Your workshop is the perfect place to recycle some items you would normally throw away. When it comes to materials, even if you can't reuse them yourself, you can recycle them by donating them to youth centers, schools and shops.
Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. They are fairly inexpensive, but even their cost can add up over time. It is always a good idea to save reusable items from old cabinets and mechanical gadgets before you discard them. They can easily be stored in containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers. These are a wonderful choice, since they are reusable, strong, and they allow you to easily see their content. Do not buy screws and bolts in small plastic packages, but rather find a store that sells them in bulk bins. The ones that are not packages are usually less expensive.
Rags, tools or other small parts can also be stored in milk or juice jugs. The jug can be attached to the wall or to a post by a flap of plastic you leave near the top. You can cover rough spots with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.
Any old towels and outworn clothes can be used also. They can be cut into squares and used as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Buttons and zippers from clothing could benefit sewing groups. Or, daycares and children's centers could use them for crafts.
Small household appliances can be used for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation don't attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. You can use handles from old pots and pans to create custom tools or to make storage boxes. Even old utensils can be fashioned into picks and scrapers.
Workshops can be a great place to reuse items of all kinds. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromised by the reused items. And what counts most, is that you are doing your part to keep trash away from the landfill.
Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. They are fairly inexpensive, but even their cost can add up over time. It is always a good idea to save reusable items from old cabinets and mechanical gadgets before you discard them. They can easily be stored in containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers. These are a wonderful choice, since they are reusable, strong, and they allow you to easily see their content. Do not buy screws and bolts in small plastic packages, but rather find a store that sells them in bulk bins. The ones that are not packages are usually less expensive.
Rags, tools or other small parts can also be stored in milk or juice jugs. The jug can be attached to the wall or to a post by a flap of plastic you leave near the top. You can cover rough spots with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.
Any old towels and outworn clothes can be used also. They can be cut into squares and used as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Buttons and zippers from clothing could benefit sewing groups. Or, daycares and children's centers could use them for crafts.
Small household appliances can be used for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation don't attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. You can use handles from old pots and pans to create custom tools or to make storage boxes. Even old utensils can be fashioned into picks and scrapers.
Workshops can be a great place to reuse items of all kinds. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromised by the reused items. And what counts most, is that you are doing your part to keep trash away from the landfill.
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