Thrifty Fun
We know the three Rs of being green: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Thriftyfun.com is a Website that really allows users to take the 2nd R to its fullest potential. In the past, the word “thrifty” had a negative connotation. A packrat might be considered thrifty. Now, however, someone who is thrifty is economical and practical. On Thrifty Fun, you will find many unique uses for things you might regularly throw away. These ideas come from creative minds all over the country, so there is bound to be something you can use.
For example, did you notice that those bags that cat food comes in are very strong and durable? The material is called Duraweave, and with just scissors, thread, pins and a sewing machine, you can make a tote bag that can be put to use again and again.
Not only does the site offer many one-of-a-kind crafts, but it also has a forum for questions. Recently, a visitor asked what she could do with her empty medicine bottles, and she received a myriad of solutions. Some members suggested using them to store smaller sewing or craft items such as bead or needles. Another member wrote that her husband actually screws the cap to the bottom of a shelf in her workroom so she can keep screws and nails in an easily-accessed, organized manner. If the bottles are colorful you can even make a quirky wreath!
You also can ask for help on repairs, so instead of throwing a broken appliance away, you might be able to salvage it and get a few more uses out of it.
I actually came across Thrifty Fun following a link on The Green Guide. You know on Valentine’s Day when children pass out all those little cards and goodies? Instead of handing out dozens of store-bought Valentine’s cards and candies, you can make your own paper with anything from old greeting cards to magazines to egg cartons. Wouldn’t that be a cool project for the kids? Thrifty Fun has suggestions for nearly every topic from computers to weddings. Check it out!
