So, I've been hearing and reading those awful statistics about the terrible environmental impact of plastic shopping bags and how they should be replcaced with re-useable bags - you know, the ones most of us keep meaning to get. I decided today was the day and, while shopping in Publix, picked up 4 of them at 99 cents each. When I was preparing to checkout, I stopped, as always, at their little clearance section to see if they had items I normally buy anyway for a bit less. And what did I find but these Halloween Trick-or-Treat bags. Except for different colors and designs (I found purple ones with yellow shooting stars!) they were identical in size and material to the 99 cent bags - even made by the same company. But, they were only 50 cents each.

So, I put the more expensive ones back and bought 6. Not only am I helping the environment, I'm helping my pocketbook, too!

There are so many ways to accomplish this each day. Before you throw anything away, take a moment to think about whether it might have some 'life' left in it. If you find you have items that could still be of use to someone else, don't throw them in the trash. There are so many ways to keep items out of landfills, for a while anyway, and keep them moving from hand to hand.

And I'm not just talking about donating to Thrift Shops. There's the Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores, Freecycle.org, consider local churches or schools, etc.

And sadly, in my experience, it's families in wealthier neighborhoods that tend to put things curbside on trash day that are in terrific shape! Furniture, bicycles, decorative items and more. And yes, I do sometimes 'cruise' upscale neighborhoods (wish I could get access to some of our gated communities!) and pick up items that I then Freecycle or take to Goodwill, Salvation Army or the Humane Society Thrift store.

Most of these organizations simply cannot afford to pick up items (though many will if you have enough stuff or large, heavy items) and I drive past them almost daily.

Sp please, think twice before you throw away salvageable items. Just beciase you no longer want or need something, doesn't mean no one else could se it!

YAY! There be countertops here! The granite is called 'Butterfly' because of the iridescent inclusions that look like butterfly wings. So pretty!

At last - the cabinets are going in! The first pic is of our temporary kitchen. There's one cabinet left - an appliance garage. Then, maybe, appliances!!

You've seen what it looked like before...here's some during...EEK!

And here's almost everything we had removed, cabinets, cooktop, eye level oven, dishwasher and range hood plus a desk and chair - all waiting for Habitat for Humanity to pick up. When we're done, they will take the fridge and lighting fixtures - for now, we're still using those! They have a business called Re-Store and accept donations of furniture, cabinetry, household appliances and more to sell in their store to raise funds to build Habitat for Humanity houses. We have more houses here in Jacksonville than anywhere else in the country. It's an indicator that we have the most active Habitat group as well as that we have a compelling need for low-income housing here. They don't call Jacksonville the "Minimum Wage Capitol of the South" for nothing!

The next time you renovate or have good, useable household items, look for a Re-Store in your town - they pick up for free and it's a great cause. Many people furnishing rental properties or any folks needing items at a low cost shop there - consider them for your purchases as well!

We are in the midst of a major kitchen renovation and so haven't stayed on the Nutrisystem wagon. Trying to prepare meals with no oven or cooktop, even though most NS meals are microwaved is proving so difficult. No dishes, plastic utensils, washing things in the bathroom sink.....what was I thinking?!?!

Here's a couple of befores (you can see why we're renovating!)

I'm still selling on Bonanzle and loving it. And I'm now experimenting with polymer clay. It's a terrific medium! There are so many possibilities - I have to explore them all!

Please be sure to visit me, DesigningWoman on Bonanzle! There's so much to see there!