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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
-
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.
