I have to admit that when I am out shopping for gifts, I have been guilty of choosing product based on the packaging the product came in. I think people tend to shop in this manner as my children have been victims of "beautifully packaged" gifts before. When all the lovely wrappings are removed, there is nothing much to enjoy in the package.
I came to realised this when I was trying to look out for information to share with the children at the workshop conducted at Sungai Long Buddhist Society. Here are some slides from YouTube that will make you wonder if you are actually paying more than you should because of the packaging. Find out what you can do about it.
So, other than changing our shopping habits, what else can we do about it? Hmmmm..., how about creating our own packaging? I will definitely be looking into that. So, watch out for some DIY packaging ideas in my future postings.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query packaging. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query packaging. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Friday, 6 March 2009
Tetra Pak? 100% recyclable.
I have shared with you how I have made use of the Tetra Pak packaging I have collected after my children's birthday party.
Today I have discovered from watching a documentary on the efforts to go green in Sau Paulo, that the waste product after recycling paper and aluminum foil out of them can be used to manufacture roof.
You can read the recycling process for aluminum and the production process for roof off websites of Tetra Pak.
But roofs out of used packaging? Are they durable? Check them out in this video.
Hmmmm... It's time to look at Tetra Pak packaging waste more seriously.
Note: Saving on batteries. Picture courtesy of TinyPic.
Today I have discovered from watching a documentary on the efforts to go green in Sau Paulo, that the waste product after recycling paper and aluminum foil out of them can be used to manufacture roof.
You can read the recycling process for aluminum and the production process for roof off websites of Tetra Pak.
But roofs out of used packaging? Are they durable? Check them out in this video.
Hmmmm... It's time to look at Tetra Pak packaging waste more seriously.
Note: Saving on batteries. Picture courtesy of TinyPic.
Monday, 7 January 2008
Styrofoam? Not for packaging only.
One of my friends sent me some Styrofoam pieces found in the packaging of an item she bought. She has read my blog and thinks that I can re-use anything. Not one to give up on a challenge, I did a search and this is what I have discovered.
The Dow Chemical Company, the manufacturer of Styrofoam, has many craft projects on its website if I need some ideas and inspirations.
In fact if I join their Craft Club, they may offer me free crafting supplies to test drive their product. To give you an idea, check out the Modular Wall Decor created by DIY Maven from the supplies received from Dow Chemical.
I remember when I was still schooling, I was taught how to create relief art out of flat sheets of Styrofoam boards. Here are the steps:
1) Draw a scenery with figures on a piece of plywood, which formed the base of the work.
2) Trace out the figures on a piece of paper and cut them.
3) Place the traced images on the Styrofoam and cut the shapes with a form cutting equipment. This is like a saw except that the blade is just a thin piece of wire that is heated by a battery. You place the Styrofoam against the heated wire and it will cut through it.
4) Stick the cut Styrofoam on the picture where the figures are before painting the picture.
And if I do come across round Styrofoam balls, I can consider creating Temari.
So, what if I have more than I can use up in craft? Cut them up into cubes and use them as inserts for cushions.
And if you are in a business where you require lots of inserts in your packaging, consider investing in a Recky Foam Saver which has grid openings which heats up to cut the Styrofoam into 3/4" Cubes size. Or you can grind the Styrofoam into its original beads size with a Foam Gobler. That way you can save cost on inserts by recycling Styrofoam that most people would not keep.
So, what will I be creating with my Styrofoam? Watch out for it in my next posting.
The Dow Chemical Company, the manufacturer of Styrofoam, has many craft projects on its website if I need some ideas and inspirations.
In fact if I join their Craft Club, they may offer me free crafting supplies to test drive their product. To give you an idea, check out the Modular Wall Decor created by DIY Maven from the supplies received from Dow Chemical.
I remember when I was still schooling, I was taught how to create relief art out of flat sheets of Styrofoam boards. Here are the steps:
1) Draw a scenery with figures on a piece of plywood, which formed the base of the work.
