Recycle And Reuse What You Have Thread!

[tootie]

I like to reuse/recycle things. So I thought I would start a thread that everyone could add an idea on things around the house that we can recycle to help the environment and save money!

I'll start with Christmas cards. If you don't keep your cards then you can cut them up in little squares and make "tag holders" for gifts next year. Another idea I saw at the nursing home was church people would bring in bookmarks to the residents and they were made from the decorative part of the old Christmas cards. The elderly people just loved these. If you want to be real creative you can take your Christmas bows and cut those into thin strips and punch a hole in the top of the book mark and make a tassel or you can do the same with the curly ribbon.

Feel free to add ideas!

[Carol25]

Those are really good ideas, Tootie. I'm not that creative! But I think I will use your idea!

[Noah]

What a good idea for bookmarks!

[theal3]

I've reused cards for years for tags, or to decorate the top of a wrapped gift.

And recyle newspapers, glass, tin, magazines, plastics. We separate all and drop off at local recycle place.

I also reuse many jars and containers to hold things I buy in bulk: spices, pantry staples like pasta, flour, sugar salt, beans etc or reuse to freeze sauces, stock.

[Noah]

And recyle newspapers, glass, tin, magazines, plastics. We separate all and drop off at local recycle place.

All my old magazines and newspapers get saved and used as weed barrier in my new landscape beds. Saves me from having to buy weed barrier.

[Themis]

Thank you, Tootie, for starting this thread. We are big on recycling, too.

1. We make sure we take all deposit paid aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles to our local recycling center for the cash back.

2. Our trash company supplies a special trash container for mixed recycling material: newspapers; 'good quality white paper,' cardboard boxes (even cereal boxes); clean aluminum containers such as pet food cans and aluminum foil, glass jars, etc.

3. Clean paper bags of all sizes and clean plastic bags from grocery stores get dropped off at our local charity-run thrift stores for their use in bagging purchases by customers. We buy most of our books from these places, too, and we then give them back for another resale. I include a home-made bookmark in each book returned.

4. Magazines get dropped off at our local hospital; distributed throughout the various waiting rooms.

5. Bookmarks of various sizes (they don't have to be the standard 5" by 2") are created from dismantled attractive kleenex and puff tissue boxes. Distribute as you see fit. Empty tissue boxes make a good trash container for the car, too.

6. Cooking grease is allowed to cool and poured into empty plastic bread bags, tieing a knot at the top, then put into what I call Trash-Trash -- not poured down our drains to clog them up.

[JMO * Themis]

[Moondust]

Just a little tip to those who rely on trash removal companies to remove thier recyclables.

In my area, I have noticed on several occassions that the people picking up the trash and recyclables do not keep them seperate...they throw the recyclables right in with the trash...:angry:

I always go the extra mile to take mine directly to the recycling drop off now....I do the same with my trash...I cancelled my pick up service two years ago after witnessing this behavior one too many times.

[Pashie]

I like being a bit crafty now and then...A couple of my favorite recycling projects...

Use your old magazines to make decorative boxes (also useful)
http://abstractoctopus.wordpress.com/category/by-theme/tutorials/

or to make gift bows!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=247280.0

If you crochet, you can use plastic grocery bags to make 'Plarn'
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/02/17/instructions-for-cutting-plastic-bags-creating-recycled-plastic-yarn/

To make tote bags, etc (good for beach bags!)
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2009/11/13/recycled-flat-bottom-plastic-tote-bag/

or you can use old t-shirts to make 'tarn'
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2009/06/05/making-t-yarn-from-recycled-tee-shirts/

to make pot holders, hot pads etc.
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2009/12/27/recycled-t-yarn-kitchen-set/

[tootie]

I love all the ideas everyone has come up with! They are awesome. Noah, how do you do the weed barrier? I read online somewhere where someone was using wine bottles as decorative landscape for their flower bed. I think they were burying the bottles upside down with just a little sticking out but I'm not sure on that though. It sounded like a neat idea.

Reusing jars theal3 is a great idea as well. You can put nuts and bolts, screws etc. in them too.

Themis we can never pour grease in our sink either. Our home is very old and it doesn't take much to clog them. I had not thought about making bookmarks from Kleenex boxes that is a great idea!

Moondust I can't afford to rely on anyone to do my recycling so I do it myself. :laugh:

Pashie, I love the magazine boxes how awesome is that? I think I may try to make one of those. It looks kind of hard but I am willing to try!

Everyone can recycle you don't have to be creative! Keep the ideas coming.

[Katt2]

I take my read magazines down to a nursing home for the residents.

[Pashie]

oh, and I forgot to put another one.

I don't know if everyone gets them, but we get square magnets with advertisements on them glued to our phone books.

You can reuse them to make bookmarks.
http://craftchi.com/blog/?p=1011
I made these with my daughter. The advertisement will usually peel off the magnet. I had my daughter color some little pictures, then glued them to the magnets, then used a clear tape to cover both pieces and create the 'hinge'. Easy peasy!

[tootie]

Let me add more ideas. I always get the large size of Folgers coffee it is in the red tub. When you are done with it you can used it in your bathroom for a few things. You can use it to put your toilet bowl brush in if yours doesn't have a holder. Or another idea that I used when I was cleaning cabins years ago was fill with water to rinse and clean the bathtub or the shower doors instead of trying to maneuver your shower head around or if it won't reach the back of the tub.

Also we have well water so we don't use this idea but if you don't have a low flush toilet all you have to do is fill a milk jug or any kind of plastic jug with water and place it in the back of the toilet to save on water!

[Katt2]

Instead of tossing old towels and sheets, I take them to the vet's office or the animal shelter.

[Grins]

*****````` true story

Socks On My Arms

Never throw anything away I say
even these socks
which cut off the blood flow
so totally to my feet

operating upon them
cutting off the wee tops
too much chops
I am afraid
they flops
do not meet the longitude
of even my rudimentary feet

toss em?
nay there is a use hmmmm
must be
oh I see

my computer chair
has hard arms hard on my
tender arms hmmmmm
why not use the two too wee socks
do it did it
perfect fit!

thus do I have
the comfort and charms of
socks on my arms~


now
about my mouth,
Grins

***

[warhorse46]

I posted this on the mediset thread but it is also a recycle suggestion. Use empty egg cartons to hold your meds. Egg cartons also are good to use to hold small items such as rings, earrings, etc. Another thing I do is toss the dryer lint into the yard. The birds, squirrels & other wild life love it to line nests when they are building or repair already built nests. Toss the hair from your brush & your pet's brushes in the yard for the same purpose. Use worn out socks as dust cloths, just slip them on your hand, spray with pledge if you like & run your hand over the furniture. Or if you have pets that like toys, tie a knot in the middle of an old worn out sock to make a wonderful soft chew toy. Worn out socks make great sweaters for very small pets too. Cut out a head hole in the toe & a couple of arm holes. Use all of your kitchen waste such as egg shells, coffee grounds, veggie & fruit peeling, etc as compost. Veggie & flower gardens love this & it attracts worms which are very beneficial to your lawn, flowers & veggies.

[mariah79]

I like to reuse/recycle things. So I thought I would start a thread that everyone could add an idea on things around the house that we can recycle to help the environment and save money!

I'll start with Christmas cards. If you don't keep your cards then you can cut them up in little squares and make "tag holders" for gifts next year. Another idea I saw at the nursing home was church people would bring in bookmarks to the residents and they were made from the decorative part of the old Christmas cards. The elderly people just loved these. If you want to be real creative you can take your Christmas bows and cut those into thin strips and punch a hole in the top of the book mark and make a tassel or you can do the same with the curly ribbon.

