Month: March 2023

6 Tips for Upcycling at Home

Upcycling, or reusing unwanted items by giving them new life, is an environmentally friendly way to save money. Here are seven tips for upcycling at home. 

Identify what you have

Before you start upcycling, take inventory of repurposable items you have at home. Walk through your home, paying close attention to stuff you no longer use, such as old furniture, clothes or household items. 

Choose a project and get creative

Once you’ve collected some items for upcycling, choose a project to work on. You can look up ideas online or ask experienced upcyclers to help you choose the perfect project. Of course, you can also dream up your own idea. The possibilities are endless – let your imagination run wild!

When choosing a project, pick one that suits your skill level and the materials you already have on hand.

Prep your tools before you start

It’s best not to get started on an upcycling project until you have all the tools you need on hand. Depending on your project, you may need to prepare sandpaper, paint, a glue gun or a sewing machine. If you plan to upcycle often, it can be worthwhile to invest in some versatile tools you’ll use often.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you’re new to upcycling, or you’re working on a challenging project, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to friends or family members who have experience with upcycling, or join a local upcycling group to get inspiration and advice. You can also find a wealth of information online.

Share your work

Once you’ve completed your upcycling project, share it with others. Post a photo of your project on your favorite social media platforms, or enter it into a local or online upcycling competition. By sharing your work, you’ll inspire others to take up upcycling, too.

Take it to the next level

If you want to take your upcycling to the next level, there are plenty of projects that involve more advanced skills. You can build a desk out of old pallets, or even a chicken coop out of a trampoline frame!

Upcycling is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact. Have fun and see what you can create!

Going Organic on a Budget

Going organic is a great way to improve your personal health and the health of the environment. Fortunately, it does not have to mean spending big. Here’s how to go organic on a budget.

Prioritize your purchases 

If you’re on a strict budget, you likely won’t be able to go completely organic all at once. Start with what’s most important to you. You can move on to another area as the budget allows until you’ve completely embraced the lifestyle.

Buy in bulk

Look for bulk bins at your local natural grocery store for steep savings. If you can’t finish all your bulk organic purchases before they’ll go bad, partner with a friend and split the costs.    

Shop the seasons

In-season produce generally tastes better than off-season fruits and vegetables, and it’s cheaper. Choosing organic produce grown locally while it’s in-season can really bring down your grocery bill. A quick Google search can tell you what’s in season now in your area of the country.

Grow your own

If you have the time and space, consider growing your own organic greens and herbs. This way, you’ll have access to inexpensive produce that’s fresh and ready to eat. 

Shop the farmers market

Your local farmers market is a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce at affordable prices. Plus, it supports local business. 

Stalk your favorite organic brands on social media

Brands will alert followers to fantastic deals and discounts that may otherwise be missed. As soon as you find an organic food brand you love, follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This way, you’ll never miss a sale.

Look for store brands

Lots of grocery stores now offer their own line of organic products. These tend to be cheaper than companies that are not affiliated with a specific store. 

Shop smart

Finally, follow the basic rules for smart shopping to save on your purchases. Plan your menu around the sales, shop with a list and take a smaller cart, or even a basket. If all else fails, shop with cash. 

Follow these tips to make the switch to an organic lifestyle without breaking the bank. 

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