2) Trace out the figures on a piece of paper and cut them.
3) Place the traced images on the Styrofoam and cut the shapes with a form cutting equipment. This is like a saw except that the blade is just a thin piece of wire that is heated by a battery. You place the Styrofoam against the heated wire and it will cut through it.
4) Stick the cut Styrofoam on the picture where the figures are before painting the picture.
And if I do come across round Styrofoam balls, I can consider creating Temari.
So, what if I have more than I can use up in craft? Cut them up into cubes and use them as inserts for cushions.
And if you are in a business where you require lots of inserts in your packaging, consider investing in a Recky Foam Saver which has grid openings which heats up to cut the Styrofoam into 3/4" Cubes size. Or you can grind the Styrofoam into its original beads size with a Foam Gobler. That way you can save cost on inserts by recycling Styrofoam that most people would not keep.
So, what will I be creating with my Styrofoam? Watch out for it in my next posting.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Brand? Make me stick to yours!
What is the factor that drives you to pick a particular brand? Other than taste, style, value for money or the status quo it brings, there is another factor that may have been overlooked. And that is the packaging the product came in.
Have you ever removed labels off milk cans or...
...cut out recipes from cereals boxes?
When the company continues it series of recipes or theme to collect, didn't you or your children continue buying that particular brand till you have a complete collection?
I remember when I was a young girl, my sisters and I used to collect very interesting pictures of animals, birds and fishes printed on the inside of labels from MilkMaid milk cans. It became an exciting hobby since we did not know what pictures to expect and we took very particular care not to tear them. The company also supplied a book with information about each subject and a blank space for us to stick each picture on. That should be about 40 years ago and my sister has held on to these collections.
Here is another packaging that I appreciate. It's Walls ice cream container. I like it because I can see through the container and know what I have stored in it. The best part about it is that the labels can be removed easily leaving no stains on the container. So, it is just like getting a free container that may have cost me RM4.90 at 100 Yen.
So, why didn't I remove the label on the cover? It is so that I can remember the brand and continue to collect these containers. And, learning from experience, I am going to write to Walls to request that they continue supplying their ice cream in this container.
So, what's on your packaging? Reduce waste! Make your consumers keep them.
Have you ever removed labels off milk cans or...
...cut out recipes from cereals boxes?
When the company continues it series of recipes or theme to collect, didn't you or your children continue buying that particular brand till you have a complete collection?
I remember when I was a young girl, my sisters and I used to collect very interesting pictures of animals, birds and fishes printed on the inside of labels from MilkMaid milk cans. It became an exciting hobby since we did not know what pictures to expect and we took very particular care not to tear them. The company also supplied a book with information about each subject and a blank space for us to stick each picture on. That should be about 40 years ago and my sister has held on to these collections.
Here is another packaging that I appreciate. It's Walls ice cream container. I like it because I can see through the container and know what I have stored in it. The best part about it is that the labels can be removed easily leaving no stains on the container. So, it is just like getting a free container that may have cost me RM4.90 at 100 Yen.
So, why didn't I remove the label on the cover? It is so that I can remember the brand and continue to collect these containers. And, learning from experience, I am going to write to Walls to request that they continue supplying their ice cream in this container.
So, what's on your packaging? Reduce waste! Make your consumers keep them.
Friday, 13 April 2007
Need more money in your life? Save time, save resources.
If you think your time is precious, then saving it and your resources should equate to savings in $. Here are some tricks I have discovered and I am not going to waste them.
In the kitchen
1) Not all food need the same degree of heat to cook. So, when you boil your soup or use the rice cooker, always try to heat up or steam another dish at a go. Example, you can stew a dish half way and let it tenderize above your pot of boiling soup.
Come to think of it, why can't the paper and steel recycling industries work together? Work on the basis that steel needs more energy to breakdown compared to paper. Also, oil palm fibre have been used to produce biodegradable packaging. The packaging breakdown with moist and heat to become fertilizer. What the players of these recycling industries should do is work together to share heat resources in their processes.