Feel free to add ideas!

I like to take my leftover Christmas cards from years past to make gift boxes for the jewelery I make for the females in the family. Everybody loves them.

[Debb]

Whenever you purchase pillow shams, pillow cases, sheets or throws, they often come in a clear heavy duty plastic case that zips shut. They are very sturdy so I converted mine to bags for cosmetics and toiletries. With the various sizes you can store or carry makeup, hair products, etc. I like them because they are clear. They hold up very well and are free with the purchase of your linens.

[Pashie]

I like to take my leftover Christmas cards from years past to make gift boxes for the jewelery I make for the females in the family. Everybody loves them.

Ooh...that reminds me. (not that you use anything like this) but you can use magazine pages to make paper beads too!
http://gomakesomething.com/ht/recycled/paper-beads/

I've not done these yet, but plan to over the summer with my girl..

Ya'll have got me going through all my bookmarked craft links LOL

[tootie]

Great ideas! Warhorse46, I just love the lint and hair idea for the birds. That is so awesome I never in a million years would have thought about that idea. I have long hair and it falls out like crazy so I going to clean my hairbrush today and throw it out there.

All the sock ideas are great. I used to make sock toys for my dogs as well. And they loved them. Debb and Grins great ideas. Mariah, if you have a link on how to make those boxes I would love to try and make one.

[mariah79]

For children birthday gifts I save the Sunday comics and use that to wrap gifts. If possible I try to have their favorite comic on top. They are just going to tear into the paper anyways.

When wrapping Christmas gifts I use the scrapes for the tag. We usually have a lot of scraps while wrapping. I save what I don't use for the following years wrapping.

[SavannahStar]

Ooh...that reminds me. (not that you use anything like this) but you can use magazine pages to make paper beads too!
http://gomakesomething.com/ht/recycled/paper-beads/

I've not done these yet, but plan to over the summer with my girl..

Ya'll have got me going through all my bookmarked craft links LOL

My church's ladies group made necklaces with those beads made with old church bulletins! They made a TON of them, and then sold them at their craft bazaar!

[crocdog1]

I've heard that birds use lint from the dryer for their nests.

[Noah]

Noah, how do you do the weed barrier?


After digging up a new area for planting, I put the magazines down and then put mulch on top of the magazines. You'll never see the magazines!

When I'm ready to put a new plant or bush in, I just move the magazine (which has already killed any weeds) and plant!

Last year I planted groundcover along about 50-ft of landscape and it was so much easier to just move the mulch & magazines than to cut the weed barrier that I used to use.

Dryer Lint & Dog/Cat Hair - save those mesh bags from lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Put the lint and hair inside the mesh bag and hang it from a tree. The birds will land on the bag and take what they need. They'll learn that it hangs there and will be back as long as you keep it filled!

[tootie]

After digging up a new area for planting, I put the magazines down and then put mulch on top of the magazines. You'll never see the magazines!

When I'm ready to put a new plant or bush in, I just move the magazine (which has already killed any weeds) and plant!

Last year I planted groundcover along about 50-ft of landscape and it was so much easier to just move the mulch & magazines than to cut the weed barrier that I used to use.

Dryer Lint & Dog/Cat Hair - save those mesh bags from lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Put the lint and hair inside the mesh bag and hang it from a tree. The birds will land on the bag and take what they need. They'll learn that it hangs there and will be back as long as you keep it filled!

Totally AWESOME about the mesh bag. I will have to remember that! :thumbsup: How ingenious!

[JennyM]

After digging up a new area for planting, I put the magazines down and then put mulch on top of the magazines. You'll never see the magazines!

When I'm ready to put a new plant or bush in, I just move the magazine (which has already killed any weeds) and plant!

Last year I planted groundcover along about 50-ft of landscape and it was so much easier to just move the mulch & magazines than to cut the weed barrier that I used to use.

Dryer Lint & Dog/Cat Hair - save those mesh bags from lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Put the lint and hair inside the mesh bag and hang it from a tree. The birds will land on the bag and take what they need. They'll learn that it hangs there and will be back as long as you keep it filled!

I used to put the dryer lint out until someone told me it's not good for the birds. Here's a link below that also says if you put out hair to make sure it's not longer than 6 inches.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1144

Dryer lint from synthetic fibers becomes crumbly after it's rained on and dries. Some laundry detergents and fabric softeners may leave harmful residues. We don’t recommend offering dryer lint.

[theal3]

I started doing the lint and hair for the birdies last month when Noah mentioned it.
Our papers come in thin plastic bag sleeves which we save and return to the paper carrier, which saves them money. And return any plastic bags to grocery store, though we bought our own cloth bags and reuse and wash from time to time. They give us a 3 cent credit for each bag of our own we use.

I try to buy in bulk as much as possible and refill smaller saved jars for soup or spice mixes. Getting many money saving items in bulk from the American Spice Co. com After 40 or so years of cooking and raising 3 kids I know what I'm going to need and how fast I'll use it up.

So large pickle jars or spagetti sauce jars ( qt. size) are great for storing bulk spices; I make several homemade salad dressing, too and find saved jars are perfect if like pint size, or to put homemade dips and spreads in.

Of course we keep a pile of things to give to Salvation army or Goodwill.

[watson]

Last year I kept an expandable file folder on my desk and everytime I found some pretty, exotic "thing" - tea packet, the odd advertisement, empty seed packets, pieces of string and ribbons etc., I would put it in my file. Just before Christmas I invited friends over for dinner and a collage party. It was fun - my friends are very creative and made Christmas decorations, pictures and cards - everything was beautiful!

[bugout]

I've heard that birds use lint from the dryer for their nests.

They do, I save until I get a good size ball, then I stuff it into a suet cage feeder. I like to watch the birds take out pieces of it. I put yarn in it too.

[watson]

I just thought of something else I do. I make "canned" dog food. I save all my leftover stuff, little pieces of meat, leftover pasta, deli meat, vegetables - pretty much anything that I'm not going to use and put it in a baggie and throw it in the freezer. About every two weeks I defrost it all and put it in large kettle and cook it down. I remove any bones and chop everything up fine and add rice or oats or barley or a little of each. Sometimes I use my immersion blender. I put the mix into tupperware containers and freeze them.

My dogs love it mixed with their kibble. My turtle eats it also and sometimes the cat will, too.

I keep the used bags in the freezer so that I never have to wash them or throw them away - they just go back empty into the freezer.

I really don't think it saves all that much money but I like the idea that I'm not throwing any food away. Also, because I buy only organic meats, I know my doggies are getting the best.

[Noah]

I just thought of something else I do. I make "canned" dog food.

I do the same thing. One day I might have a spoonful of mac & cheese or potatoes left. Rather than throw it out, I put it in a freezer container - when I have enough, I share between the dogs.

Also - when that last little bit of peanut butter is going bad or there's not enough for something, melt it down and add bird seed and a handful of oatmeal. Put it outside for the birdies and they'll love you forever!

I smear it on a piece of wood that's supposed to be for the fireplace, screw a hook in the wood and hang it under the eaves.

[dannieg]

Reusable shopping bags.

[Patriot]

I've heard that birds use lint from the dryer for their nests.

I haven't heard that that's bad and do that also. As others said above, I also put out all of the hair that I shave off of our dog for the birds in the spring. Also bits of yarn left over from projects - it's fun to watch the wrens and other birds take it for their nests.

I reuse all ziploc bags, aluminum foil and paper towels. I wash them out and resuse. (not the paper towels if they were used on the floor or really dirty). I also never use a whole sized sheet of paper towel. I rip it off the roll, then tear it at least in half and sometimes in thirds.

