Had an email last week from Kate Spencer. She had lots of good ideas for ways we can develop the sites (thanks Kate!) and a couple of suggestions so here’s the first:

I’m busy tidying up after Christmas, and because I have a 3 year old I have lots of those annoying plastic ties that manufacturers use to fasten toys into the packaging.

She realises there are some obvious reuses – such as bag-ties, “I fastened our Christmas lights onto our balcony with them” and to tie-up plants in the garden – but wanted to know if anyone has any other suggestions.

For anyone not familiar with what she means, it’s little thin strips of wire coated in plastic that can be bent over and the ends twisted together to make a secure (ish) tie. They’re also used in computer components packaging and that sort of thing. The photo is of the lightweight sandwich bag equivalent – because I couldn’t find any others. : )

(Oh, and happy new year everyone!)

At this time of year, a lot people end up eating more than their of own body weight in individually wrapped chocolates and as pleasurable as it is to undo all those little tiny chocolately presents, it’s a whole lot of packaging going to waste too.

Around here (and at my mum and dad’s house), said wrappers instantly become cat toys but ones that are only interesting until the point the cat actually catches them (fickle cats that they are).

So what else can we do with them once the cats are bored? I’m thinking particularly those ones that fold out to be squares of transparent plastic or foil because they seem to be the most obviously reusable but any suggestions are welcome, of course.

(Photo by Gastonmag – insert your own “But Ambassador…” joke here)

A whole load of people are going to have whole load of leftover turkey later on today. Turkey meat and bones probably; giblets and flappy neck skin maybe.

Has anyone got any recipes or other suggestions of how the great Christmas leftover turkey mountain can be used up?

(And if you’re interested: we’ve already covered greetings/Christmas cards and wrapping paper elsewhere, if you want suggestions on how to reuse that sort of thing : ) )

(Photo by LuisFico of a very cool tree made from light)

It’s John’s birthday today and while between the two of us, we’re not big gift givers, he’s sure to receive presents from family and friends.

Back when John and I first met and still gave gifts, he once wrapped my birthday present in newspapers and elastic bands, with a spoon for a “bow”, but his friends and family are more traditional when it comes to gift wrapping.

So what can we do with the gift wrap once its cast aside? Even with careful opening, it might not be in big enough pieces to use for any substantial present wrapping in the future so what are the alternatives?

And with Christmas around the corner too, any special ideas for reusing or recycling festive Christmas wrapping paper?

(Photo by shanii)

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me-eeeeee,
Happy Birthday to me.

For no particular reason, why not let’s think about how someone can reuse or recycle greetings cards, like, you know, Christmas cards or perhaps birthday cards? And while we’re thinking about it, I’ll eat this gigantic cake.

Hurrah for nothing whatsoever of note happening 27 years ago today : )
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