Fru-Gal Friends

Subject: Recycling/Waste reduction Thu 01 Feb 2007, 8:08 pm

I was wondering what everyone does to recycle or reduce waste (or a combination of both).

I have a plastic 2 litre container for my fabric softener, I think I've been using it for around 6 years now. I buy the sachets of fabric softener at the supermarket and add water to refill the container. I actually stocked up on these sachets for .29c each when one supermarket chain was changing the design on their packaging so reduced the older style. Not only does this save a lot of money, it also reduces the waste I create. My mum actually threw out the empty container when she visited on holiday a few years ago, I had to go and retrieve it and wash it out...lol.

I also purchase concentrated dishwashing detergent, this lasts much longer than normal strength as a much smaller amount is needed. This reduces the amount of packaging I throw out while also saving money. Normal strength can seem a cheaper option, especially at dollar stores, but it requires using a larger amount to achieve the same results and thus increases waste. I have also started to buy showergel in larger containers with a pump attachment. This saves money, reduces the amount used carelessly and reduces package waste.

I, more recently, started purchasing laundry detergent/powder in much larger sized packaging when I found it was much cheaper to do so. This lasts me for several months and also reduces waste.

I buy sauces, olive oil, vinegar and rice etc. in much larger sized containers/packaging and use those to refill the smaller easier to handle containers we keep at home. This again saves money and reduces waste.

I have greatly improved my efforts in shopping with canvas/re-usable bags and mostly refuse bags offered in stores. I'm checking into ideas for re-using whatever plastic bags I've accumulated at home.

I always try to buy loose vegetables and fruit when grocery shopping, not only are they cheaper but I'm not creating additional waste by using the pre-packed versions.

I read a good tip recently for re-using wool from an existing garment (especially if you like the yarn on something you've spied at a thrift store). You can unpick and unravel the yarn then straighten it again by wrapping it around a bottle/jar filled with warm water! I'm definitely going to try that. I've re-used yarn before but had never tried to straighten it.

I also re-use giftbags and boxes where possible.

What does everyone else 'actually' do to reduce waste at home?
I'd love a few more ideas. idea

I'm sure there's a lot more I could be doing to reduce waste.
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~ By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. --Agesilaus ~

Moderator Age : 27 Joined : 12 Oct 2006 Posts : 1790

Well, I am guilty of not really doing much here. OOPPSS..we burn our papers and take the rest to the ladfill. Allthough we never throw out anything that someone else can use. I too re-use things like gift bags and anything else that can have "new life"...

kim

Subject: Re: Recycling/Waste reduction Fri 02 Feb 2007, 9:52 am

I shred papers (all) and use in the cat litter box, I use newspaper to line the bird cages, I buy larger sizes to avoid buying more often, I use concentrated detergents to use less, don't use fabric softener, burn wood from trees that have fallen during storms, reuse gift bags, use plastic grocery bags for trash bags, lunches etc..., make my own hair detangler from the conditioner I use(bottle is from a few years ago and just reuse it), try and buy used instead of new, freecycle what I don't want or use
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Vicki

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Subject: Re: Recycling/Waste reduction Fri 02 Feb 2007, 10:08 pm

I love this type things,,I am very much into the planet and recycle reuse and reduce.We sort our cans and plastics for the trash day ,,theres a recycle truck that comes right before the regular trash truck comes.

I am almost ready to have cloth bags for my groceries instead of the trash bags made from plastic(Those trash bags made from plastic will be in the landfill when we are all old and gray!)
Im trying to make my own bags for the store,,they sell them here for almost 12.00 each!I think I can make 3-4 for 12.00!

We always reuse as much as possible,,and combine shopping trips ,,try to do as much as needed in one trip instead of several mini trips.
A coat of paint can give a old piece of furniture a brand new look!

Subject: Re: Recycling/Waste reduction Sat 03 Feb 2007, 2:26 pm

we shred all our paper and use in the kitty litter and put some in our compost .. My Dh business generates lots of paper so we have to recycle - we recycle brown grass and green glass.. Milk jugs we use for scoops and around the house. Whne it life her is over we recycle we reuse and recycle.. I buy large size and put them in smaller packages.. we burn wood from our land , and we save cans for the boys they recycle as a fund raiser .. we plan trips

we reuse furniture clothes , we do what we can to be responsible to the planet
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Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)