I take the vacuum cleaner bags outside and shake them out and reuse. Sometimes I'll have to unclog the hole a bit, but no big deal.

Little bits of leftover vegetables and meat I put in a container in the freezer and when I have enough, I make soup.

Used dryer sheets get used for dusting furniture.

Those are what I can think of off the top of my head but I know there are more. You know the old saying - I'm tighter than a frog's butt and that's waterproof! :laugh:

Lots of good suggestions here.

[Patriot]

Oh, another one - we use old newspapers in our woodstove to start the fire. Family members and friends always drop off their old newspapers. We also forage in the woods around our house for kindling, rather than buy fire starters. So we are cleaning up the property of dead wood on the ground and reusing it to heat. My kids aren't exactly thrilled about gathering it, but I love the "Little House on the Prairie' aspect of it. The best part - it's free. (that old 'frog's butt' thing again. :laugh: )

[Patriot]

Thought of another one - this isn't recycling our own stuff, but still taking advantage of recycled - we buy most of our kid's University textbooks used online.

[Noah]

Oh, another one - we use old newspapers in our woodstove to start the fire. Family members and friends always drop off their old newspapers. We also forage in the woods around our house for kindling, rather than buy fire starters. So we are cleaning up the property of dead wood on the ground and reusing it to heat. My kids aren't exactly thrilled about gathering it, but I love the "Little House on the Prairie' aspect of it. The best part - it's free. (that old 'frog's butt' thing again. :laugh: )

We do the same thing, Patriot. I wad up newspapers in our fireplace instead of using firestarters.

After you sort thru your mail, save anything that can be burned.

We keep a metal garbage can in our carport and all the branches we pick-up on our property go into the garbage can for kindling. After just 1 good storm, we can fill that garbage can to the top!

[Noah]

Used dryer sheets get used for dusting furniture.

You can use them on your floor Swiffer, too. It picks up the dust bunnies and it's much cheaper.

[theal3]

All great ideas, yes the dryer sheets work for dusting too on a swiffer floor duster. And lots of times, I'll swing by the GoodWill or Salvation Army and check out the kitchen sections for gadgets I don't have, or "something" handy for the kitchen; or used book stores and stroll through the cookbook sections. We donate used books, magazines, too to local library organization that has a book sale once a year to benefit the library.

[Patriot]

Ooooh - thanks for the swiffer/dryer sheet suggestion!

Noah - not only paper from mail but also cereal boxes and other such cardboards. Better burned in the woodstove than dumped in a landfill!

theal - I donate all of my books to the local library too. I'm in a rural area and the library doesn't have a big budget, so they really can use them.

[tootie]

Good suggestions! I didn't know about the dryer sheets. I will have to remember that one. Also Noah, before you burn your junk mail use the backs of the envelopes for grocery lists or what not. I know that may sound cheesy but I feel it helps save a tree. :laugh:

We have our Christmas tree sitting on the porch. Been meaning to take it off but didn't know if anyone had any suggestions on what we can do with it at home? I know they are good to throw in a pond or something for fish to hatch in but we don't have a pond. If I set it outside in the yard somewhere will the birds use it for something? Thanks in advance.

[SavannahStar]

Good suggestions! I didn't know about the dryer sheets. I will have to remember that one. Also Noah, before you burn your junk mail use the backs of the envelopes for grocery lists or what not. I know that may sound cheesy but I feel it helps save a tree. :laugh:

We have our Christmas tree sitting on the porch. Been meaning to take it off but didn't know if anyone had any suggestions on what we can do with it at home? I know they are good to throw in a pond or something for fish to hatch in but we don't have a pond. If I set it outside in the yard somewhere will the birds use it for something? Thanks in advance.

Our town has places you can drop off trees for recycling!

[tootie]

Our town has places you can drop off trees for recycling!

Yes, ours does too. I just didn't know if there was something that I could use it for the birds in our yard. I think it is too short for them to build a nest in because although we don't have a cat the neighbor does. I may just take it off to one of those recycling places.

[mariah79]

Good suggestions! I didn't know about the dryer sheets. I will have to remember that one. Also Noah, before you burn your junk mail use the backs of the envelopes for grocery lists or what not. I know that may sound cheesy but I feel it helps save a tree. :laugh:

We have our Christmas tree sitting on the porch. Been meaning to take it off but didn't know if anyone had any suggestions on what we can do with it at home? I know they are good to throw in a pond or something for fish to hatch in but we don't have a pond. If I set it outside in the yard somewhere will the birds use it for something? Thanks in advance.

We use to set it in the back yard and let it dry out more. The following fall and winter use the branches in the fire place. Used the needles for kindling. The trunk we chopped up and used for our Christmas day fire.
Last couple of years we have a fake tree that we bought at Goodwill.

[Noah]

We have our Christmas tree sitting on the porch. Been meaning to take it off but didn't know if anyone had any suggestions on what we can do with it at home? I know they are good to throw in a pond or something for fish to hatch in but we don't have a pond. If I set it outside in the yard somewhere will the birds use it for something? Thanks in advance.


Do you have a fence or shed you can lean the Christmas tree against? It's great shelter for birdies.

[theal3]

This a great thread! Rather than a mesh bag, I'm going to put the lint,hair etc, in the suet feeder, as I have several and save the containers, thinking I'll make suet one day....

and I too save junk mail envelopes, or backs (unprinted) sides of paper and cut and staples and make note pads for shopping lists, or phone calls etc. or for notes while on the puter. Dh belongs to a collage group so I'm constantaly saving "cool" parts of pkging or printed material for him and his group to "create."

[Noah]

This a great thread! Rather than a mesh bag, I'm going to put the lint,hair etc, in the suet feeder, as I have several and save the containers, thinking I'll make suet one day....


1 cup lard or Crisco (I save all my used grease and put in freezer)
1 cup crunchy peanut butter (off-brand is cheaper & has more oil in it)
1 cup (yellow) cornmeal
3 cups oats ("Quaker" cereal type)
1 cup sugar (less is ok, but the full cup is great for a winter calorie boost in cold climates)

Melt lard and peanut butter together.
Stir until blended.
In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients, except for the oatmeal.
Then, pour-in the melted lard and peanut butter.
Next, start adding the oatmeal 3 or so cups at a time.

The "suet" should be thick. Add extra oats if it is not thick enough, until it is too stiff to stir.

Pour the mixture into a greased pan (or glass pans - no extra greasing needed), cool in refrigerator and cut or spoon into the proper shape for your feeder.

If you don't use it up quickly it can be frozen until needed. You can add extra chopped peanuts, chopped raisins, chopped sunflower hearts.

[tootie]

Do you have a fence or shed you can lean the Christmas tree against? It's great shelter for birdies.

I don't have a fence or shed but I can lean it up against another tree! :thumbsup:

Sweet I just read your recipe for suet and I think I have all the ingredients to make it!

[theal3]

Yippe Noah for the suet recipe. Snipped and saved and on my "to-do" list for this week.

[Noah]

Sweet I just read your recipe for suet and I think I have all the ingredients to make it!

Don't worry if you don't have the exact ingredients.

I even save the crumbs on the bottom of the cereal boxes, chip bags, etc. I put it in a little container and add it to the suet.

[BorderCollieMom]

If you recycle magazines.....please consider dropping them off at daycares & schools & churches. Teachers are always needing magazines for the kids cut up for projects.
tia

[theal3]

Don't worry if you don't have the exact ingredients.

I even save the crumbs on the bottom of the cereal boxes, chip bags, etc. I put it in a little container and add it to the suet.

