DesigningWoman: November 2009

Designing Woman Saves!

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!

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Desigining Woman - Almost Done!

Well, as you can see, I'm still sorting through and loading the cabinets, but we're almost done! Unfortunately, there's a problem with the new floor and it may have to come back up and be put down again, but I won't let that affect how thrilled I am! You cannot see the incredible beauty of the countertops in these photos which is a shame. When the morning sun strikes it, the garnet inclusions scattered throughout it glow a rich, deep red - gorgeous!

The pendants are actually handblown glass in a rich amber with multicolored streaks throughout but since they are turned on in the pics, you can't see them very well. I'll try to get some with them turned off.

Now we need to decide what to do with the backsplash and area around the window - it's just unpainted drywall right now. And we are waiting on a replacement for the freezer door (that's why the plastic is still on it) - it's a roll out drawer at the bottom and it came out of the box with a dent - but Best Buy is coming tomorrow with a new door - hope that goes off without a hitch!