BLOG.THEREUSESITE.COM

Is It All Worth The Stress?

Carrie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:26:00 GMT

It has been a tough month for this family. Mom (me) seems to always have her nose buried in the computer, trying to fine tune all the balls she's juggling. There's always something that needs tweaking, updating, fixing. I'm new at web design and the learning curve makes me car sick sometimes. When I can no longer focus my eyes, I know it's time to stop and do something else. My family has been very supportive, but it's hard to remain balanced and prioritize sometimes. I'm sure all moms can relate to this.

Then, a couple weeks ago, the kids and I were involved in a car accident. We're all fine, no one was seriously hurt (thank God!), but it was my first accident. My daughter has her learners permit and was driving us all to the doctor's to get flu shots. A large vehicle crossed the double yellow lines to pass her on the left while she was turning left into the doctor's driveway and SMACK!! Our van lost its left eye and I went into MOM MODE.

"Pull over off the road. Don't worry, everything will be fine." The police finally showed up, lectured the other driver, assured my daughter and I that the other driver was at fault, and called the tow truck. My daughter was pale and shaking like a leaf the whole time. But I still made them get their flu shots.

Then, two weeks later, the same daughter came down with some bug and ended up in the ER with dehydration and a raging fever. It's taken her a long time to fight this thing and I think stress has something to do with it.

Balancing LIFE is a difficult thing sometimes. And being a mom is hard when everyone looks to you for all their physical and emotional needs. My own projects have to be set aside and I have to decide what is most important. Sometimes I wish I could have someone take the work out of my hands for an evening and say, "Don't cook dinner tonight. We are going out because you are stressed and have been burning the candle at both ends." If you have family or friends that pick up the slack once in a while when they recognize you are at the breaking point, I envy you. I am very fortunate to have children that see what needs to be done and do it. They do their own laundry, they clean their own rooms. They cook dinner sometimes. I just wish I could clock out sometimes and have someone mother ME for a change.

Which is why I started my website, blog, articles and mission. It's something I do that I love and I appreciate the feedback I get from others who love it, too. It helps me get into a zone where I can process the stress from car accidents, trips to the ER, leaking roofs, holes in the floor and 24/7 duties. I'm not exactly great at handling stress, if you haven't figured that out yet. When it all finally sinks in, I pretty much have to cry until it passes. But that's life. And, it's seeing my children's smiling faces and a beautiful blue sky and all of us gathered around the supper table, well, and with all our needs taken care of, that makes it all worth the stress. I'd hate a stressless life if it meant not having my family!!

So, while you love your hobbies, and feel passionately about your causes, remember that it's the people we pass our passions on to that love us and need us that makes the world keep moving.

Happy Reusing!

Carrie

10 Ways to Reuse Dryer Sheets

Carrie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:59:00 GMT

Don't throw away those dryer sheets!
It was laundry day and I was buried under jeans, shirts, towels and sheets. If you have a big family, every day is laundry day and you eventually go through the motions like a robot. Stuff the clothes in the washer, add detergent, turn it on. Transfer the wet clothes to the dryer, add a dryer sheet, turn it on. Pull out the dry clothes, fish out the dryer sheet and throw away. Repeat.
Well, the other day I was gathering up the garbage because I could hear the garbage truck coming down the street and I didn't want to miss it. I grabbed the garbage in the laundry room and was about to dump it into my big bag when I paused. I fished out the used dryer sheets and smoothed them out. They still smelled like dryer sheets and weren't shredded or anything. Hmmmm. Bet I could come up with things to do with these to extend their lives and use them up completely before I discard them. Here's what I came up with:

1. Dust Rags. These actually make great dust rags, especially for electronics. They aren't wet, but they pick up the dust great. Since they are made to deter static, they de-static your tv or computer. It's amazing how well they pick up dust, and the used sheets don't have enough fabric softener on them to smear. I even thought if I had the time, I would sew them into pockets to slide over my "Swiffer" duster. Or make Swiffer-like dusters by tearing them into strips and sewing onto a pocket. Now, I haven't actually had the time to do it, but maybe someday!

2. Drawers. I have an old dresser and sometimes it is musty. Plus, our weather changes so rapidly around here I have tank tops and long sleeved t-shirts in the same drawer and sometimes don't wear them for a while. Slip a couple used dryer sheets under the bottom layer of clothes to keep the drawer smelling nice.

3. Sometimes I don't change the garbage as often as I'd like. Putting a used dryer sheet inside the can under the liner will keep it smelling, perhaps a bit better? Hmmm. Don't know how effective this will be, but it's worth a shot.