Wow, you are so thrifty, frugal and smart! I prtty much have very little waste, and have a "chicken bowl" but no chickens anymore, bu still save scraps etc and put in compost pile area of the yard, and all kinds of critters show up for their "treats" birds, racoons etc., squirrles.

I dub you queen of thrifty! and resourceful.

[Moondust]

If you recycle magazines.....please consider dropping them off at daycares & schools & churches. Teachers are always needing magazines for the kids cut up for projects.
tia

Excellent suggestion, BCM....also take some with you to your next Dr's Appt. to put out in their waiting area...be sure to remove your info. from magazines before donating them. :thumbup:

[JennyM]

Excellent suggestion, BCM....also take some with you to your next Dr's Appt. to put out in their waiting area...be sure to remove your info. from magazines before donating them. :thumbup:

Why do we remove our name from the magazine? I do it, too but for the life of me I can't figure out why.

[Noah]

Wow, you are so thrifty, frugal and smart! I prtty much have very little waste, and have a "chicken bowl" but no chickens anymore, bu still save scraps etc and put in compost pile area of the yard, and all kinds of critters show up for their "treats" birds, racoons etc., squirrles.

I dub you queen of thrifty! and resourceful.

I have a "chicken bowl", too! I give all the crumbs to the birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. But once winter hits, I use it in the suet.

Coffee grounds I save for my rose & azalea bushes.

Even when I'm cooking, I save chicken skin, beef fat, ham fat...all for the strays. During the winter months they need the extra fat to help keep them warm.:crying:

[Noah]

Why do we remove our name from the magazine? I do it, too but for the life of me I can't figure out why.

So sombody doesn't come to our house to murder us? :scared:

[JennyM]

So sombody doesn't come to our house to murder us? :scared:

Seriously! It's like an urban legend passed down from the 60s or something.

[Noah]

Seriously! It's like an urban legend passed down from the 60s or something.

I don't know. All I know is my Mom told me to never, never, never leave a magazine somewhere with the label still on. :lol:

[theal3]

I don't know. All I know is my Mom told me to never, never, never leave a magazine somewhere with the label still on. :lol:

I take off labels, too. Keeps it anonymous; don't want name and address attached to it.

[Moondust]

Why do we remove our name from the magazine? I do it, too but for the life of me I can't figure out why.

LOL....did you ever catch that episode of Seinfeld where the guy on the train wound up with Elaine's TV Guide which was actually the Costanza's TV Guide....he was totally obsessed with Elaine...even went as far as making maniquins in her likeness...:lol:

[JennyM]

I take off labels, too. Keeps it anonymous; don't want name and address attached to it.

Why not? What does it matter?

[JennyM]

LOL....did you ever catch that episode of Seinfeld where the guy on the train wound up with Elaine's TV Guide which was actually the Costanza's TV Guide....he was totally obsessed with Elaine...even went as far as making maniquins in her likeness...:lol:

:scared: Well, there's one reason. LOL!

[Noah]

LOL....did you ever catch that episode of Seinfeld where the guy on the train wound up with Elaine's TV Guide which was actually the Costanza's TV Guide....he was totally obsessed with Elaine...even went as far as making maniquins in her likeness...:lol:


There ya go! Good enough reason for me to continue taking off labels. :lol:

[Moondust]

:scared: Well, there's one reason. LOL!

LOL...and you can bet Mr. Costanza was very upset when the guy showed up at his house with his TV Guide cut into a bouquet of flowers...:lol:


Seriously though....people can tell alot about how you live by what you read making for an easy target for thieves and such.

[tootie]

Too funny about the Seinfeld episode. I don't remember seeing that one! For what it is worth I remove my address from my magazines that I donate as well. Also, I used to work in a DR.'s office and the doctor would "review" all magazines that were to be put out in the waiting room. If it was Cosmopolitan or something like that you can forget it he didn't want it out there so I don't donate my magazines like that anymore. Hospitals I would think would be more relaxed and a great idea!

I am going to try making the suet tonight. I looked online and saw the mesh bag was a good way to put it out but I don't have one. :(
So another option they said was to put a "hook" in it and attach ribbon and hang it from a tree. I also have this small cups that hold something similar to fruit ice in them I think I will use those as my mold for the suet!

[warhorse46]

1 cup lard or Crisco (I save all my used grease and put in freezer)
1 cup crunchy peanut butter (off-brand is cheaper & has more oil in it)
1 cup (yellow) cornmeal
3 cups oats ("Quaker" cereal type)
1 cup sugar (less is ok, but the full cup is great for a winter calorie boost in cold climates)

Melt lard and peanut butter together.
Stir until blended.
In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients, except for the oatmeal.
Then, pour-in the melted lard and peanut butter.
Next, start adding the oatmeal 3 or so cups at a time.

The "suet" should be thick. Add extra oats if it is not thick enough, until it is too stiff to stir.

Pour the mixture into a greased pan (or glass pans - no extra greasing needed), cool in refrigerator and cut or spoon into the proper shape for your feeder.

If you don't use it up quickly it can be frozen until needed. You can add extra chopped peanuts, chopped raisins, chopped sunflower hearts.



That is pretty much the recipe I use too. I have added all kinds of dried fruits (cherries, dates, figs, apricots, raisins, etc) & the birds love it. The squirrels do too. I have even added dry & canned dog food to the recipe.

[warhorse46]

Too funny about the Seinfeld episode. I don't remember seeing that one! For what it is worth I remove my address from my magazines that I donate as well. Also, I used to work in a DR.'s office and the doctor would "review" all magazines that were to be put out in the waiting room. If it was Cosmopolitan or something like that you can forget it he didn't want it out there so I don't donate my magazines like that anymore. Hospitals I would think would be more relaxed and a great idea!

I am going to try making the suet tonight. I looked online and saw the mesh bag was a good way to put it out but I don't have one. :(
So another option they said was to put a "hook" in it and attach ribbon and hang it from a tree. I also have this small cups that hold something similar to fruit ice in them I think I will use those as my mold for the suet!


Your wild life is going to love you. Woodpeckers love suet so don't be surprised if some show up @ your feeding station.

[tootie]

Your wild life is going to love you. Woodpeckers love suet so don't be surprised if some show up @ your feeding station.

I have had a couple red birds hanging around. Hope they enjoy it.

[tootie]

I found a really cute idea for all you that are great at sewing! You can recycle your bags that your dog or cat food comes in.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85214922.tip.html

The bags look very sturdy and would make great for shopping when you go into the pet store! Imagine all the compliments. I think I am going to start saving our Pro Plan bags and talk to a friend about making me one.

Also does anyone have any ideas for what I can use empty baby wipe tubs for? I use the wipes for makeup removal and don't use them often so it wouldn't really pay for me to buy refills for the tubs. But I hate throwing the tub away.

[warhorse46]

I have had a couple red birds hanging around. Hope they enjoy it.




The Cardinals around here love it, especially if I put a lot of small sunflower seeds in it.

[Noah]

I am going to try making the suet tonight. I looked online and saw the mesh bag was a good way to put it out but I don't have one. :(
So another option they said was to put a "hook" in it and attach ribbon and hang it from a tree. I also have this small cups that hold something similar to fruit ice in them I think I will use those as my mold for the suet!

Use a cupcake tin or a pie tin for a larger one. After you put the suet in the tin to cool, put a straw in it - when it cools, you'll have a hole to slip a piece of ribbon thru.

I have a pie tin that I secured to my deck railing with a nail - it's under the eaves where it can't get wet. When I make my suet, I just pour it into the pie tin and the birds flock to it.

