While we were at Habitat ReStore we learned a little about the operation that deserves sharing. These people live and breath the Three "R"s. The stores are staffed by a combination of volunteer and paid staff. They sell donated used and new items, ususally focused on home improvement (construction materials, furniture, appliances, accessories) to the general public.
Personally, I find I'm thinking more about the Three "R"s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle lately. For quite a while I've been applying this in everyday life,
- using metal cutlery, glass dishes and mugs at work rather than the plastic throw away stuff
- saying NO to plastic water bottles
- using fabric bags for groceries (of course I don't remember them until I'm halfway across the parking lot - sigh)
- reusing plastic grocery bags for garbage and doggie walks
- doing laundry and running the dishwasher only when I have a full load
- turning off lights that are not required
- donating unused clothing and household items to Goodwill
- etc...
Perhaps it's my foray into blogland that has lit this new fire within and my recently completed dining room table project certainly fed the flames. My very creative sister-in-law has certainly been an inspiration with her many beautiful projects that I wish I had pictures of so I could share with you (ahem - hint hint).
I now find I can't pass by a Salvation Army Thrift Store, Value Village, yard sales and even, yes even garbage day, without keeping the eyes peeled for that perfect piece of furniture that I can work my magic on and re-purpose. I also spend a good portion of my blog browse time hitting posts with titles that include "DIY", "Thrift" and "Before and After", reading up on how those smart, resourceful and creative fellow bloggers are reusing, reducing and recycling. Here are a few, that are just the tip of the iceberg...
So, in my quest for new projects, I've picked up this chair at Value Village for $14.99 that I will be painting.
Hubby - trying to outdo me (not that it's a competition), found a similar chair at a yard sale for $3.00 - and hasn't let me forget it since.
That's OK, we'll see who's laughing when I turn his chair into this .... he he he
I'm now scanning Kijiji, craigslist and similar sites for those special items that will become new family treasures! Make sure you stay tuned for more of my Three "R"s to come!
What are you doing to practice the Three "R"s in your life?
I'm with you, Donna. I'd love to visit the Restore, too, and I'm pretty sure I would walk out of there with something. I know many people have repurposed and reused things for years ~ before it was even the thing to do. I've got a few furniture pieces on my list that I'd like to tackle over the winter involving paint.
ReplyDeleteThat fuzzy pink & black chair is crazy!!!! I dare you to make one just like it ;-)
ReplyDeleteReStore is such a great idea -- it's good for everyone AND the Earth :-)
I have four chairs and a round pedestal table from Kijiji that are awaiting their transformations. And I have a crazy idea for a dining room sideboard that involves silver spray paint...
Overall, I know I could be greener. But I'm trying to do things to minimize my footprint. And after writing some articles about water last year, I've stopped pouring water from half-empty glasses down the drain. I either put the glass into the fridge to drink later, pour the water into the dogs' water bowl, or use it to water a plant. Just small things, but I hope they make a difference, even if it's tiny :-)
Kelly
Great post, Donna!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you... I forget my fabric grocery bags in the car all the time!!
And I'm crazy about the two chairs you and hubby found! They're fantastic, and perfect for a makeover!!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting on my bathroom post. I'm really excited about the project!! Patti and I were at the tile store picking out the floor and accent tiles - they're great and I can't wait to share! I hope you'll drop by and see my updates (when I post them).
Looking forward to your chair updates!
Victoria @ DesignTies
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for including my blog on your list.....I'll be re-doing a headboard this weekend so wish me luck.
I LOVE the ReStore, we've bought a few things there and I always enjoy checking out what's "new". You should also check out the home consignment store on Bank St (near Walkley) I can't think of the name right now, but they have some great things (that's where I got the unloved headboard).
Have a sgreat day.
Hi Donna! Thanks so much for sharing the DIY Show Off with your readers! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish we had a ReStore. I've seen so many great posts about it and it sounds like my kind of place. We're all about the three R's here with our farmhouse renovations.
I'm new to your blog and a new follower - so I'm off to take a look around! Nice to meet you! :)
Roeshel