As I walked through holiday markets and looked online for gift-giving this year, I was struck by the creativity of artisans who make beautiful things out of castaway materials. Whether it be from metal parts, antique kitchen utensils, books, or broken jewelry, they keep things from landfills and turn them into art. It’s a move that is environmentally and aesthetically smart (and hopefully, financially beneficial, too.)
Before you send something to the landfill, think about ways you can give new life to existing possessions or whether you can donate them to someone else who can. Maybe a crafter wants those old buttons, doors, watches, sea shells, or teacups.
When my parents died, we worked to find people or schools that were delighted to accept donations of their fabric, floral supplies, lumber, and paper. We even gave extra diabetes strips to a grateful veterinarian to use with dogs.
My mom always said: “Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure.” Put in the effort to donate it before you ditch it.
I love this! I love to bring something old and give it new life.