[Noah]

I found a really cute idea for all you that are great at sewing! You can recycle your bags that your dog or cat food comes in.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85214922.tip.html

The bags look very sturdy and would make great for shopping when you go into the pet store! Imagine all the compliments. I think I am going to start saving our Pro Plan bags and talk to a friend about making me one.

Also does anyone have any ideas for what I can use empty baby wipe tubs for? I use the wipes for makeup removal and don't use them often so it wouldn't really pay for me to buy refills for the tubs. But I hate throwing the tub away.

What a creative idea! I'm not crafty at all, but I think even I could make that!

Don't throw those empty baby wipe tubs away - with all the germs out there right now, refill it and put it in your car! Every time I leave a store, I grab a wipe and wash my hands and steering wheel. Especially after you've been touching money.

Speaking of money - you could always cut a slit in the top and use it as a piggy bank for your spare change.

[pixiejoolz]

I save old socks and use them for dusting. I also make my own cleaner for tile, counters and even glass: 1/4 part white vinegar to 3/4 parts water with just a few drops of dish detergent in it. It works really well and I like that fact that I know exactly what is in it. I buy pretty scarves at yard sales and use them for gift wrap, so the person gets a scarf along with their present.

Someone told me this was a rhyme from either WW2 during rationing or from the Depression. Either way, it's something I recite to myself whenever I'm tempted to buy a replacement for something that doesn't really need replacing:

Use it up,
Wear it out.
Make it do,
Or do without. :thumbsup:

[Noah]

I buy pretty scarves at yard sales and use them for gift wrap, so the person gets a scarf along with their present.

Good idea!

[theal3]

Speaking of scarfs my traveling sister always brings scarfs to make on the fly purses at markets etc: Japanese style furoshiki carrier.

Check out the video further down the page on how to fold the scarf. Nifty!

http://www.onebag.com/packing-list-wardrobe.html

She found some cool scarfs, table clothes and made some nifty one for freinds and myself. Handy for tote bags etc, when traveling light.

[Bottrell]

I keep any and all glass jars. Whether I store things in them like brown sugar, flour, sugar or spices etc. or make freezer jam with them or even store loose buttons in them. My Grandmother and mom always had a button jar. We used to sit for hours looking at all the different buttons in her jar.

[theal3]

I keep any and all glass jars. Whether I store things in them like brown sugar, flour, sugar or spices etc. or make freezer jam with them or even store loose buttons in them. My Grandmother and mom always had a button jar. We used to sit for hours looking at all the different buttons in her jar.

I buy bulk dry soup, sauce. buillon or dressing mixes (in 1# bags) and save mayo, pickle and other qt. size jars to put them in.

[Bottrell]

I buy bulk dry soup, sauce. buillon or dressing mixes (in 1# bags) and save mayo, pickle and other qt. size jars to put them in.

Best thing to use. I don't like using plastic containers for food storage. Would much rather use glass.

[Katt2]

The Cardinals around here love it, especially if I put a lot of small sunflower seeds in it.

I just buy packages of suet at the super for the birds but the cardinals never ever go to it--must be because it doesn't have any seed in it.

[JennyM]

Speaking of scarfs my traveling sister always brings scarfs to make on the fly purses at markets etc: Japanese style furoshiki carrier.

Check out the video further down the page on how to fold the scarf. Nifty!

http://www.onebag.com/packing-list-wardrobe.html

She found some cool scarfs, table clothes and made some nifty one for freinds and myself. Handy for tote bags etc, when traveling light.

That's really cool. I had a dream last night that I was showing someone how to make a purse out of a scarf. :laugh:

[Katt2]

That's really cool. I had a dream last night that I was showing someone how to make a purse out of a scarf. :laugh:

Is that anything like trying to make a purse out of a sow's ear?

[JennyM]

Is that anything like trying to make a purse out of a sow's ear?

No, it's like this. hammer

[warhorse46]

I just buy packages of suet at the super for the birds but the cardinals never ever go to it--must be because it doesn't have any seed in it.



Cardinals are primarily ground feeders so they don't like feeders that are hung on trees or poles. Try putting your suet on a flat surface. I have some on my picnic table & that is where the Cardinals feed.

[JennyM]

I just buy packages of suet at the super for the birds but the cardinals never ever go to it--must be because it doesn't have any seed in it.

They love sunflower seeds the best.

http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/cardinal_feeders.htm

Cardinal Bird Feeder
The Cardinal may be the most popular bird to feed and attract, especially in the eastern part of the United States. Male Cardinals are known by their brilliant red feathers and majestic crested heads. Female Cardinals, while also beautiful, sport a more subtle dull reddish color. Cardinals are a non-migratory bird and will stay in an area as long as food and adequate shelter is available throughout the year. Cardinals are very eager to dine at most any available bird feeder but prefer a steady, stationary feeder over a hanging bird feeder. Pole-mounted gazebo feeders tend to be more accommodating to Cardinals and are usually more successful in attracting them. Cardinals also prefer bird feeders that are about 5-6 feet above the ground. They will visit your feeder starting early in the morning and they'll keep returning to it well into the evening. Since Cardinals dine early in the morning and late in the evening, they have plenty of time for entertaining you by singing all day long while the other birds are taking their turns at your bird feeder. Unlike many birds, both the males and females are very vocal and will sing all year long. Sunflower seeds are a favorite food for Cardinals. They will usually sift through the entire mixture of seeds to get to every sunflower seed before starting in on the other seeds. They also enjoy white proso millet and safflower seeds when they can't get sunflower seeds.

[tootie]

I made my suet last night, first time. I am putting it out today along with our Christmas tree to see if we get any hits on it. I used leftover grease, sugar, cornmeal, honey nut cheerios, oats, and a little maple syrup with Noah's recipe. At first I didn't think it was going to come out of the mold on one and it did. The other I just used wax paper and ribbon to make a ball of it. Fingers crossed here that it works! Thanks so much for all the great ideas.

Also I will be using the baby wipe tub for a piggy bank. No need to cut any holes in it as all I have to do is push the button and the hole is already there. Wonderful idea. I put wipes in my car but they are the ones that come from CVS that fit in the cup holder.

[tootie]

I am so excited I got takers on the suet I made. :thumbsup: I pulled our Christmas tree from the porch and put the suet towards the top and I looked out there were 3 birds partaking. I had the ball of suet on top at first where the "star" went but I decide to put it down a little so they would have a branch to sit on while they are getting some. It worked. I have the other mold I made and put it in a tree in the front yard but I haven't seen any takers on that one yet.

[theal3]

Good news on that suet! I copied the recipe and planned to make some this week, now I'm doing it today for sure!

BTW, a tip I saw awhile back on a cooking show. Save the wrappers from margerine, butter in a plastic bag in your freezer, then when needing to grease a casserole dish or baking sheet etc, take one out and use it as there is still butter residue on it to grease the pan/dish.

[Noah]

I am so excited I got takers on the suet I made. :thumbsup: I pulled our Christmas tree from the porch and put the suet towards the top and I looked out there were 3 birds partaking. I had the ball of suet on top at first where the "star" went but I decide to put it down a little so they would have a branch to sit on while they are getting some. It worked. I have the other mold I made and put it in a tree in the front yard but I haven't seen any takers on that one yet.


Yay for you and the birdies!!

I used to buy suet at the store, but have learned they like the homemade stuff better for some reason. Maybe it's the peanut butter?

I have red cardinals all over my front porch today - they found the pie tin with the suet in it. Last year I put it on the picnic table out back and have a picture with about 20 red cardinals on the table. BUT one of my dogs ate the suet :rolleyes:, so now I have to put it out front.

I have one attached to my house in the back (dogs can't reach it) and the woodpeckers LOVE that one.

