the ReFab Diaries

Goals - Week 3:

1. Upcycle a non-recyclable item
2. Repair or repurpose old clothes
3. Buy less, make less trash and create more  :)

Stretch goal (punny!): use old tights to line plant pots

Goals - Week 2:

1. Really pay attention to how much I throw away #thereisnoaway
2. Decrease landfill waste
3. Notice how fast the recycling fills up

If you missed it, here's the post explaining the whole "trimming my waste" thing.

Goals - Week 1:

1. Precycle: reduce the amount of packaging I bring into my home, even if it's recyclable
2. Reduce exposure to chemicals in cosmetics. Because no one seems to be regulating them or       explaining them very well. See Stink! ... you won't like what you smell hear
3. Support small, local businesses making products using simple ingredients

Stretch goal: DIY soap or body wash.

Happy 2016! I'm a week late but hey ... better late than never right? In fact, that's sorta the sentiment behind the new series I'm kicking off this week. Better something than nothing. Better to start than wait for the perfect time and place to start. Right?

So here's the plan: for the next 51 weeks, I'm going to share with you all the small changes I've made (and will make) to "trim my waste". And by "waste" I mean everything from actual trash (and recycling) to the unworn items in my closet, the energy suckers in my home and an array of other wasteful habits and behaviors. Why? Because I've been arguing for years that upcycling is my low-pressure way to change mindsets. A gentle prod in the direction of more conscious, conscientious consumption.

If you're trying give a little differently this holiday season, these ideas might work for you! They're easy DIYs, don't cost that much (time or money) and make meaningful, unique gifts for book lovers. Or friends who know that you're a book lover!

Sidenote: if you're worried about upcycling books, please read this.

1. A book planter. It can also be used as a vase and is much easier to make than you'd think. This is a great way to repurpose an outdated reference book.

2. A book clock. This is an elegant way to re-use a book with a beautiful hardback cover (and junky content). I'm always drawn to unusual colors and quirky titles.

3. Dress up gifts with bows made from book or magazine pages.

4. Or use book pages to roll your own beads and make simple bookmarks.