4. As dryer sheets. In the past I have actually collected four or five dryer sheets as they come out of the laundry, and reused the four or five in one load. There's enough fabric softener left on them to dry another load. I probably wouldn't dry something that is super prone to static this way, but for t-shirts and jeans, they work just fine. Might as well get as much use out of them as you can!

5. In a closet. Same as with the drawer, sometimes the closet smells musty. Put a slit in a used dryer sheet and loop over hangers here and there. Keeps the closet and your clothes smelling good!

6. Shoes. You can stuff a couple used dryer sheets inside your shoes to keep them a little less stinky. If you are really ambitious, fold a used dryer sheet in half and sew up two sides to create a pocket. Fill with 1/2 cup or so of plain kitty litter and sew shut. Keep these inside your shoes to absorb moisture and odors. I was telling my daughter this idea and she said, "But your feet won't fit, then." Take them out when you want to wear the shoes, dope.

7. When I launder sheets, I always put the set of sheets inside one of the pillow cases so I they don't get lost or separated. I don't know, I like a neat and tidy linen closet. A used dryer sheet tucked inside with the sheets will keep them smelling laundry-day fresh until you put them on the bed!

8. Luggage. Throw a couple used dryer sheets inside your suitcase when you pack it away until your next trip. It will smell nice the next time you use it. Do the same with purses.

9. In the car. Tuck a few used dryer sheets inside pockets and here and there in your car. Maybe that sweaty football equipment won't stink up the car so bad. I think dryer sheets smell better than those "air fresheners" you hang from the rear-view mirror. Those are so strong they make my eyes water.

10. Deer and rabbit deter. Now, I've not actually tried this, but I have heard deer and rabbits don't like the smell of dryer sheets. I know they don't like human hair. You could make up pouches of hair whenever you get yours cut and put out in the garden to keep the beasties out. I'd be curious to hear from anyone if this actually works. I don't have deer in my garden, but someday I may live where I do and I want to be ready!

Think of new and unusual things to do with everyday items before you throw them away. You never know what you can come up with that saves you money and a corner of a landfill! Check out my website: www.thereusesite.com for more ideas to reuse what you have. I'm always adding new ideas and welcome input. Check out more useful articles at: http://hubpages.com/carriegoff

How do you know if that product is really green?

Carrie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:23:00 GMT

Is That Product Really Green?

Green is the new fad. I say "fad" because people have been recycling and conserving for years, but it's only now becoming fashionable. For example, I bought reusable cotton bags to put groceries in back in 1987, but they didn't catch on then. And, every time I used them in grocery stores, I got odd looks from the checker. Now, every store sells them and the consumer is encouraged to use them. It's politically correct to be "green" now. But what IS "green"? If a product claims to be "eco friendly" or "natural" does this mean you are helping the environment by using it? Not always. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Organic foods. Once prohibitively expensive and only purchased by health food fanatics that had a trust fund, organic foods are beginning to go mainstream. But just because it says "organic" or "natural" doesn't mean that you are buying something that doesn't contain harmful chemicals. "Natural" has no legal definition.

According to the USDA website, produce that is labeled "100% organic" "organic" or "made from organic ingredients" must adhere to strict standards defined by the USDA. They can not be grown using methods not approved by the USDA, using sewage sludge or ionizing radiation. Look for the USDA Organic Seal. Keep in mind that only larger farms have to adhere to these standards. Bottom Line: Look for the USDA Organic Seal to be sure. Or buy from a farmer that you know and trust.

Another issue is, some foods use a lot of pesticides to grow and they are worth buying organic. Peaches, apples, potatoes, nectarines, cherries, pears, apples, sweet bell peppers, spinach, lettuce, grapes and strawberries are very susceptible to pesticide residue. If you can afford to buy organic, these are the foods that are worth it. Other foods use little pesticides or can be peeled and washed to remove much of the residues. They may not be worth the extra expense.

2. Wood Products. Is a bamboo floor really going to leave a smaller environmental footprint than an oak floor? I went to greenfloors.com to find out what their criteria was to determine what is "green" when choosing flooring. Their ten attributes that make a flooring "green" are:

Social Responsibility- How environmentally aware is the company and employees.
Manufacturer Processes- Manufacturing methods are not harmful to the enviroment.
Distribution Methods- packaging, transportaion and using local materials are taken into account.
Renewable- How many years does it take to grow that oak or bamboo?
Recycled Content- Did you know you can buy carpet made from recycled bottles?
Recyclability- What do you do with it when it's worn out?
Toxicity- Does not contain any toxic materials. What kind of offgassing does it give off?
Life Cycle- Designed to last an extended life cycle so you don't have to replace it so soon.
Installation-Can it be installed without VOC adhesives?
Maintenance-does it require chemicals and lots of water to maintain.

