Boo Boo Packs

Have kids?  Think about using reusable bags for boo boo packs.  A local day care, Creative Beginnings, was super excited to purchase our reusable bags to use as Boo Boo packs.  Originally, they froze a wet sponge and put it in a plastic zip lock bag.  Having to throw out each plastic bag after each use, and multiple "boo boo's" every day, they were going through several bags a week.  Our reusable bags came to the rescue!  Each youngster can choose a fun print to ice their bumps and bruises, making the accident a little more tolerable.  The reusable bags are added to the laundry to be reused again and again!

photo courtesy of getbuckets.com

 

Coffee Cans at their finest

I recently started receiving Real Simple Magazine and an issue highlighted a wine rack made out of coffee cans.  I think it was then that I realized I'm crazy for cans! Coffee cans are getting harder to find as more companies are starting to use plastic or bags.  However, if you're coffee still comes in metal cans, here are a few great ideas on how to reuse them.  Many uses can also use plastic containers.

In the Kitchen:

• Add a handle (think cabinet door handle) to make a scoop for dog food, grain, or ice melt
  
• Keep in your kitchen for composting - the tight lid is perfect for smelly compost.
• Pour your used kitchen grease and keep under the sink
• Great for dry storage - macaroni, flour, sugar, etc
• Use as a double broiler - put a metal can in a pot of boiling water to melt chocolate or left over wax pieces to make new candles
• Glue several cans together 12 or so to make a wine rack (Real Simple Magazine)

In the Home:

• During dry heat seasons, place a can of water on your furnace
• Use as a vase
• Use to boil water while camping
• Keep handy for upset tummies - their tight lid is way better than a plastic bag

In the Bathroom:

•  Use to store travel size toiletries, toilet paper, sewing kits

 In the Garage:

• Poke a hole in the lid and place a spool of twine, rope, or other item in the can to keep it untangled. 
• With their tight fitting lid, they are great waterproofing for camping
• use for organizing screws, nails, or other hardware items.

In the Craft Room: 

• Poke holes in the can, add some sand and a cable and use as luminaries.  Paint for a more dramatic look.
• Use for arts and crafts with kids and make a pen holder, bank, etc
• Decorate or decoupage for gift packaging.  Check out Folgers for a link to templates for decorating cans.

What else do you use your coffee cans for?

Cloth Diapers

When we found out we were pregnant, I spent more time researching cloth diapers than I did anything else.  We jumped on that bandwagon pretty quickly.  Within the past few years, cloth diapers have gotten adorable, easy, and popular. 

I won't bore you with all the details of cloth, instead, I'll just show you how cute they are!  We'll save details for another post. 

First Friday Art Walk

Still looking for plans tonight?  Check out Portland's First Friday Art Walk.  Visit Lalo Boutique at 142 High Street Suite 222 to see some awesome locally made items.  Reuse Zone's reusable bags are on display in some cool fabrics.  Our first retail adventure! 

Reusable Bag Give away!

Check out cutepotato.com for a Reusable Bag give away!

Featured on a blog!

Reuse Zone attended our first Farmer's Market in New Gloucester, Maine earlier this month.  One of the market attendees writes her own blog, Cute Potato.  Our Reusable Snack and Sandwich bags were featured earlier this week.  Frequent her blog, as you might see another Reuse Zone appearance!

Reusable Bags

Several months ago I started to analyze our trash and began competing each week on how little trash we could throw away.  Usually each week consisted of a 13 gallon trash bag size for three of us.  One way we got there was to make and use reusable "zip lock" bags.  I realized how many we bought and threw away after a few hours of use.  Of course, we did try to wash out and reuse, but let's face it, they are not that pretty.  I certainly can not take credit for the reusable bag invention as there are a gazillion talented crafters on Etsy who sell them.  I knew I could make my own, so after three different versions (don't ask), version 4.0 is it!  Here is one of my favorite patterns.  Complete with a double hem, 6 inches of durable velcro, and the stylish look. 

Check out my Etsy shop for more patterns and sizes and let me know if you have any questions! 

Welcome to Reuse Zone!

My family and I have always strived to be Green. I made my parents recycle before recycling was cool, and way before we had the oh so convenient curbside pick up. We actually had to collect recyclables and bring them to a divided dumpster.

In the past couple of years with the Earth in crisis mode, I've decided to pick up the pace and really evaluate how we can be more aware of our carbon footprint.

One of those ways is by investing in reusable products - less trash equals less in landfills.

Welcome to the journey of learning how to infuse reusable items in your own home.