Image

Reusing Crib Rails

Reuse Crib Rails | ecogreenlove

Once a month here in Germany there are some “Sperrmüll”, although I looked for it and there is no direct translation, is a day when garbage truck come and collect things that people signed up to throw away (big things, furniture, pieces, material,etc. that is not thrown away to the regular recycling bins). They ask to leave the stuff on a collection point (changeable, depending on the demand of the area) at least 24hrs before the collection day. When I first arrived to Germany, it was shocking all the stuff (specially on summer) that people throw away! This does not happen in Mexico (as far as I know, correct me if I’m wrong).

So every month I casually go for a walk around my neighbourhood to see what people doesn’t need anymore. You can even see stuff three days ahead. And really you can find so many things, in good conditions! There is people that already knows and arrive with a van to collect the stuff, probably the re-sell it or who knows what. We have collected many things from the “Sperrmüll”, i.e.: our bed side tables, a stool for our entrance hall, bookshelf, drawers… very useful and in great conditions, really! We saved a few euros: travelling to the nearest Ikea = 15kms (much of the furniture is bought there, convenient), time and money actually buying it.

But something that is very common to see are bed frames, which are very similar to the baby cribs rails. When searching for ideas to repurpose bed frames (I already have two, one as a shoe rack and the second still on its way to turned into a towel hanger), the bed frames I have are not precisely like the ones showing, so I searched instead for baby crib rails, and that looks more likely! So here are a few ideas to inspire you, all in one place, is a good combo I must say, enjoy!

(click on the picture to go to the original source/tutorial)

Reusing Crib Rails | ecogreenlove
Kids’ Tent / Reading Nook (could be made with crib’s rails or bed frames)
Reusing Crib Rails | ecogreenlove
DIY Wall Chore Chart From Upcycled Crib
Reusing Crib Rails | ecogreenlove
DIY Bike Rack from a Crib Rail!

Continue reading “Reusing Crib Rails”

Image

How to attract Pollinators [Infographic]

How to attract Pollinators [Infographic] | ecogreenlove

Attract Pollinators | ecogreenloveOriginally Published on Fracture Paradigm

Here are fifteen easy ways to assure you will have a plentiful supply of pollinators all season long. It’s not too soon or late to start planning. Pinterest friendly, so spread the word! 😉

Be Eco: Join the Green and Share the Love!

Image

What can I plant in April? [Infographic]

Gardening April Infographic | ecogreenlove

April is finally here and your garden soil is finally warming up! April is the best time to plant most of your vegetable seeds after your last frost. It’s still not too late to plant tomatoes and peppers from seeds as well. Check out this infographic to know which vegetables and herbs can be started in April.

Continue reading “What can I plant in April? [Infographic]”

Reusing rubber gloves

Updated: November 2016

“I’ve realized is that regardless of the material and construction, sooner or later, they all end up reaching the point of no return thanks to pointy knife tips, chemical deterioration or simple wear and tear. What I didn’t realize is that synthetically processed (as opposed to naturally derived) latex is the norm among conventional brands and that even when it’s the latter, in some cases, the material is taken without regard toward maintaining the fragile balance of forested areas such as Brazil’s Amazon region.

It’s possible to green up my kitchen habit by specifically seeking out Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified natural latex options that ensure that rubber tappers are compensated with fair trade wages when they responsibly utilize forest resources. So many natives live in poverty and are forced by their circumstances to profit in any way they can from the diminishing resources they can extract from the Amazon, but there is a better way.

The bad news is that truly eco-friendly waterproof household gloves are very challenging to find. There are just a few manufacturers right now that offer reasonable options, such as:

  • If You Care Household Gloves: These cotton-lined, naturally biodegradable lime green gloves, dipped in FSC-certified latex, are packaged in a fully recyclable cardboard box printed with nontoxic ink and sealed with equally planet-friendly glue.
  • Green Tips Fair Trade Latex Household Gloves: Described as flock-lined, ethically sourced 100% latex gloves, this FSC-certified option is also bright green in color and packaged in a fully recyclable/equally compostable container.”

– By Elizah Leigh on 1800recycling.com

“Before throwing away your rubber gloves, take another look because that glove may be useful in new, unconventional ways. By recycling rubber gloves, you’ll get more bang for your buck and discover a useful item for your household. Since rubber gloves are non-slip and waterproof, they are perfect to cover slippery surfaces and to open jars, and they can even be useful in first-aid kits.”

– By Becca Janet on eHow

Below a few ideas to reuse the old/broken rubber/latex gloves, click on each image to go to the original source and tutorial:

Continue reading “Reusing rubber gloves”

Reusing candle wax

“Candles are wonderful at setting the mood of a room, but once the candle burns down to the bottom it can be unsightly and hard to remove from the container. Some candle containers are so delightful, so it is nice to reuse them.  Candles can also be messy and wax is difficult to remove if the candle spills over (…) Once you have used up most of your favourite candle with a scent but there is still too much left to throw away, purchase tea light molds and tea light wicks. Melt the remaining wax and pour into the tea light moulds. You won’t waste your original candle and you will still get to still enjoy your favourite fragrance.”

thegardeningcook.com

Following are some ideas to reuse the leftover candle wax to make new ones. Click on the images to go to the original source and tutorial.

Continue reading “Reusing candle wax”