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Cletus W. Bergen, II, Esq
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Reuse: Projects using recycled items
Make A Water Saver
You will need:
- plastic milk or juice jug with its lid (no larger than 1 quart)
- rocks
- water
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First wash out the jug. Soak off any label. Place a few rocks into the jug. Fill the jug with water and put its cap on tightly. Now place the bottle in the tank of your toilet. This not only reuses the plastic bottle, but it reduces the amount of water your family uses with each flush. It is also better for your plumbing system than placing a brick in the toilet tank. |
Build A Bird House
You will need:
- empty half-gallon milk carton
- scissors
- about 2’ of wire (such as electrical wire)
- hammer and nails
- waterproof packing tape
- dried grass
Open both sides of the top of the carton and wash it thoroughly. Dry it out. Two or three inches below the open end, use the scissors to cut a hole about 2" in diameter. This makes the opening for the birds to enter.
On the side opposite the opening, make two pencil marks one above the other. One mark should be 1/3 of the way down the middle of carton from the top. The second mark should be 1/3 of the way up the middle of the carton from the bottom. Thread the wire through the two holes so that the ends of the wire are on the outside of the house.
Place the dry grass in the bottom of the carton. Fold the top of the carton back together and use the packing tape to seal it shut.
Outside on a pole or tree hammer the two nails one above the other about 1’ apart. Wrap the wire at the top of the house around the top nail. Wrap the wire from the bottom hole around the bottom nail, securing the bird house to the tree.
Reused Picnic Or Bathroom Cups
You will need:
- washed yogurt cups
- indelible markers (optional)
Wash out and save individual or lunch box sized yogurt cups. If you would like, use the indelible markers to decorate the cups, write an Earth Day message on them, or to write each person's name on their cup. Once you have saved enough for each person in your family, set them in the bathroom or take them on an outing in place of paper or Styrofoam cups. Remind each person to rinse, save, and recycle their cup. Or better yet, wash and use them again.
Create A Collection Box
You will need:
- an empty egg carton
- white glue
- paper scraps
- buttons or sequins
- crayons
- other craft materials
Start by wiping out the egg carton. Use the craft materials to decorate the outside of the egg carton anyway you like. Once the carton is dry, use it to sort and save small collectable items. Rocks, coins, bottle caps, marbles, and buttons are just some of the items you might enjoy collecting and sorting.