Obviously, you can go crazy choosing the "right" flooring. Don't just assume "environmentally friendly" on the label means it is the right choice. Greenfloors.com even has advice on recycling your old carpet. I'm not advocating Greenfloors.com and I've never used their products. But choose a company who is environmentally aware and informed enough to help you make the right decision for you.

The Forest Stewardship Council US (fscus.org) is located in Minneapolis, MN and was established in 1993 to change forestry practices towards sustainability and promotes green building. You can check out their website which describes the LEED rating system for forest certification.

3. Cleaning products. Just because a cleaning product's packaging has changed to look more "natural" and the label says, "natural" or "green" doesn't mean they've actually changed the formulation. Think about it: asbestos and mercury are both "natural" but you wouldn't want them in your home. Read the label. Most cleaning products have chemicals you can't pronounce. You have to have a clean home. When possible, use harmless items, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice to clean. Bleach is still chlorine and is poison. Don't overdo it. A tiny bit can sanitize a big job (1/2 cup to two gallons of water). Hot water and detergent will kill most germs. Try to use as few chemical products as possible. There is some research that suggests overusing antibacterial products are producing "super bugs" that are resistant to many chemicals, just as overuse of antibiotics have created "super germs". Unless you have someone with a compromised immune system living in your house, making your home super sanitized can actually do more harm than good. Your children have to be exposed to germs in order to build up their immune systems.

4. Appliances. This has gotten much easier in recent years. When you can afford it, replace appliances when they are 8-10 years old. The old clunkers use so much electricity, it's worth investing in a new one. Don't know how old that refrigerator is? Look inside and find the label. There is a manufacturing date on it. Mine says 1995. I'm WAY overdue for a new fridge! I'm not sure your stove needs to be replaced that often. Look for the EnergyStar label on new appliances. Maybe the power you save won't pay for the appliance in the first year, but you will eventually. You can even get a tax write-off this year for Energy Star appliances. It's a good year for a new refrigerator!

5. Paper Goods. You can look for the Green Seal. Products are evaluated to see if they meet strict standards for bleaching and recycling. Try to buy products that are made from recycled materials. Try to buy products that are non bleached. Try to buy products that use as little packaging as possible.

I'm going to write the company that makes my favorite laundry detergent and ask them to make refills packages made from something other than big plastic jugs, although they are recyclable. Why can't they use cardboard cartons or plastic pouches? Do your best to think about each purchase and choose products that use very little packaging.

Things to look out for:

1. Misleading claims on the label. Be aware that "natural" "green" and "environmentally friendly" have no legal definition and can be used on anything.

2. No way to contact the company. Is there a phone number or address on the product that you can contact? If they don't want your feedback, why do you want to give them your money?

3. Promises. Does the product really do what it claims to do? Is that "Giant Triple Roll" toilet paper really have triple what the "big roll" has? So, are you really saving anything?

4. Packaging. Beware of packaging that looks "natural". Are they just sucking you in because that spray bottle looks like it's made from soft, cream colored plastic instead of fire engine red? Don't be fooled by pictures of leaves and sunshine and grass. Just because the picture on the label looks like "nature" doesn't mean what inside is from nature.

We can all contribute to a cleaner, greener earth. But, step back and take a look at what you are buying. Don't be fooled by marketing ploys that trick you into something you don't want. Reuse what you have when you can, buy only what is truly renewable, recycled, natural, organic or green.

When is Reusing Not Reusing?

Carrie — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:31:00 GMT

I am the biggest supporter of reusing and recycling all in the name of cutting down on the trash we throw away and making the world a better place. But, when is reusing not reusing? Can you go too far in not throwing away things? Yes, it's called hoarding.

People who are hoarders never throw anything away. They seem to have an emotional need to gather around them objects that they "may need to use someday".   At best, hoarders are called "pack rats" and their homes are cluttered and "messy" all the time. They resist getting rid of magazines, Christmas ornaments, old newspapers, glass jars, clothes that they will never wear again, etc. It is more than sentimentality, they have an emotional attachment to everything they bring into the house. At worst, their homes become fire and heath hazards and the clutter and junk overtake their lives. They guard their secret of hoarding from the outside world because somehow, deep down, they know something is wrong with living like this.

I am not a doctor or psychologist, and I am not attempting to write an exhaustive description or cure for hoarding.  I was fast  becoming a hoarder some years ago. Under the illusion that I was "saving money" by not getting rid of old clothes ("I'll make a quilt someday") or baby toys and books ("You never know; we might need them again"), or piles of old sheets ("Someday I'll cut these up for rags...but, wait! I might need them for something else first"), the junk was overtaking my life.

