tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post511169681427369547..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Reducing your throwaway waste - updated with photosUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78882297546124847572010-02-25T10:01:51.616+10:002010-02-25T10:01:51.616+10:00Great Blog !!! Over a two years ago I had to cut o...Great Blog !!! Over a two years ago I had to cut our budget so I started using larger wash clothes for napkins(due to thickness)and hand towels for daily use in the kitchen for wiping up messes. Saved me lots. About 4 months ago I to became addicted to homemade dish clothes I have been crocheting them for (Hobby busy work) I can't seem to stop making them :O) So it's ok if you have 4 dozen or so. Plus I crocheted T-Towels as well which keeps me busy too. I am glad you have gotten more creative I reuse plastic bottle (condiments come in) all the time and don't get my started on my mason jar usuage...Jayashiangelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07063731015363298955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48966135122125505802009-04-22T06:33:00.000+10:002009-04-22T06:33:00.000+10:00When my sisters son was about 4 he asked why they ...When my sisters son was about 4 he asked why they recycled. She did an experiment with him that I thought was brilliant. Each time they had a full trash bag, instead of putting it out to be collected they put it in their back yard. In several weeks the yard was overflowing. He learned that this is what would happen to our earth if we didn't reuse and recycle. That lesson has stayed with me and think about it before I throw anything away.Patricianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12336090470838313072009-04-13T22:33:00.000+10:002009-04-13T22:33:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda, I have cut down on the lunch wrappers f...Hi Rhonda, <BR/>I have cut down on the lunch wrappers for my child by using a stainless steel lunch box by Lunchbots. It fits a sandwich perfectly and you can also get stainless steel drink bottles. No more plastic! I freeze leftovers in glass pyrex containers as there is some concern about BPA in certain plastics leeching into the food. I only use glass to store food in the pantry and keep all glass bottles to reuse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86696228085085248002009-04-07T05:34:00.000+10:002009-04-07T05:34:00.000+10:00Hi Laura, when I cut up old towels to use as clean...Hi Laura, when I cut up old towels to use as cleaning rags I keep a few of them for non-cleaning. I keep these separate. I use one of those terry cloths to drain anything that needs it. It just washes in the normal warm wash but sometimes I have to throw them out - to the worm farm.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33293324986111512802009-04-07T05:20:00.000+10:002009-04-07T05:20:00.000+10:00Great post! We currently try to avoid all disposa...Great post! We currently try to avoid all disposables. We use cloth napkins, rags to clean, etc... but I have two 'problems'. One is the fact that once we started using cloth shopping bags, I now have to purchase plastic garbage bags to line our trash can. I only have a small garden, but I guess I can still compost...<BR/>Also, we eat bacon on occasion and I miss having paper towels in the house to lay the bacon on. What do you use??? Any thoughts? I just pretend I'm a pioneer and that aluminum foil, ziploc bags etc...don't exist!!! :)Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07126319746903637368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83779875180196080882009-01-15T06:49:00.000+10:002009-01-15T06:49:00.000+10:00A mental trick to help one "reduce, reuse, recycle...A mental trick to help one "reduce, reuse, recycle:" think like a backpacker. On her back is everything needed for the next 4 days: water, clothes, home, food, utensils, tools, and other materials. Everything MUST have multiple uses, save even the scraps. Your earth is your backpack.grandma dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00775712993257444711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44839277632553657292009-01-12T06:45:00.000+10:002009-01-12T06:45:00.000+10:00Canadian - a double layer of flanelette makes a wo...Canadian - a double layer of flanelette makes a wonderfully soft handkerchief. <BR/><BR/>My family take sandwiches wrapped in fabric wraps. I make calico oil cloth for the inside and everyone chooses their own fabric for the outside. My son is starting school this year and they have a 'nude food' policy three days per week where no disposable food wrappings