I got a few things at a yard sale recently. I got two birdcages that need some TLC and missing parts. One is a nice rectangle one minus the bottom part. The other is a tall round one, and the top is cracked. Any ideas of what to substitute for the missing or damaged parts? I have some small zip ties someplace to keep the cage part together when I find them. I like the cages, and thought I would use them as planters when I find something for the missing or broken parts. I can have pictures tomorrow I think if the technology will cooperate. I got a nice iron/steel? bedframe that is an ugly red. I will paint it baby blue when I get that far. It will go in my spare room when finished. At the moment, I need to be rebuilding part of my shed that had to be torn down, and the chicken coop, and then there is weeding and transplanting in the veggie garden. Anyone doing any repurposing and reusing, and recycling lately?
There is very little here that does not get re-used ! Have some larger projects but they will have to wait til the weather breaks ! Looking for your pics !
I do that regularly when I'm playing golf. When you're looking for a partner's ball in the rough when they can't keep theirs on the fairway, you're often likely to find other balls rather than the one for which you are searching. That ball then becomes "yours" ("It's the rules of golf"). I tend to find more than I lose.
I do not go out and buy a lot of stuff to recycle, but I recycle my own stuff to other purposes in the lottie. Plastic bags are a bit of a nuisance here so when I buy one in a store I use it until it begins to fall apart then it goes into the plastic recycle bin.
I use a bit of plastic that we buy fruit in so I save them to re pot the bedding plants, but I keep saving them even though I'm not using them, hubby asks me if i really need it all but someday they might find a good alternative that can be re cycled. The rest goes into the recycling bin.
Plastic grocery bags are used to line small trash cans and a myriad of other things ! Styrofoam meat containers are sterilized and used to flour chicken,pork chops ect ! Better than washing another plate or bowl ! Sandwich meat containers with a good lid are freezer containers and storage for small amounts of food for refrigerator ! Anything that can be reused,,,is reused !
We get so few plastic bags, but we re-use them as wastebasket liners; those meat trays also work well to put under plant pots that are hardening off in the barn, or lined with a paper napkin, cookie trays for giving to friends; and I have a large stash of plastic containers that originally held something from the grocery, but now are freezer/storage containers. If I take soup or stew to someone, they don't have to worry about returning the container. Most people call this being "ecologically conscious" but I'm actually just cheap!
I am with you MG ! Those styrofoam containers are also good for TV dinners ! Just put it in a microwavable dish after taking it out of the freezer ! Styrofoam rated for cold does not re-heat well ! It melts !
Mart, I am so glad you explained the styrofoam trays not being for the microwave! I'll be sure to tell anyone I bring cookies to not try to warm them up in the microwave. I found they also make good trays for kitty treats, like left over lasagna or a bit of stew. Kitties don't expect the leftovers to be re-heated, just put down where they can get to the treats, and then "human, stand back!"
I have had a few things melt if heat is too high ! So I only use the things rated for cold for the freezer/refrigerator and remove them and use a microwavable dish to reheat !
A few times a year my wife buys meat on-line from a company in Scotland called Donald Russell. This arrives in thick-walled polystyrene boxes. Instead of throwing them away after emptying, I use them to store stuff in the garage. They are ideal as they stop things getting damp. These boxes are also ideal if there's occasionally a parcel to be sent, like presents for grandkids or family, as they are very strong and weigh next to nothing.
Even our cats are into "re-purposing". We hang the mower's grass bag when not in use. Buddy did a little re-purpose, and turned in into a cat hammock.Timi decided a storage shelf in the shed would make a good nap spot, knocked off several items, and stretched out. They have also expressed a willingness to repurpose our bed, sofa, upholstered chairs, and contents of the refrigerator. This "re-purpose, re-use" can go too far!