Instead of letting the biodegradable packaging degrade and fertilise areas where they have landed, such as, landfills, where it is not required; soil (or possibly ashes?) can be added to them and processed into compost through the heat source from the steel or paper recycling industries.
2) Serve dishes that required ingredients to be meshed, example boiled potatoes, on days when you are boiling soup that requires those ingredients.
In the laundry room:
1) Buy a washing machine with capacity to wash more clothes so that you can wash them on alternate days. Do you really need a dryer or steam iron if you can iron your clothes right after taking them out from the washing machine? Leaving clothes in the machine will crease them and need more ironing = more energy. Also, when the clothes are still moist, you need less heat and it is easier to iron. After ironing, hang it up to dry completely.
In the garden:
Use water from washing grains and vegetable and fish to water your plants. The blood from your fish is a very good fertilizer. If you are ambitious and use menstrual cup, you can add the collection to your garden too if you are not into painting with it. Yes, there are people who do that. (Doing Your 3Rs. Can you beat this?)
In the bathroom:
1) Take showers as a family activity cum biology class for the children.
2) Pee as your wash your face under the shower.
3) Try to use only one toilet in the house so that you need not have to wash all toilets more frequently.
4) Do not flush the toilet when anyone in the family gets up to pee at night. Flush only in the morning after all businesses of poos and pees have been performed.
Administrative matters:
1) Discovered this from Bnet. Don't let the annoying automated menus of major corporations spoil your day. gethuman 500 database shows you how to skip. No, you do not have to find a rope to start.
2) Keep all your bills in one clear folder. The one I am using is a bag that was supplied with some herbs I bought. Use cardboard cut out from boxes as dividers to segregate one company bill from another. Save time punching holes and looking for the right file to keep each of them.
In the kitchen
1) Not all food need the same degree of heat to cook. So, when you boil your soup or use the rice cooker, always try to heat up or steam another dish at a go. Example, you can stew a dish half way and let it tenderize above your pot of boiling soup.
Come to think of it, why can't the paper and steel recycling industries work together? Work on the basis that steel needs more energy to breakdown compared to paper. Also, oil palm fibre have been used to produce biodegradable packaging. The packaging breakdown with moist and heat to become fertilizer. What the players of these recycling industries should do is work together to share heat resources in their processes.
Instead of letting the biodegradable packaging degrade and fertilise areas where they have landed, such as, landfills, where it is not required; soil (or possibly ashes?) can be added to them and processed into compost through the heat source from the steel or paper recycling industries.
2) Serve dishes that required ingredients to be meshed, example boiled potatoes, on days when you are boiling soup that requires those ingredients.
In the laundry room:
1) Buy a washing machine with capacity to wash more clothes so that you can wash them on alternate days. Do you really need a dryer or steam iron if you can iron your clothes right after taking them out from the washing machine? Leaving clothes in the machine will crease them and need more ironing = more energy. Also, when the clothes are still moist, you need less heat and it is easier to iron. After ironing, hang it up to dry completely.
In the garden:
Use water from washing grains and vegetable and fish to water your plants. The blood from your fish is a very good fertilizer. If you are ambitious and use menstrual cup, you can add the collection to your garden too if you are not into painting with it. Yes, there are people who do that. (Doing Your 3Rs. Can you beat this?)
In the bathroom:
1) Take showers as a family activity cum biology class for the children.
2) Pee as your wash your face under the shower.
3) Try to use only one toilet in the house so that you need not have to wash all toilets more frequently.
4) Do not flush the toilet when anyone in the family gets up to pee at night. Flush only in the morning after all businesses of poos and pees have been performed.
Administrative matters:
1) Discovered this from Bnet. Don't let the annoying automated menus of major corporations spoil your day. gethuman 500 database shows you how to skip. No, you do not have to find a rope to start.
