Like many terms in the English language, the word “green” has taken on several meanings. Green around the gills meant you felt sick to your stomach; green with envy, you were jealous. Today, green means eco-friendly, sustainable, earth-friendly, and energy-smart; the list goes on.
A mantra of mine is "it starts with me." You may not impact the planet, but you can certainly make a difference in your own world. Everybody wins thinking and acting "green.” It saves money and makes you feel accomplished.
Here's how you begin. Take a look at the things you would normally throw away with a fresh eye. Put your imagination to work and write down all your ideas. There is no right or wrong way to create a new and usable item from what you would otherwise consider trash. Did you know plastic NEVER disintegrates? NEVER!
Here is one idea for you to try: Take a container such as a toothpaste container or gel bottle and neatly cut off the top. Cut a piece of fabric (something in disrepair you already have) or paper (newspaper, magazine cover, used wrapping paper, etc.) to the same height as your container but 1/2" wider. Using a piece of double stick tape to secure one end, wrap your container snuggly with the material. Hot glue the back and bottom seams. Take ribbon to cover the bottom (and top edges if desired) and hot glue in place making sure the seam is at the back. Wrap jute, hemp or any other string type product you already have laying around the house near the top several times to use as a means for hanging your vase. Presto, you've just made yourself a wall vase from trash. Try making several with different sizes and shapes to create an arrangement for a wall.
We'd love to hear from you! Please visit our blog to see a sample of this vase, http://throughgreencoloredglasses.blogspot.com, August, recycling 1-7 post. To make purchases and view other sustainable products, see gpurse.com or if you have questions regarding anything in this article email Tina at green.purse79@yahoo.com.
