I feel I’ve always been somewhatconscientious when it comes to resources…  I’d rather turn on the fan or put on a sweatshirt than fiddle with the thermostat; I’m a diligent recycler and reuser; I gripe at Evs if he turns the shower on and then starts shaving (I’m sorry but it does not take 5 minutes for the water to “heat up”).

But having recently made the switch from somewhat-corporate work environment to the non-profit sector, my awareness for wastefulness has heightened exponentially…  Misprinted documents aren’t discarded or even thrown into a recycling bin, but saved for reuse as scratch paper; binders and file folders are salvaged over and over again (just make a new label for it!); and toner-tracking is a revered science.  While it takes some time to adapt to the (comparatively) diminutive supply of Post-Its, it’s eye-opening to discover areas where I, Smugly-Green-Citizen, have been extremely wasteful.

Thus, in an effort to pay homage to those who’ve made repurposing an art form (and I’m not just talking about “passing along” Aunt Erma’s yearly fruit cake to that unsuspecting neighbor!), I give you…

A Few of My Favorite Things: Smugly-Green Edition

Typewriter-Keys-Turned-Jewelry

Whether you’re accessorizing your lovely self, your favorite man, or even your favorite glass of vino, vintage typewriter keys add a little whimsy to any occasion!  And Etsy seller QA Create has all your bases covered.  I’m also loving the sports-ball-themed cuff links (baseball, basketball, tennis) – These would make such a unique gift for a sports junkie!

Frames that Weathered the Storm

Repurposed… for a Purpose:  Second Line Frames creates wooden picture frames from wood salvaged from the wreckage of homes left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.   A portion of each sale is donated to aid in the rehabilitation New Orleans’ most affected neighborhoods.  For a similar product with the exact same soul, poke around Rebirth Frames as well.

Brown Paper Packages…

{photos from Olive Manna}

My absolute favorite repurposing craft… brown bag / kraft wrapping paper!  There’s something comforting and downright homey about those “brown paper packages tied up with string.”  Plus, you can make old grocery sacks into your own work of art by adding rubber stamps, doodles, gold leaf… the options are endless!

Do you “Repurpose?”  Gimme the “whats” and the “hows!”