[Noah]

Save the wrappers from margerine, butter in a plastic bag in your freezer, then when needing to grease a casserole dish or baking sheet etc, take one out and use it as there is still butter residue on it to grease the pan/dish.

I saw that tip!! I let my cats lick the margarine & butter wrappers - helps with hairballs.

[theal3]

Yippie, I mixed up a batch of the birdie food. Easy peasy, and had saved the used suet feeder inserts, so filled those and am now refrigerating. Soon I'll put one out. Will report back later! The recipe filled 3 insets.

[annalyzer]

Let me add more ideas. I always get the large size of Folgers coffee it is in the red tub. When you are done with it you can used it in your bathroom for a few things. You can use it to put your toilet bowl brush in if yours doesn't have a holder. Or another idea that I used when I was cleaning cabins years ago was fill with water to rinse and clean the bathtub or the shower doors instead of trying to maneuver your shower head around or if it won't reach the back of the tub.

Also we have well water so we don't use this idea but if you don't have a low flush toilet all you have to do is fill a milk jug or any kind of plastic jug with water and place it in the back of the toilet to save on water!

Also with those plastic coffee jugs ~ great for using to paint since there is a handle on most of them, don't have to hold/carry a full gallon that way. I also use them to store dog and cat food in since I buy the big bags, then only have the smaller jug to feed out of.

[Debb]

Last year I kept an expandable file folder on my desk and everytime I found some pretty, exotic "thing" - tea packet, the odd advertisement, empty seed packets, pieces of string and ribbons etc., I would put it in my file. Just before Christmas I invited friends over for dinner and a collage party. It was fun - my friends are very creative and made Christmas decorations, pictures and cards - everything was beautiful!

Great idea. I have one of those expandable file folders and I think I'll do what you did.

[theal3]

There an Art Shop/Studio near here where the owner recycles all kinds of papers by cutting in various shapes, or punches out shapes, as small as coffetti, or circles or squares, diamonds in zillions of colors and stores in like old fashioned candy store jars; and all kinds of cut fabrics, or strings -- just zillions of things -- from parts of postcards, or magazine covers greeting cards etc. And then she has classes for collage, or art classes for kids and they pick their materials from the jars. This woman wastes nothing. It's so interesting to see how she recycles these items.

[Noah]

Has everyone put their suet out for the birdies?

[theal3]

Has everyone put their suet out for the birdies?


Yes, I did!

[Noah]

Yes, I did!

Good - now we'll move on to Lesson #2.....:lol:

I found this in a catalog and decided I could make it myself & save $$. http://www.duncraft.com/Rustic-Suet-Log-Feeder--P4434C0.aspx

Drill out holes in a piece of firewood. Add hooks. You can fill the holes with suet or peanut butter.

I bring mine out every November. I fill the holes and also smear the log with peanut butter & roll in seeds. The birds go nutz!!

** Try to find a log that has little branches coming out of it. The birds use it as a perch when they're eating.

[theal3]

Good - now we'll move on to Lesson #2.....:lol:

I found this in a catalog and decided I could make it myself & save $$. http://www.duncraft.com/Rustic-Suet-Log-Feeder--P4434C0.aspx

Drill out holes in a piece of firewood. Add hooks. You can fill the holes with suet or peanut butter.

I bring mine out every November. I fill the holes and also smear the log with peanut butter & roll in seeds. The birds go nutz!!

** Try to find a log that has little branches coming out of it. The birds use it as a perch when they're eating.

Great Idea! I'll get my husband working on that one!

[Noah]

Great Idea! I'll get my husband working on that one!

The woodpeckers really love it. Every morning I can hear them peck, peck, pecking on that piece of wood. (it keeps 'em from pecking on my house, too! :scared: )

[tootie]

Has everyone put their suet out for the birdies?

Yes I did and they love it. I have had takers every day! If anyone is low on peanut butter for their suet Kroger brand crunchy is a $1 this week. :)

[birdwatch]

Yes I did and they love it. I have had takers every day! If anyone is low on peanut butter for their suet Kroger brand crunchy is a $1 this week. :)

Darn - I told Kroger they need to open a store over here. I miss them.

Just a note on suet. I asked my butcher at Winn Dixie if he would save fat that I could render for the birds for me. He told me to come back in 2 days - and wow - gave me a HUGE amount of fat for my suet cakes. No need to buy it apparently. Woodpeckers seem to be crazy about it. I'll have to try laying some down flat for the Cardinals.

[bugout]

I use pine cones to put peanut butter in. It can be messy, but I take PB and mix in some bird seed, then smear the peanut butter inside all the holes of the pine cone. Then hang from the tree. You will get a lot of takers! I also make BlueBird balls out of PB and cornmeal.

Then I also use lard, and make my own suet. I refill the old suet containers, we save and wash them out. This way you can add raisins and cranberries, or even a frozen bag of blackberries or blueberries. I also add sunflower chips to mine. I buy them in bulk.
They love my suet you guys.
Also, birds love oranges cut in half and pegged onto a cut off branch.
Especially the mocking birds!
I have the recipe somewhere but there are several online, just google home made suet. :D

[Noah]

Darn - I told Kroger they need to open a store over here. I miss them.

Just a note on suet. I asked my butcher at Winn Dixie if he would save fat that I could render for the birds for me. He told me to come back in 2 days - and wow - gave me a HUGE amount of fat for my suet cakes. No need to buy it apparently. Woodpeckers seem to be crazy about it. I'll have to try laying some down flat for the Cardinals.

So did you render the fat? This is exciting - I'm going to ask my butcher at Food Lion if they can give me some.

But I need to know what to DO with it once I get it. :lol:

[tootie]

Why those little moochers. I went out to see how the suet was coming along and it came alright, and went. There isn't anymore. I can't even find a crumb. I wonder how long this stuff is suppose to last? Do you think a squirrel may have taken off with it or what?

Searching the kitchen now I don't have much to make any with.

Sugar
Leftover crumbs in boxes of Special K cereal
cheerios
Oats
Crunchy peanut butter
cornmeal
also some canned fruit

I don't have any leftover grease. Can I use butter?

[Noah]

I don't have any leftover grease. Can I use butter?

You don't need butter if you have the peanut butter - there's plenty of oil in that.

I'm tellin' ya - those little birdies can be downright greedy with the suet. :lol:

[tootie]

You don't need butter if you have the peanut butter - there's plenty of oil in that.

I'm tellin' ya - those little birdies can be downright greedy with the suet. :lol:

Oh cool. I hear them out there now raising cain since there isn't anymore. LOL. How long is it suppose to last? I think I saw about 5 birds out there at one time hanging out in our Christmas Tree. LOL.

[Noah]

Oh cool. I hear them out there now raising cain since there isn't anymore. LOL. How long is it suppose to last? I think I saw about 5 birds out there at one time hanging out in our Christmas Tree. LOL.


It should last longer than 1-2 days :w00t: but they're probably going nutz filling their little bellies.

Oh that's right - you kept your Christmas Tree.

Your birdies must be in 7th Heaven. Yay for you!! :wub:

[theal3]

Birdie Action on my homemade Suet! Whoooo!

http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii200/theal2/?action=view&current=955cef08.pbw

[sunbunny]

Birdie Action on my homemade Suet! Whoooo!

http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii200/theal2/?action=view&current=955cef08.pbw

looks like they are loving it!!! :wub: yay!

[JennyM]

Birdie Action on my homemade Suet! Whoooo!

http://s264.photobucket.com/albums/ii200/theal2/?action=view&current=955cef08.pbw

Great pics. Love the Bandtailed pigeons, too.

