Most people have lots of paper bags and other grocery bags right now. Many of us are doing curbside pickup and delivery for daily essentials. You may think you have run out of options to donate and reuse, and are trying not to recycle all of the rest. One of my neighbor’s recently shared about…
This is a repost of my January 2021 article in the Mueller neighborhood newsletter, The Front Porch Flyer. In the world of zero waste, one of the big books is Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter. The book does a great job of balancing what’s going on in the world…
Cooking Oil and Grease can be cleaned and reused sometimes. You’ll need to check with your local utility or search for local businesses and options that may collect and recycle the oil. If you live in Austin, you can drop used cooking oil and grease off at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center at the…
Austin Wildlife Rescue can use your old jeans! Reuse before Recycle in the hierarchy of the Rs. Contact Austin Wildlife Rescue to coordinate dropping off your old jeans for hammocks and burrows for the wildlife they are rehabilitating. They tie the legs closed to make safe and fun spaces for racoons. 5401 E. MLK Jr.…
Update: This printer has been claimed. // Give: My 6 year old Epson Workforce 545 printer/scanner has recently started printing very blurry copies. The scanner still works perfectly. Before I turn this machine in for recycling, I am checking to see if anyone has any interest in having it – maybe someone out there knows…
As it was 106 today in Austin, Texas, I pulled out the ice cube tray! Not for my drinks mind you, but for my son to play with! I got this idea from Thinkery, the children’s museum here in Austin, Texas. The Thinkery, as part of their toddler program Bloomers, froze small plastic animals in…
Reusable cotton swabs. For years I lamented the fact there was not a reusable cotton swab. I went through so many! Not enough to design and patent one obviously but there was woe. One of the hot green items of the spring was and is reusable cotton swabs. These are typically a plastic stick with…
I wanted to share another face mask post. I’m kind of a geek now about making my own masks out of other items. Some people like to shop all the pretty handmade masks, I like the creative challenge of reuse! I already wrote a post on zero waste face masks. Please check the link for…
If you feel like you need to donate right now there are some options open. There are many people in need and you want and can help. And/or you may need the space and mental clarity of clearing out clutter. Whatever your reasons, please be safe (wear a mask and keep 6 feet of distance)…
Plastic containers that plants come in can be recycled in Austin, Texas. If you recycle them they should be rinsed and dry, free of dirt and plant material. Some cities don’t accept black plastic. Some cities don’t accept certain numbers of plastic. Please check with your local city department or contractor. Please do not ask…