While we were at Habitat ReStore we learned a little about the operation that deserves sharing. These people live and breath the Three "R"s. The stores are staffed by a combination of volunteer and paid staff. They sell donated used and new items, ususally focused on home improvement (construction materials, furniture, appliances, accessories) to the general public.
Personally, I find I'm thinking more about the Three "R"s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle lately. For quite a while I've been applying this in everyday life,
- using metal cutlery, glass dishes and mugs at work rather than the plastic throw away stuff
- saying NO to plastic water bottles
- using fabric bags for groceries (of course I don't remember them until I'm halfway across the parking lot - sigh)
- reusing plastic grocery bags for garbage and doggie walks
- doing laundry and running the dishwasher only when I have a full load
- turning off lights that are not required
- donating unused clothing and household items to Goodwill
- etc...
Perhaps it's my foray into blogland that has lit this new fire within and my recently completed dining room table project certainly fed the flames. My very creative sister-in-law has certainly been an inspiration with her many beautiful projects that I wish I had pictures of so I could share with you (ahem - hint hint).
I now find I can't pass by a Salvation Army Thrift Store, Value Village, yard sales and even, yes even garbage day, without keeping the eyes peeled for that perfect piece of furniture that I can work my magic on and re-purpose. I also spend a good portion of my blog browse time hitting posts with titles that include "DIY", "Thrift" and "Before and After", reading up on how those smart, resourceful and creative fellow bloggers are reusing, reducing and recycling. Here are a few, that are just the tip of the iceberg...
So, in my quest for new projects, I've picked up this chair at Value Village for $14.99 that I will be painting.
Hubby - trying to outdo me (not that it's a competition), found a similar chair at a yard sale for $3.00 - and hasn't let me forget it since.
That's OK, we'll see who's laughing when I turn his chair into this .... he he he
I'm now scanning Kijiji, craigslist and similar sites for those special items that will become new family treasures! Make sure you stay tuned for more of my Three "R"s to come!
What are you doing to practice the Three "R"s in your life?
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