'Tis the season to reduce, reuse and save

It’s almost Christmas! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I usually do mine online because I find more sales online compared to in stores. The downside of online shopping is the packaging waste it creates (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, boxes, etc.). Consolidating all items into a single package can reduce this waste, but only if the order is coming from one store, and often that only happens if a person makes a special request to combine items for shipping.

This year, I am replacing little knick-knacks that I usually order online with a couple of gift ideas that don’t create extra waste, require minimal crafting skills and cost less than $6. I would love for you to try them too! Of course, there are other wasteless options available within various budgets: gift cards, tickets to movies and other experiences. Check out the Wasteless Gift Guide post for more ideas.

1. Potted plants

These small plants are not only very cute, they are also low maintenance and air-purifying. Although they may not be as Christmassy as poinsettias (which don’t always last long), the pots can easily be decorated with ribbons or fabrics to make them look more festive. You can paint the pots, write a cute message, or make a Christmas terrarium.  Let your creativity work!

I got these succulents at Ikea for $4.99.

2. Secondhand books

Some people frown on the idea of regifting, but there are certain items that are perfect for enjoying then passing on, like books. Books are timeless and their contents never get old. Even if a book looks a little worn out on the outside, the inside will be brand new to a person who hasn’t read it yet! Plus, there are many secondhand books out there that look brand new. All that is required is some cute fabric wrap and you are set.

The Reuse Centre has many books to choose from. If you’re looking for another great option, the Edmonton Public Library has a Books2Buy event coming up on December 14 and 15 at the Enterprise Square location downtown. 

Books2Buy is a regular event where the library sells excess inventory of books, audiobooks, CDs and more at discounted prices. You can get kids’ books and paperbacks for just a dollar! See complete pricing at the Edmonton Public Library website. 

At a previous Books2Buy event, I was able to fill up this box with 27 fairly new books for $10. Amazing, right?

So there you go. Just a couple of affordable and sustainable gift ideas for you to try. Remember, it's the thought that counts! 

Finally,  because we all like to save money at this time of year I wanted to share about a free app called Flashfood. It helps you find local stores selling discounted items that are close to their expiry or best before dates. This food is safe to eat and tastes great. Hopefully more grocery stores will start using the app, as it reduces avoidable food waste and helps budget-conscious consumers find food at reduced prices. Definitely worth trying this season while planning for the celebrations with friends and families that will involve food! 

Well, that's it for now. Enjoy your holidays!

Photos and Submission by Mariz (Volunteer) 

Book Review: Reuse Crafting Edition

I spend more time on websites like Pinterest than I'd care to admit, looking up interesting DIY projects and home decor ideas, yet invariably ending up on boards about cats. I sometimes need reminders that there are these things called books that are also excellent sources of information and ideas on all kind of subjects, including reusing and repurposing everyday items. I recently made a trip to my neighbourhood library, where I found a treasure trove of craft books that feature ideas to make use of everything from empty cereal boxes to wooden pallets. I'd like to tell you about three books, presented here from most to least helpful, for an inexperienced crafter.

The most helpful book of my recent haul is Create, Update, Remake (Transcontinental Books, 2011), from the editors of Canadian Living. Some of the projects which require sewing or knitting are, frankly, beyond the scope of my abilities. However, this book also has some completely simple craft ideas that are suitable even for children, like turning ugly ties into tea cozies, or salvaging the back pockets of worn-out jeans to make a wall organizer. Every craft is accompanied by detailed instructions, and some of the more complicated projects, like wooden bird feeders and window boxes, have additional diagrams in the back. I'm definitely going to be trying my two favourite projects: turning an old china cup and saucer into an elegant bird feeder (p.78); and making wastepaper baskets out of actual waste paper (p.153).

Another helpful find, if a little more geared towards an experienced crafter, is Eco-Chic Home (Skipstone, 2010) by Emily Anderson. One thing I really appreciate about this book is the comprehensive introduction on rethinking how we relate to materials generally considered disposable, and where we can find these items outside of our own homes, such as estate sales and even school libraries (neither of which, I confess, had ever occurred to me before). Every craft is accompanied by wonderfully detailed instructions, which will make projects like the braided t-shirt rug (p.57) that I’ve always wanted to try so much more possible. The helpful instructions even make some of the more complicated projects, like reupholstering chairs, seem less daunting. My biggest problem with this book is that the photography is beautiful, but about fifteen percent of the projects have no pictures, which means that if you’re interested in making them, you have no examples of how it’s supposed to turn out.