[tootie]

Great pictures on the birdies! What kind of green thing is that you have the suet in? Mine only lasted 2 days and I think some squirrels carried off half of it. :(

[Noah]

Great pictures on the birdies! What kind of green thing is that you have the suet in? Mine only lasted 2 days and I think some squirrels carried off half of it. :(

The squirrels may taken some of. Get yourself a suet holder that they can't break into.

Here are some ideas.... http://www.duncraft.com/Suet-and-Block-Feeders-C35.aspx

Most of these you can find at WalMart, Home Depot, Lowe's.

One year I needed another suet holder and couldn't find one, so I had hubby make me one out of rabbit wire we had in the shed. It worked just fine! But if you do that, watch those edges - they're sharp and should get sanded down a bit after you cut the wire.

[tootie]

I will check into that Noah. Thanks for all your help. I never seen a squirrel out there but did in fact see a large blue jay (i think). It was much, much larger than the little titmouse birds I have seen out there. I wonder if he took it all? I think on this next batch which I am making tonight I will stick it not on top of the tree like I had it. Think I will spread it out amongst the branches. I was just wanting them to find it, boy they found it all right. :laugh:

[Noah]

I will check into that Noah. Thanks for all your help. I never seen a squirrel out there but did in fact see a large blue jay (i think). It was much, much larger than the little titmouse birds I have seen out there. I wonder if he took it all? I think on this next batch which I am making tonight I will stick it not on top of the tree like I had it. Think I will spread it out amongst the branches. I was just wanting them to find it, boy they found it all right. :laugh:

Blue Jays are pigs and can be MEAN. They're worse than squirrels cuz they'll chase the little birds away. :mad: At least the squirrels can co-exist with the birds.

There are times I have a squirrel sitting right in the metal pie tin with little birdies still stopping in for food. :lol:

[tootie]

I am going to assume it is the blue jay because I caught him back out there again today. I guess he needs to eat too. But he can't be in 3 places at once so I am spreading the love to other places. LOL.

[Noah]

I am going to assume it is the blue jay because I caught him back out there again today. I guess he needs to eat too. But he can't be in 3 places at once so I am spreading the love to other places. LOL.

Yep - he needs to eat, too. Same as the squirrels.

"Spread the love" .... You GO, Girl!! :lol:

[theal3]

I had to refill my suet holder today: took them 2 days to finish off the first one. Happy birds!

[Noah]

I had to refill my suet holder today: took them 2 days to finish off the first one. Happy birds!

I've noticed during the past 2 winters that my BlueBirds (not BlueJays) stay around IF I put suet out.

I have 3 generations of BlueBirds living in my birdhouses now. I guess we'd better put up more in the Spring! :scared:

[theal3]

Just remembered, cause I wetjetted my floors this week: I refill the wetjet bottle with my own floor cleaning: I often use Awesome. I couldn't get the "cap" off, so poked a hole in bottom of bottle and used a funnel to refil, then made a "cork" for the hole. Works like a charm.

One could refill with other cleaners, too, I suspect.

[birdwatch]

Yep - he needs to eat, too. Same as the squirrels.

"Spread the love" .... You GO, Girl!! :lol: A neighbor warned my daughter that squirrels can get into the attic and do some damage - so she should keep tree limbs and birdfeeders away from the house. I was so sad. I don't think the squirrels get into the suet feeder or the bird feeders I gave her. I suggested she try the addition of red pepper to the suet - doesn't bother the birds. I'm trying out the addition of a tray of safflower for the Cardinals - squirrels aren't supposed to like that, but so far I don't think the Cardinals enjoy it either.

Can't wait to make the suet log for her. I so love hearing and watching the woodpeckers and I know she would too.

[Noah]

A neighbor warned my daughter that squirrels can get into the attic and do some damage - so she should keep tree limbs and birdfeeders away from the house. I was so sad. I don't think the squirrels get into the suet feeder or the bird feeders I gave her. I suggested she try the addition of red pepper to the suet - doesn't bother the birds. I'm trying out the addition of a tray of safflower for the Cardinals - squirrels aren't supposed to like that, but so far I don't think the Cardinals enjoy it either.

Can't wait to make the suet log for her. I so love hearing and watching the woodpeckers and I know she would too.

Yes, squirrels can get into your attic if you have something leaning close to the attic vent.

From Duncraft ~~

Safflower is a white seed, slightly smaller than black sunflower seed. Chickadees, titmice, chickadees, and downy woodpeckers eat it.

The great thing about safflower seeds is that squirrels don't like them. Neither do grackles, blue jays, or starlings. I bit into a safflower seed myself once and found it extremely bitter.

Huh. Learn something new every day. I figured squirrels would like them since they're a seed.

[ortiga]

All my old magazines and newspapers get saved and used as weed barrier in my new landscape beds. Saves me from having to buy weed barrier.

For a second there I thought I wrote your post. I used to have a long driveway with the mailbox out at the street end, and the long garden between the house and the street. For years I put all the junk mail along the outside of the garden fence and it worked perfectly.

[ortiga]

I found a really cute idea for all you that are great at sewing! You can recycle your bags that your dog or cat food comes in.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85214922.tip.html

The bags look very sturdy and would make great for shopping when you go into the pet store! Imagine all the compliments. I think I am going to start saving our Pro Plan bags and talk to a friend about making me one.

Also does anyone have any ideas for what I can use empty baby wipe tubs for? I use the wipes for makeup removal and don't use them often so it wouldn't really pay for me to buy refills for the tubs. But I hate throwing the tub away.

I use odd shaped small plastic containers to make ice cubes. Then it lasts a lot longer in your drinks than those small cubes. Also, I shop about once a month to fill up the (small) freezer, and if the freezer stays full it saves on your electric bill, you can fill up plastic bottles, and keep the freezer full.

[ortiga]

Sometimes I have to buy bottled water in those plastic jugs with the handles on them, gallon size. I use them for everything....containers for seed starters, (they don't dry out fast like individual small containers do), and then I cut holes in the side up near the handle and put old nails in them, also I have one hanging in the kitchen to put scraps in. I don't compost per se, but I put all the non-meat kitchen waste in the garden, I think they call it sheet composting, (maybe). Anyway every year I put the beds in a slightly different part of the garden, and in the walkways I bury the peelings and so forth, just don't do it real thickly in any one place. I spread it out along the path in kind of a trench, bury it, and next year it's "gone".

ETA all the coffee grounds go in the garden too.

[ortiga]

I posted this one last year on an energy saving thread we had....remember that your computer puts out lots of heat. In the winter I keep the computer in a nook in my bedroom, it "recycles" the heat. I don't have central heating and just need to keep the chill off....the computer helps since it's on most of the day.

[ortiga]

Well here I am talking to myself again....I go through a lot of paper here, ie computer stuff....even after using both sides of the paper I keep a pile of discards...and every now and then cut it up to save the blank parts, staple it together, and keep it for informal note paper. You know, like "things to do" lists.

[tootie]

Excellent ideas Ortiga! I hadn't thought about the computer putting out much heat but you are right it does. I have heard about using coffee grounds for the garden but exactly what does it do for it? :confused:

[ortiga]

Excellent ideas Ortiga! I hadn't thought about the computer putting out much heat but you are right it does. I have heard about using coffee grounds for the garden but exactly what does it do for it? :confused:

I know with a clay soil like I have, any organic material worked into the soil helps make it lighter and not settle out like a brick. Also they add acidity to alkaline soils.


Tootie:

Here, this came up on google, says they add nitrogen to your compost

http://organicgardening.about.com/od/soil/qt/coffeegrounds.htm

Here's another link, old, but maybe people can still get coffee grounds from their nearby Starbucks. Also I remember an old organic gardening tip...make friends with your hairdresser, get all that hair for your compost.

http://freebies.about.com/cs/free/l/blstarbucks.htm

[tootie]

Cool thanks for the link! And I drink enough coffee around here. LOL. I should be able to fill 10 gardens.