2) Keep all your bills in one clear folder. The one I am using is a bag that was supplied with some herbs I bought. Use cardboard cut out from boxes as dividers to segregate one company bill from another. Save time punching holes and looking for the right file to keep each of them.
Monday, 9 June 2008
You asked for it! Green activities.
A request from my Inbox:
Please, could you kindly tell me if you know of activities that can be done with children and their parents to introduce, remind or develop and awareness and more importantly adapt buying and disposal habits with respect to recyclable materials.
Games, toy making, craft type activities would be ideal. I hope to use these at outdoor events I organise for families.
============================================================================
Here are my suggestions with links to articles I have written earlier that will be useful for your project:
1) Take the families out for walks at public gardens or National Parks. Then provoke their senses by showing them pictures of what these places will look like if they do not take care of the environment.
2) You can use your fingers to tell them why they should be mindful of the environment.
3) Get the children appreciating green places by getting them to cut out pictures of parks or forest reserves they can go with their parents. They can paste the pictures and note their locations in old calendars.
4) In my country, I am allowed to pick seeds off parks in our housing estates. If it is allowed in UK, get the children to collect seeds from parks in their neighbourhood and bring them home to grow or give away. Take pictures of the trees or plants near where the seeds dropped off from so that they will have a record of the greens they have planted.
5) I have posted a few videos to remind or create an awareness of how our shopping habits can affect the environment. A very good example of one is the following:
Shopping? Buying product or packaging?
Through my experience, the children will appreciate the following videos:
Teaching children? You need superheroes.
"If I am your friend..." is a poem I wrote for the children to go with this video I showed them.
The children love this video best:
Underwears? Yes, can be recycled.
There are a few videos from "The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See" which was created by a Physics school teacher in US.
6) If you do a search for packaging on my blog, you will find that I have posted many ideas on how to make use of them. I have also posted many free tutorials using scrap materials on this blog and on Creative Recyclers.
7) A drum circle is something that they can play outdoor. The children can create their own Recycled Musical Ware. They can also create decorations for their musical wares.
8) Don't miss out the children who do not enjoy and will not join your outdoor activities. Let them learn about going green playing games. It will also be a fun way to introduce children to the world of recycling.
This is it for the moment till I find more activities to add to this.
Please, could you kindly tell me if you know of activities that can be done with children and their parents to introduce, remind or develop and awareness and more importantly adapt buying and disposal habits with respect to recyclable materials.
Games, toy making, craft type activities would be ideal. I hope to use these at outdoor events I organise for families.
============================================================================
Here are my suggestions with links to articles I have written earlier that will be useful for your project:
1) Take the families out for walks at public gardens or National Parks. Then provoke their senses by showing them pictures of what these places will look like if they do not take care of the environment.
2) You can use your fingers to tell them why they should be mindful of the environment.
3) Get the children appreciating green places by getting them to cut out pictures of parks or forest reserves they can go with their parents. They can paste the pictures and note their locations in old calendars.
4) In my country, I am allowed to pick seeds off parks in our housing estates. If it is allowed in UK, get the children to collect seeds from parks in their neighbourhood and bring them home to grow or give away. Take pictures of the trees or plants near where the seeds dropped off from so that they will have a record of the greens they have planted.
5) I have posted a few videos to remind or create an awareness of how our shopping habits can affect the environment. A very good example of one is the following:
Shopping? Buying product or packaging?
Through my experience, the children will appreciate the following videos:
Teaching children? You need superheroes.
"If I am your friend..." is a poem I wrote for the children to go with this video I showed them.
The children love this video best:
Underwears? Yes, can be recycled.
There are a few videos from "The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See" which was created by a Physics school teacher in US.
6) If you do a search for packaging on my blog, you will find that I have posted many ideas on how to make use of them. I have also posted many free tutorials using scrap materials on this blog and on Creative Recyclers.
7) A drum circle is something that they can play outdoor. The children can create their own Recycled Musical Ware. They can also create decorations for their musical wares.