are allowed. I'm so pleased that the school community shares my family's commitment to this issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73545007961469973492009-01-12T00:02:00.000+10:002009-01-12T00:02:00.000+10:00Rhonda, I know this is a very busy blog, but I was...Rhonda, <BR/>I know this is a very busy blog, but I was wondering if at some time you could please direct me to a pattern for the crotcheted cover (the one with the beads) if you should know of one? <BR/>Thank you in advance,<BR/>alecat.Catherine (Alecat Music)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03772718253505116956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47790565454480802162009-01-11T01:34:00.000+10:002009-01-11T01:34:00.000+10:00I love the idea for the produce bags made of netti...I love the idea for the produce bags made of netting. I can't wait to make some!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46106778208745543512009-01-10T09:36:00.000+10:002009-01-10T09:36:00.000+10:00Do you think the knitted dish cloths could be knit...Do you think the knitted dish cloths could be knitted bigger into bath towels...like for drying off after a bath?<BR/><BR/>My mom gave me some knitted dish cloths and told me they are really affective...and they are.<BR/><BR/>So, I was wondering if anyone has tried going a bit larger with it? Do you think it would be cost effective since towels can be as much as $8 each?<BR/><BR/>(Sorry if you've all discussed this already)<BR/><BR/>Kris7<BR/>Working hard at www.sccworlds.comKris7https://www.blogger.com/profile/16742247951587190125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61832000287525226942009-01-10T09:21:00.000+10:002009-01-10T09:21:00.000+10:00These are wonderful ideas! I love using fabric na...These are wonderful ideas! I love using fabric napkins, and once you start using them, going back to paper just feels ridiculous.Alliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16603700427096296937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85829226744892347412009-01-10T07:25:00.000+10:002009-01-10T07:25:00.000+10:00Great ideas, Rhonda! My family of eight goes throu...Great ideas, Rhonda! My family of eight goes through a LOT of napkins each week. I looked through my fabric scraps and found several cotton pieces just perfect for sewing cloth napkins.<BR/><BR/>They won't match, but at least we won't be using SO much paper!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20517036780722528552009-01-10T06:49:00.000+10:002009-01-10T06:49:00.000+10:00Just to be pedantic, it is 550 years for nappies t...Just to be pedantic, it is 550 years for nappies to decompose, not 550 *million* years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74607683106322237112009-01-10T05:38:00.000+10:002009-01-10T05:38:00.000+10:00Hello, every one, what a great listing of shared m...Hello, every one, what a great listing of shared minds.<BR/><BR/>One I see missing or at least mentioned just once is scrubbers out of netting. By simply stitching and back tacking a stack of squares. <BR/>First run for washing dishes, then it is taken to washing trash cans and the like or pet dishes. <BR/>I have a post on this that I will pull up from the archives. <BR/><BR/>When doing dishes also consider the water usage. <BR/>Fill the sink only 1/3 full wash the plastics, Rinse them over the 1/3 full sink, now it is 1/2 full Load the glassware and wash it. Now rinse it over the 1/2 full sink with very hot water as before.<BR/>Now with the soap sink 3/4 full put in your pans and items to soak...walk away and let them soak.<BR/><BR/>Water is our most precious resource.<BR/><BR/>Our city recycles...so for free we have a second bin to sort and clear out those items. Once the estate is clear of all items to be recycled starting fresh is much easier. <BR/><BR/>All glass jars are used to share foods with widowed and aged neighbors. Paper bags if gained at the store are used to cover the counter tops when I grind my meats.<BR/>They are cut open and then the bottom is used for a flat container for auto parts or craft projects like gluing.<BR/><BR/>Never did like newspaper so I read online. I do not like them in the compose either. I had several given to me. Tried to shred them in a shredder to line the coop and make paper machae' with the kids. Just cant stand the smell of newsprint. <BR/>News print blank though is great for the kids arts.