#repurpose

The 7 R’s of Sustainability:

Did you know that ‘recycling’ is step 6 of the 7 Rs of sustainability? The other R’s are just as important even if they are often forgotten.

Rethink- Do I really need to buy this? The point of this step is to stop and think.

Refuse- Does this product damage the environment? If so, refuse to spend your money on it. i.e. single use plastics, harsh chemicals

Reduce- How much of this do I really need? Buy less! Buy in bulk when you can as it often equals less packaging to throw out.

Reuse- Can I use this product again? Can I fix what I have so that I don’t need to buy something new? Reuse that plastic water bottle a few times. And instead of buying new, try thrift shopping, flea markets, yard sales etc.

Repurpose- Unlimited creativity! Does this item have another use? i.e. old torn clothes can be rags or plastic cups can be planters.

Recycle- Can I recycle this? Not everything can be. There are also some important steps to making sure your recycling is done properly. If unsure, look up local recycling regulations.

Rot- Can I compost this? Food waste, yard clippings, newspapers and many other items can be composted instead of being tossed in the trash. Composting is surprisingly simple and helps reduce harmful greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.

What is the point of the R’s? The number one benefit of the 7 R’s are the reduction of the amount of waste sent to incinerators and landfills. The EPA website provides a lot of useful information. Other benefits that we can reap from implementing these concepts in our life are (as listed on the EPA website): • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials • Saves energy from not making a new product • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change • Helps sustain the environment and natural resources for future generations • Saves money from processing our waste • Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials • Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States

I finally decided to mend this backpack that’s been sitting around for two years begging for mercy. I used an old pair of jeans to replace the straps, the foam inserts from the previous straps for padding, and a mix of machine and hand sewing to hold it together! I still need to tack the foam inserts down more securely, so I might do a little simple hand embroidery or sashiko or something, especially around the ladder clasps.

This is the before situation: the bag itself was fine but the straps were absolutely useless, barely hanging on. Plus a cosmetic issue in the laptop holder.

And here’s the after! Visibly clumsy, and I left more of the previous strap than I probably should have, but it’s nice and sturdy and it’s functional! I used a whole skein (?) of embroidery thread for this and ran out of bobbin thread twice but ya know… Worth it for real

(Side note I’m impressed my sewing machine could handle 4 layers of denim without a needle breaking…. A trooper fr)

I’m very proud of my work! May it last for years to come (and if it doesn’t, may I be able to repair it again and again!)

Oh also bonus ID pouch for my keychain, made using some really small scraps that weren’t worth saving otherwise.

Machine sewn but clumsy :(. But it’s been YEARS since I last touched a sewing machine so I’m proud! Hand sewed the button on- it’s an antique mother of pearl button I found in my button bag of doom :)

I’m very proud of this!!!!! :D

I have a bunch of glass candle jars that I want to repurpose. does anyone have any tips for getting all of the leftover wax out? I've already burned them all down as much as possible.

also, I have some pretty frosted glass ones that I thought would be so cute for little flowers, but I don't know how to put holes in the bottoms of the jars for drainage. if anyone has any ideas on how I might go about that please let me know!!