Finally, the least helpful book that I brought home is Remake, Restyle, Reuse (Watson-Guptill, 2006) by Sonia Lucano. I should clarify that an inexperienced crafter, such as myself, is kind of out-classed by the skill required for most of these projects. Like Eco-Chic Home, the photography is quite stunning, and every craft is followed by specific instructions. Unlike the other two books, certain projects in Remake, such as the admittedly cool geometric carafe (p. 21), require the use of things like glass engraving tools, which are not readily available or simple to use. Other crafts, like the spring-inspired pillowcases (p.55), require only fabric paint, tracing paper and a steady hand, none of which I possess, but could more reasonably acquire. Overall, I thought this book had some truly beautiful ideas for breathing new life into old things, but they just seem a little too daunting to attempt for a crafter of my skill-level.

All in all, it's important that you find a book that's right for you. A simple book provides no challenge for an experienced crafter, and a difficult book might scare away a newbie before they've even really begun. For my lackluster crafting talent, the books with big pictures and ludicrously simple directions work best. As soon as I read words like "engraving tools" and "turpentine", I start wondering where I can just buy the finished project, which rather defeats the purpose.

- Nichole (Volunteer)

How to Support Your Community and Fill Your Book Shelves at the Same Time!

One of my favourite things to do during the summer is to take in one of the Edmonton Public Library's seasonal book sales, hosted about four times a year at the Stanley A. Milner Branch, in the basement that you probably didn't know existed. These three-day sales feature some of the library's excess books, CDs, and DVDs at absolutely bargain prices. Even better than snagging a literary classic for $1 is the knowledge that my dollar goes to fund the library's literacy vans and Welcome Baby reading program. The latest Books2Buy sale raised $32,000 for these community services!

A visit to the library book sale has become a tradition for me and my bookish friends, and none of us ever leaves empty- handed. There's always a great mix of classic and contemporary items on offer,  almost all of which are exclusively in great condition. In past visits, I've picked up everything from classics like Poe's The Raven and Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau, to books on modern home design and tips for stress-free living. 

The book sale also offers a wealth of crafty books, from gardening and woodworking to knitting and scrapbooking. Basically any topic you can imagine is well represented at these events, and you'd be crazy not to come armed with your biggest reusable bags. And while the written contents of these books may prove useful for your purposes, the actual books themselves can make great crafting materials!





Over the years I've come across some interesting craft ideas involving the use of books, including sculptures, boxes with secret compartments, and even tablet covers. With a great selection of both paperback and hardcover books of every size and shape, you're guaranteed to find something suitable for these types of projects and more for an extremely affordable price. And don't forget, while you're stocking up on great reads or craft materials, you're also supporting the Edmonton community! I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend.

For more information on this book sale, including upcoming dates, hours, and pricing, check out the library's Books2Buy page!

- Nichole (Volunteer)

April Reuse-it Item: Books

Books aren't just for reading! In this month's Reuse-item blog post, our bloggers show a few interesting ways to reuse those old books that are cluttering up your house.

Nichole:
After my recent adventure at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, I still have comics on the brain. That's why I adore this craft for coasters found on the blog, Mod Podge Rocks, made from vintage comic book panels! Ignoring the fact that the blogger who shared the idea markets them as "crafts for men" (trust me, everyone will think they're cool!), this link explains very nicely how to do this super awesome craft. He uses metal outlet covers from the hardware store, but I'm sure repurposed cork board or ceramic would do just as nicely. Then all you need are an old book, comic or otherwise, and some Mod Podge, and you're set to Wham! Plomf! Kapow! your guests with your indisputably awesome taste. Holy stylin' coasters, Batman!

Michelle:

Need some privacy or a secret place to store some valuables? Want to hide some items your house guests don't need to know about? The Drifter and the Gypsy blog proposes making a book with a storage compartment instead of buying organizers or baskets. A couple of tips: make sure to get a thick book and one that you will remember. Also, decorate it with scrapbook paper so it stands out to you.

Mallory:

No one ever seems to know what to do with their old books. They sit on shelves, collecting dust year after year. But never fear, we've got a solution!
Here's yet another creative way from, Make the Best Things blog, to spruce up the lights in your home by using book pages to make an attractive chandelier. Not only will remind you of your favourite stories every time you look at it, it will also be a nice addition to your decor.

Lana:
Book pages are beautiful. At least I think so. When a story isn't so great and not worth passing along, the book pages are pretty and perfect for projects like Stephanie Lynn's rolled roses. She uses them for topping gifts and creating this beautiful rose "curled-wood" wreath. I plan on making some to trim my next hat!

Tamara:
Sometimes I like just making stacks of old books as decoration with a candle or a string of lights over it because it looks cool, the candles smell good, and I have a hard time parting with books. However I also saw a really cool idea on the blog, Todolwen, that I plan on trying. Cut out pages from old books and make them into leaves, and make a book tree! See the awesome photo. Cut out any random assortment, or personalize it by using lines of prose you find particularly beautiful or compelling.

 
- Reuse Centre Blogger Team