Only a life changing event started me on the path to healthy reusing. Divorce. I moved across the country and simply could not take everything I owned. I had to start looking at my belongings in terms of "do I need this now" instead of "will I need this someday." Now, I'm not saying I brought only the necessities of life with me. There are many items that over the years have caused me to scratch my head and say to myself, "Why did I think I needed to bring that?". And, I still hang on to things I probably should unloaded.

But, I know that when you are reduced to a bed, a dresser, and the clothes that fit in a couple boxes and suitcases, you really evaluate what is truly important. I think if I had had the resources to hire a moving company all those years ago, I wouldn't be where I am today, in terms of saving.   I'm glad I was forced to choose.

Last year I quit my job. I was terribly unhappy in a job that was simply a bad fit. Again, I felt like the "reset" button on my life was pushed. With all the new time on my hands, I set to cleaning out the attic and began reevaluating what I have. I am not exaggerating when I say I hauled seven mini van's full of clothes, furniture and household items to Goodwill. Each load was so empowering! Where getting rid of unusable clothes and junk used to give me pangs of anxiety, now it it's liberating.

Anyone who knows me would probably snicker to hear me say I've uncluttered my life. I'm not into the minimalist look by any means. But, I'm finally getting to the point that I can be brutal about attacking junk mail and hauling my children's'' old clothes to the thrift store.   It never occurred to me that I was hanging on to all this junk to make me feel in control of a life that has often been completely out of control. Or, rather, I've always felt that I had no control. I realize that instead of being a piece of driftwood in a torrential watershed, I can actually be in a boat with a paddle. Getting where I want to may be hard work (hey, I'd rather be in a power boat with a drink and big hat, but that hasn't happened yet), but I don't have to just drift with the current anymore.

Taking control of the clutter and replacing old, broken, useless junk with a few new items has given me such a sense of relief. I CAN replace that broken, horrible, nonworking washing machine with a sleek, front loading machine that can actually keep up with the laundry of a family of five, and the world didn't come to an end!  I had used an old, garage sale blender for YEARS. It hardly had the power to puree cooked pumpkin and the blade assembly was frozen up most of the time (I didn't want to buy a new blade assembly for such an old blender!). One day I had an epiphany. In order to lose weight, I have gone to a high fiber, high nutrition, low fat diet and started drinking a fruit "smoothie" every day. I needed a blender that would grind six fruits and veggies into a drinkable consistency and my old blender just wasn't working. I packed it off to Goodwill and went and bought a new blender. For the first time in my 22 years as an adult, I am using a new blender. It works!! In fact, I've made so many smoothies since I bought it, the motor seems to be wearing out already. I won't wait so long next time I need a blender. And, I will probably buy a better one yet. Liberating!

If it causes you emotional or physical pain to give away furniture you don't have room for, clothes you haven't worn in years and dishes that are still new in the box, you may have a problem. Face it head on. Don't be afraid. Getting rid of junk won't change who you are except that it will prove to you that you ARE in control of your life. Control the junk, don't let it control you.

Reusing is contagious

Carrie — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Since I have started my website, I'm looking at the world differently. Every item I toss into the recycle bin or trash gets scrutinized first. Can I do something else with this? Is it anything anyone else would care about?

Recycling and repurposing have become an obsession to me now. And, it's contagious. I picked my daughter up from volleyball practice last night and while she was telling me about her day, I slammed on the brakes and dug in my purse for a pen and paper. I dropped them in her lap and said, "Write: 'Plant Markers' ". The strange thing is, she didn't question me, but just wrote it down. My kids are used to me having random ideas at random times. I am making a list so I can write my next article: 30 uses for old flatware. She got into it and started coming up with ideas on her own and writing them down. Then she said, "Oh, man! You've got me doing it now. Darn it!"

It's contagious. But, that's good. I'm hoping to inspire people to look at their world in a different way. Come up with wacky ways to reuse shoelaces, shower curtains, flower pots and you will not be able to stop. Maybe every idea won't work, but you never know until you try. And maybe, just maybe, we can cut down on garbage and extend the life of our landfills.

Welcome to my new Blog!

Carrie — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:59:38 GMT

Welcome to my new Blog!

Hello from Northern Michigan! I'm very excited to have added a blog to my site. I am passionate about reusing, repurposing and cutting down on garbage that gets thrown away.

This week I am working on finding new ways to reuse cardboard and old clothes. I have some great friends who have terrific ideas I haven't thought of yet. I'm always looking for creative uses for things we usually throw away, or put into the recycle bin.

This website has been a great blessing for me, because I've met a lot of kindred spirits out there. I've found tons of creative people who come up with the most amazing ways to reuse just about everything. Thank you for visiting my site and all your contributions.

Happy Reusing!

Welcome

Carrie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:44:27 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.