rice Crispie Treats. Secondly, that would be pretty wasteful. And the opposite of wasteful is The Eve of Reduction. So, upcycling wine corks was a fabulous idea, especially for a 6 year-old.
We got started with our bag of corks and a glue gun. The boys picked out the darkest stained corks to use as the portholes. They kept them coming until we were about 60% done with our two-foot wide Titanic model: We were out of corks!This is where the community stepped up.
I called around to local restaurants to get more corks. It was surprising how the responses varied. Some were like, "Even if I asked the bartenders I'm sure they'd forget. Sorry..."
Most were like, "Sure, I'm (so and so) and I'll get you a couple hundred, sound okay?"
There was a great community outreach. I was delighted by the support.
Adding the final touches included using dried out typewriter ribbon, from a typewriter my son is currently rehabbing, to make the "ropes" around the deck.The crows nest turned out great. We pinned a jingle bell above a quarter piece of cork.
It just happens to work out that the Titanic memorial falls the week before Earth Day. So, in the spirit of caring for Mother Earth, we hope our Titanic project inspires you to reclaim something destined for the dump and make it awesome.
A special thanks to:
Sarah at Merge Restaurant
Bernie Mahoney (private donation)
Joe at Salvatore's Italian Garden
Carmine's Italian Restaurant
TURN A FLOWER BOX
INTO A RIBBON DISPENSER
Eat your heart out Martha!
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO TRADE?
Have you every been to a regifting party right after the holidays? It's
a great time to get rid of the stupid gifts you got in exchange for
your friend's "stupid gift."
In honor of our awareness of over-consumerism due to the economy and green initiatives, these types of parties are becoming more popular year-round!
If you're interested in organizing one, tell your mom friends to get out their gently used toys, clothes, household items or holiday gifts that have found their way to a dark corner in the last 5 months. For each item that a guest brings, give them a poker chip. Then they can use their poker chips to "buy" something they want that another guest brought. Win win!
In honor of our awareness of over-consumerism due to the economy and green initiatives, these types of parties are becoming more popular year-round!
If you're interested in organizing one, tell your mom friends to get out their gently used toys, clothes, household items or holiday gifts that have found their way to a dark corner in the last 5 months. For each item that a guest brings, give them a poker chip. Then they can use their poker chips to "buy" something they want that another guest brought. Win win!
How to "Fool Proof" Your Flea Market Shopping
Eve of Reduction is going to set you up with some savvy tips to get you on your way to scoring interesting "conversation pieces" for your home.
First, here's what you should bring with you:
1. A list of specific things you need. It's fun to stay explore, but you also want to stay on task. When you know specifically what you're looking for, you'll be better prepared to spot a good deal.
2. Measure twice, buy once. Always know the space you have to fit the item you're looking for. Then bring a tape measure so you can find the perfect fit.
3. Bring a flashlight to check closely for imperfections or damage. This will keep you from purchasing junk or give you better leverage in negotiating a deal.
4. Bring a smile. Vendors appreciate customers who are polite and respectful. Believe us, charm can go a long way.
5. Small bills people! Don't expect vendors to break a twenty at every purchase. Things run smoothly when you don't have to rely on vendors for change.
6. Bring a sturdy tote, wagon, wheeled cart (I seriously have one of those old lady carts). Though some vendors will hold large items until you're ready to leave, it can be a pain to retrace your steps to pick up your goods when you're ready to leave.
THINKING OF BECOMING A FLEA MARKET VENDOR?
If you're looking for extra cash working only 5 to 6 hours a week, consider being a flea market vendor. Before you jump into it, take a look at Flea Market Secrets Exposed. Author, Wayne Stanila sells 20 years worth of experience for $20.
To check it out Click Here!