<BR/><BR/>Investing in the tools to "make your foods from the base elements"<BR/>Thrift stores have all the wonderful tools of yesteryear, those things that are no longer "convenient" to the masses. In the US the stores often have a half price day of the month to hit them up. Aprons are a good find here for those of you still learning to sew. One mans trash can be our treasure. I also find good fabric here and use some clothes to cut up...wool is a good find. <BR/><BR/>By thinking outside the box items can be used for other purposes. You must use care however when it comes to having contact with food.<BR/><BR/>Aprons! save on laundry this saves on water, and soaps even the ware and tear of your clothing. On my side bar are some sites with free patterns.<BR/><BR/>The Shower cap idea is also taken farther as you simply use the cloth idea, those large trays are what often takes the plastic wrap just due to size...make a large cover or two for this use. cut a form two inches larger and sew some "elastic bobbin thread" in your bobbin around the edges and button thread in the upper chase, knot off well. Washable.<BR/><BR/>Hot water must be used with blood or soiled item to kill the e-coli.<BR/>We are not made ill from our own but each person is ONLY immune to their own.<BR/><BR/>use soil or sand to scrub with when out doors.<BR/><BR/>Act like a poor man. Think like a sage and live like a king. Owe no man but to Love him.Donettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13530145585581721795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67745359005471357172009-01-09T23:57:00.000+10:002009-01-09T23:57:00.000+10:00Karen,For cat messes, could you use a small dust p...Karen,<BR/>For cat messes, could you use a small dust pan and scraper of some sort to put the mess on the dust pan so it can be dumped in the toilet, then rinse/clean the equipment and put under the sink or somewhere for another time. Then, you can use rags to clean up the bit of residue, rinse out the rags and wash them or throw them away if it is bad enough. Or, just keep rags on hand that you can use once and throw away.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36608785974233745682009-01-09T09:23:00.000+10:002009-01-09T09:23:00.000+10:00i use any kind of bag i get from anywhere -- plast...i use any kind of bag i get from anywhere -- plastic, paper, old coffee bags, what have you -- to scoop cat poop into, so they get a second life. <BR/><BR/>i still use paper towels, but really just for cleaning up cat messes ... anyone have an alternative for gross stuff that comes from both ends of a cat? i'd love to hear it. for other cleaning, i use reusable towels. haven't knitted my own yet, but plan to ... <BR/><BR/>i can't wait to make my own laundry detergent when i get close to finishing up what i already have. i'm going to use heather's mixture idea from her blog Beauty that Moves.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16706071409908084910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90497945272216515622009-01-09T08:35:00.000+10:002009-01-09T08:35:00.000+10:00Chookie, put the catcher on your lawn mower and ru...Chookie, put the catcher on your lawn mower and run the mower over the paper. You might have to experiment with how many sheets at a time.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18919273913838468282009-01-09T08:25:00.000+10:002009-01-09T08:25:00.000+10:00I have a particular problem which I need help with...I have a particular problem which I need help with. Our newspaper is used to line the guinea pigs' cage, and would be great to put in the compost if I could shred it. I just can't figure out how. We're looking at broadsheet paper, 10 pages thick, stuck together with piggie wee and decorated with food scraps and piggie poos. Any ideas?Chookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07230973711859964063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79949111121703731662009-01-09T08:19:00.000+10:002009-01-09T08:19:00.000+10:00I minimise plastic bag use at the green-grocer'...I minimise plastic bag use at the green-grocer's by simply not taking them except for small or squashy items. Most F&V is fairly robust. I have a box and an esky in the car to carry it. My ILs wrap all their garbage in newspaper and their bin is always clean. I have two towels in the kitchen and two matching piles in the linen press: towels in knit fabrics are for hands and woven ones are for dishes. To some previous posters: meat is better frozen in a sealed plastic bag than in wrap, to exclude air, which causes freezer burn. And wilted vegetables are fine to eat -- put them in stews and soups, not the bin!Chookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07230973711859964063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84649611737687050362009-01-09T08:18:00.000+10:002009-01-09T08:18:00.000+10:00Seeing this inspired me to get myself in gear! We...Seeing this inspired me to get myself in gear! We badly needed new cloth napkins as the ones we have are at the end of their usefulness. I took a large piece of fabric I'd been given a few years ago and cut it this morning ... viola, 36 new napkins read for me to stitch the edges.flmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12781812205765728149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91503598325103944502009-01-09T08:09:00.000+10:002009-01-09T08:09:00.000+10:00Great Blog and thread!I would like to add a little...Great Blog and thread!