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Recycling & Energy Conservation

Our sacred earth is being ravaged, depleted and polluted at an alarming rate. It is imperative that each of us do as much as we possibly can to save Her. Here are some ways that you can help. New ideas are always welcome.

Recycling

• Reduce, re-use, recycle.

• Instead of throwing out old magazines, donate them to a Salvation Army or Good Will. They may be old to you, but new to someone who can't afford them at regular prices. They can also be used for collage projects. Pictures you like can be cut out to fit into tape covers to make them look unique. I have received many comments on tape covers I use to personalize tapes I make for friends.

• Card board boxes can be used in many ways:

• Shoe boxes can be quickly transformed into lovely little keep-sake holders for letters, postcards and what ever else you fancy. Decorating is easy. All you need is wallpaper paste and some old wrapping paper or magazine clippings of nice pictures. They're also good to have around for gifts and sending packages through the mail.

• If you move a lot, keeping your boxes is a good idea as it saves you from hunting down more for your next move. If the boxes are the same size, they can be stacked together to make a temporary shelf for clothing, books etc.

• Larger boxes make a good table or altar. Just put a cloth over it and presto! If you find some wood to put on top, all the better. If using one for an altar, why not store your magickal tools inside it? For a table, it can be filled with various things that you wish to store. This also adds extra stability to it.

• How about making a doll house? It's not as hard as you may think and the possibilities are endless. For example: You could use it as one large space and decorate the inside of it with items that represent the Sabbats. It could have theme rooms. A mystery house with little secret compartments and messages. These are fun projects that can be done alone or with your children, who will no doubt have many more ideas.

• If you're painting and have some left over, keep it in a jar as it can come in handy for touch ups and craft projects.

• Plastic margarine and dip containers can be used over and over to store left overs, and as portable food containers.

• Film canisters are great for storing beads, buttons, sequins, stars and other craft materials.

• Plastic bleach containers can easily be transformed into bird feeders. Clean them well, cut an opening in the front, fill with bird seed and use the handle and some string to hang it from a tree or other spot. Keep in mind that when feeding birds they will become dependent on your food source so make sure not to cut off their supply.

• Smaller bleach containers can be filled with sand and used as weights for exercise. To use them as planters, simply cut away the top and add small rocks to the bottom for water drainage.

• Jars with lids can be used for numerous things. Storing change is a popular one. If you tend to buy a certain product in the same container and save them, you'll soon have a collection that can be used for spices, beans, lentils, sugar, flour etc. I like to make decorative labels for them. If you don't like the lid, gluing a piece of square material to it can give it a country kitchen look or something wild depending on the fabric. They also come in handy for starting plants from clippings.

• Wine bottles with corks are wonderful containers for homemade flavored oils and vinegar. They're great gifts, cost a fraction of the price of store bought brands and enhance any kitchen.

• Wine and other bottles make nice vases and decorating them with paper mache' can produce lovely results. And of course, make good candle holders.

• Instead of throwing away leftover candle nubs, save them. When you have enough you can make them into another candle specially for Mother Earth.

• Use cloth diapers! Landfills are being filled with disposable ones at an enormous rate. I may seem like allot of extra trouble, but it will be worth it.

• Natural cotton cloth bags are sturdy, hold allot and don't break like plastic ones.

• Re-use things like zip lock bags. They are easy to wash out and last for ages.

• Use cloths instead of paper towels when possible. (J-Cloths work quite well.)

• Use cloth napkins and handkerchiefs.

• For Yule celebrations, use potted or artificial trees. There are some lovely artificial ones out there. Potted trees can be used for years, them planted in the yard or forest.

Energy Conservation

• Never pour toxic substances down toilets or drains.

• If your not using your computer for a while, turn off the screen.

• Use low watt or energy saving light bulbs.

• Turn off the lights when you are not in the room.

• Lower the thermostat before going to bed in winter months.

• Avoid using air conditioners unless absolutely necessary.

• Install a water saving shower head, you probably won't even notice the difference!

• Check the water level in your toilet. Some are set to use more water than necessary. To lower the level, slightly (gently) bend down the floater bar.

• Use a cup when brushing your teeth as opposed to leaving the water running.

• Have a pollution control device installed in your car. Avoid driving when ever possible. Join in a carpool. Have regular tune-ups. It can save you money in the long run and may also reduce excessive harmful emissions.

• Don't use styrofoam cups. Avoid styrofoam altogether. Bring your own mug to work and use a travel mug for commuting. Most coffee shops are happy to fill them for you.

• When packing delicate items for shipping, use popcorn instead of styrofoam chips or re-use packing that you have received items in.

• Solid styrofoam used for packing electronic equipment can be broken up and used in a similar fashion. It can also be cut into various shapes, painted and used for bulletin boards. I once used an abandoned styrofoam cooler to make Hallows-Eve tombstones to put in the front yard. They were quite a hit!

• Aerosol products contribute to the depletion of the ozone.  Avoid them.

• Don't do laundry unless you have a full load and hang dry as often as possible.

• Natural store bought or home made house hold cleaners containing things like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are very effective.

  

For the Earth

• When you see litter pick it up.

• Composting transforms your food scraps into a powerful natural fertilizer.

• Always clean up after yourself when camping.

• If you smoke, don't put it out on the earth. Keep a little ashtray and/or tin foil with you when you are communing with nature.