To the rest of the world Wednesday may be Hump Day, but to me, it is Recycling Day! I love this day. I have been an avid reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycler for more than half my lifetime. This means I was recycling long before it was either cool or convenient. Some might say I’m a girl ahead of my time.
I am incredibly proud of this part of me. I shared this affinity and belief when I taught kindergarten. We tackled topics like recycling, water conservation, air pollution and the increasing numbers of landfills. These young people knew to turn off water while brushing their teeth. They knew it was unconscionable to throw cigarette butts out of car windows. These five-year-olds toted rinsed out empty cans to school everyday to be recycled. In short, they “got it.”
To this day still, I strive to collect more recycling than trash. I’ve heard people say that they don’t like to recycle because neighbors will get a glimpse into their lives. Trust me, we don’t pass judgement on all the wine bottles you’ve got, nor for all those flattened boxes of mac and cheese. And my feelings are not hurt one little bit that you clearly had a party and did not invite me!!!
Since my recycling seems to always overflow, I needed to ponder this challenge during our recent kitchen renovation. I thought out loud how cool it would be if I could just make a hole in the kitchen wall and drop our recycling into the bin that is just on the other side in the garage. With the genius help of my contractor, who also just happens to be my brother in law, Voila! This might be the coolest feature in our home because it is functional, unique and encourages EVERYONE to recycle!
There is a aluminum chute in the hole that guides all recycling into the bin.
Not only do I recycle, but I repurpose. I can repurpose the heck out of just about anything. I truthfully cannot drive by an old window pane, door or broken down chair without pulling over and rescuing it from impending doom. Some people like stray cats. I like stray inanimate objects. In my head I am saving it from filling a garbage dump, but really I am brimming with the excitement of what this newfound treasure might become. That is exactly the moment when the fine line blurs between saving the Earth and hoarding. I often wonder if I might be just one rescued window away from appearing on a reality television show!
This paper towel holder used to be an ice picker upper back in its day!
Moral: It is so rewarding to know that you are doing your part.
with hope,
A little thing I do: I combined my obsession for rescued window panes with my love of chalkboards! At gatherings I ask friends to sign the board! Others are for me to change depending on the season, reason or just because! Just buy whiteboard at your local hardware store to fit within your frame. If you smile and be kind you’ll even find that they might cut it to size for you! Paint the brown side of the whiteboard with three coats of chalkboard paint - it’s that simple!
Rescued this treasure covered in dirt with broken glass panes-look at her now!