[theal3]

Cool thanks for the link! And I drink enough coffee around here. LOL. I should be able to fill 10 gardens.

My gram kept a coffee can to save coffee grounds and crunched up egg shells and used in her flower beds.

[Noah]

For a second there I thought I wrote your post. I used to have a long driveway with the mailbox out at the street end, and the long garden between the house and the street. For years I put all the junk mail along the outside of the garden fence and it worked perfectly.

That's exactly what I have! A long driveway between the house and street. I had landscaping ties put down and the cost for the weed barrier would've been :scared: , so I started putting magazines down between the plants and then covered the magazines with mulch.

works like a charm!!

[Noah]

Sometimes I have to buy bottled water in those plastic jugs with the handles on them, gallon size. I use them for everything....containers for seed starters, (they don't dry out fast like individual small containers do), and then I cut holes in the side up near the handle and put old nails in them, also I have one hanging in the kitchen to put scraps in. I don't compost per se, but I put all the non-meat kitchen waste in the garden, I think they call it sheet composting, (maybe). Anyway every year I put the beds in a slightly different part of the garden, and in the walkways I bury the peelings and so forth, just don't do it real thickly in any one place. I spread it out along the path in kind of a trench, bury it, and next year it's "gone".

ETA all the coffee grounds go in the garden too.

Are you my twin? I swear you are.

I save coffee grounds. I also "sheet" compost - I dig little holes here & there and the compost goes in.

Next time you use the gallon water jug for starting seeds, put some cheap sponges in the bottom. When you water the seedlings, the sponges stay wet. The little roots will grow down to the sponges for water and help give it good roots.

[Noah]

My gram kept a coffee can to save coffee grounds and crunched up egg shells and used in her flower beds.

I do the same thing. Keep an empty coffee can on my counter. I throw the grounds in it and the spread it around my flower beds when it gets full. Roses love coffee grounds.

Egg shells go to the birdies. I pulverize them and put them in with the seed. I don't know why I do that, but my grandma told me to, so I do. :lol:

[Pashie]

I do the same thing. Keep an empty coffee can on my counter. I throw the grounds in it and the spread it around my flower beds when it gets full. Roses love coffee grounds.

Egg shells go to the birdies. I pulverize them and put them in with the seed. I don't know why I do that, but my grandma told me to, so I do. :lol:

Egg shells provide a really good source of calcium for the birdies!

I've read that you are supposed to bake them before pulverizing them...but I don't know why that is.

[Noah]

Egg shells provide a really good source of calcium for the birdies!

I've read that you are supposed to bake them before pulverizing them...but I don't know why that is.

Oh yeah - that sounds familiar! I knew somebody would know why I save them for the birdies. :lol:

Do we have to bake them? Can't we just let them dry out really good? :confused:

[Pashie]

Oh yeah - that sounds familiar! I knew somebody would know why I save them for the birdies. :lol:

Do we have to bake them? Can't we just let them dry out really good? :confused:

I don't know...I imagine if you've been doing it for a while, and there is not an epidemic of sick birdies around your house, you're fine LOL

I just read somewhere once, that you should wash them, and bake them...I'm thinking it was to kill any bacteria on them...but that's just a guess.

[Noah]

I don't know...I imagine if you've been doing it for a while, and there is not an epidemic of sick birdies around your house, you're fine LOL

I just read somewhere once, that you should wash them, and bake them...I'm thinking it was to kill any bacteria on them...but that's just a guess.

I haven't seen any sick birdies, but now I can't take any chances.

I'll start washing & baking them just to make sure! :scared:

It's not like I don't have enough to do around here, yaknow? :lol:

[Pashie]

I haven't seen any sick birdies, but now I can't take any chances.

I'll start washing & baking them just to make sure! :scared:

It's not like I don't have enough to do around here, yaknow? :lol:

LOL! I found this:
I save and rinse our eggshells, then bake them lightly on a cookie sheet at 250 degrees until dry, but not brown. This sterilizes them and makes them brittle
http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/how_to/feeding_feeders/shell_game.aspx

[Noah]

LOL! I found this:http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/how_to/feeding_feeders/shell_game.aspx

Thanks, Pash. I'm gonna post it for all to see.

The Shell Game
by Evan Dorsky

One of the lesser-known ways to attract birds is by putting out eggshells. Female birds, drained of calcium by egg-laying, eagerly consume them. I have had eastern bluebirds, blue-gray gnatcatchers, northern (Baltimore) orioles, scarlet tanagers, eastern kingbirds, and tree swallows, as well as barn swallows, come to the eggshells.

I save and rinse our eggshells, then bake them lightly on a cookie sheet at 250 degrees until dry, but not brown. This sterilizes them and makes them brittle. You can crumble them into bite-sized bits and spread them on a patch of bare ground, a rock, a platform feeder, or your deck railing. You may find they're so popular, you'll need to go to your favorite diner to beg for more!

[theal3]

Goof info, but could you nuke the shells in micro wave?

[ortiga]

Goof info, but could you nuke the shells in micro wave?

I don't see why not, but I don't think it matters. Just my opinion. It might matter if you were dumping buckets of them at a time. My dog loves egg shells, eggs, and he will eat them if the birds don't.

[tootie]

Thanks for the eggshell idea. Hadn't heard of that! For all my birdie loving friends out there Phoebe the Hummingbird hatched one of her eggs last night this live cam is located in California! Can't wait for the next one to hatch.

http://cam.dellwo.com/

[Noah]

Thanks for the eggshell idea. Hadn't heard of that! For all my birdie loving friends out there Phoebe the Hummingbird hatched one of her eggs last night this live cam is located in California! Can't wait for the next one to hatch.

http://cam.dellwo.com/

:lol: I'm really laughing at myself right now.

I thought Phoebe was YOUR hummingbird and thought you were a Birdy Grandma.

How sweet - they're so little, aren't they? We had a family of hummers living in one of my cedar birdhouses. You should see how intricate their nests are inside the birdhouse! :w00t:

[theal3]

Birdies went through another homemade Suet! They love it. Guess it's time to make up a bigger batch this time, to keep them on hand I have 1 left!

[Noah]

Birdies went through another homemade Suet! They love it. Guess it's time to make up a bigger batch this time, to keep them on hand I have 1 left!

Did your hubby get started making that hanging log for suet yet?

[tootie]

No, the cam is in California. Not mine. :) And Phoebe hatched her other egg about an hour ago. I missed that. Too funny when she leaves the nest and comes back in she sounds like a little airplane or helicopter. :thumbsup:

[theal3]

Did your hubby get started making that hanging log for suet yet?

Not yet, but I told him about it. He's been taking care of the two bird feeders everyday and 2 commercial suet feeders when needed, until I made the homemade suet. LOL we sure go through lots of bird seed it seems. A daily chore feeding them in winter especially.

[Noah]

No, the cam is in California. Not mine. :) And Phoebe hatched her other egg about an hour ago. I missed that. Too funny when she leaves the nest and comes back in she sounds like a little airplane or helicopter. ::

I'm still :lol:

I was so excited. I told hubby "Tootie's hummer, Phoebe, had a baby!"

He was :confused:

[tootie]

I'm still :lol:

I was so excited. I told hubby "Tootie's hummer, Phoebe, had a baby!"

He was :confused:

Too funny! :lol:

[theal3]

Made a fresh batch of suet today: Noah's recipe. All set now for a few weeks!!!