<BR/>I would like to add a little about using washable maxi pads and soaking them in a menstrual pot!<BR/>I bought some pads from lunapads.com and a menstrual soaking pot from mama goddess.com and together they are great!<BR/>I soak my pads after using them and then just dump everything in the wash-easy on me and the environment.<BR/>I am not sure if anyone here used the diva cup but lunapads also sells them—well lets just say that between my pads and diva cup I have saved thousands of $$ over the past five years and I am sure even more from the dumps!<BR/>I also know that if you write to lunapads they will give you a coupon code towards the first order—its’ well worth it!<BR/>NikiahNikiahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03648724440645798956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2177706481198645862009-01-09T07:47:00.000+10:002009-01-09T07:47:00.000+10:00Hi Jody, I've found the bright colours seem to be ...Hi Jody, I've found the bright colours seem to be the best and stay new looking longer. The pale colours tend to fade fast. My favourites are bight colours with a splash of natural.<BR/><BR/>Lindsay and Donna, cotton is much better than any other yarn. It is absorbent but dries well. Wool takes too long to dry and acrylic is not so absorbent. If you've started your knitting, finish one and see how you go with it. You only have to please yourself.<BR/><BR/>Jody, the net bags weight almost nothing. If you're worried about this, ask the shop assistant weight a bag for you when you go to the shop. I've found they make little different to the weight. Just make sure you don't secure your bags with heavy cord.<BR/><BR/>Canadian, you can buy "hankerchief linen", which is a very light, but hard wearing, linen. Or you could buy pure cotton.<BR/><BR/>Thanks to everyone who added their information to this discussion. There are some wonderful links here now.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64443108108350272342009-01-09T05:43:00.000+10:002009-01-09T05:43:00.000+10:00I was given some of the cotton knitted dishclothes...I was given some of the cotton knitted dishclothes. The darker colored ones or multicolored ones stayed looking the best. The ones in light solid colors got stained and I couldn't get the stains out. The stains don't hurt anything but astetically they look dirty. I don't like to use much bleach but it did not help anyway. Have you found the darker colored dish clothes keep better or is it just me? JodyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20803753159278341292009-01-09T05:33:00.000+10:002009-01-09T05:33:00.000+10:00Hi RhondaI have a question about knitting dishclot...Hi Rhonda<BR/><BR/>I have a question about knitting dishclothes, I have started 2, and realized that the warn is not cotton does that matter? is all my knitting going to go to waste! Thanks for your inspirational tidbits!<BR/><BR/>LindsayWays of Zionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03845627192800685702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56538988720311731672009-01-09T04:08:00.000+10:002009-01-09T04:08:00.000+10:00I have one question about making the net bags for ...I have one question about making the net bags for produce. Since our produce is weighed at the check stand will these bags make the produce weigh more than using the store's plastic bags would? I make my own scratchie pads for dish washing using nylon net or if someone can give me any, the plastic net bags some produce comes in. I use an old much used Tupperware type container to keep my food scraps in till I go out to the compost. This container was beyond food use but good for this use still. Another question I have is do we need to put an airtight cap on liquid in the refrigerator or will a cloth one be ok? Does a fridge need to work more if this humidity is left uncovered? I am not worried over spilling just if it will make my refrigerator work harder thus using more energy. Thankyou. Your blog has been so helpful. JodyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com