8) Don't miss out the children who do not enjoy and will not join your outdoor activities. Let them learn about going green playing games. It will also be a fun way to introduce children to the world of recycling.
This is it for the moment till I find more activities to add to this.
Monday, 17 December 2007
Gift boxes? Start collecting tissue boxes.
I have touched on the fact that as a consumer, I may be paying more for a product based on the packaging it comes in. In order to change my buying habits I have decided to make my own packaging.
Here is one I created out of a tissue box.
I have taken the trouble to wrap it up nicely so that it can also double up as a gift box when I need one. As it would defeat the purpose of reducing waste if the recipient would not consider keeping the box, I have created it to fit a "Chest of Drawers" that the recipient can learn to create.
See it fits into the chest nicely.
If you are not into colouring the "Chest of Drawers", you can always make use of paper bags your purchases came in to decorate it.
The instruction on how to create it can be read off "Drawers cum gift boxes"
Here is one I created out of a tissue box.
I have taken the trouble to wrap it up nicely so that it can also double up as a gift box when I need one. As it would defeat the purpose of reducing waste if the recipient would not consider keeping the box, I have created it to fit a "Chest of Drawers" that the recipient can learn to create.
See it fits into the chest nicely.
If you are not into colouring the "Chest of Drawers", you can always make use of paper bags your purchases came in to decorate it.
The instruction on how to create it can be read off "Drawers cum gift boxes"
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
A Keepsake? Found in my packaging.
My friend, Meredith, is migrating to Australia. See what I have created for her as a farewell gift.
Just so that she will remember me, I have attached my business card with the SwirlinWhirl necklace I made her. Business cards are usually misplaced and forgotten. Just so that this will not happen to mine, I have made it into a bookmaker. Meredith has lots of books written by Anthony Robbins and it will come in handy.
Meredith travels a lot, so I am not going to give it to her in a box as it will be too big and cumbersome to pack in her luggage. Also, the white paddings in custom made jewellery boxes turn yellow with time. This lovely pouch is a better option. If Meredith decided to keep my creation in her own jewellery box, she can keep this pouch as a potpourri holder.
I just have to drape the necklace over my card to keep it in place.
I like it that she can see what is in the see through pouch. No rummaging through boxes to find the piece she wants to wear. I am also happy that my choice in packaging this gift will not result in any unnecessary waste.
Have a safe trip Meredith. May all things best follow you and your family wherever you may be.
Just so that she will remember me, I have attached my business card with the SwirlinWhirl necklace I made her. Business cards are usually misplaced and forgotten. Just so that this will not happen to mine, I have made it into a bookmaker. Meredith has lots of books written by Anthony Robbins and it will come in handy.
Meredith travels a lot, so I am not going to give it to her in a box as it will be too big and cumbersome to pack in her luggage. Also, the white paddings in custom made jewellery boxes turn yellow with time. This lovely pouch is a better option. If Meredith decided to keep my creation in her own jewellery box, she can keep this pouch as a potpourri holder.
I just have to drape the necklace over my card to keep it in place.
I like it that she can see what is in the see through pouch. No rummaging through boxes to find the piece she wants to wear. I am also happy that my choice in packaging this gift will not result in any unnecessary waste.
Have a safe trip Meredith. May all things best follow you and your family wherever you may be.
Sunday, 9 February 2020
Packaging You Can Eat
In future, maybe most of our food packaging will be made of waste material that we can eat. You may even consider growing your own.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
1 More Need Less
Of functions and gadgets, one more of the former means that you will need less of the later. Working on this, here are some ideas to play with.
Instead of buying one more ingredient for the recipe you are working on, consider finding substitutes already in your kitchen.
What do you do with microwaveable wares that you rarely use? Here is what I did to my collection when I was advised that microwaving is not a healthy solution to quick cooking.
This used to be for microwaving fish. Now it helps me keep my mugs neat and clean.
I used to put them on a tray without a cover and it's gross when you can see traces that a lizard had visited.
This is meant for steaming buns but it holds my tea cups perfectly.
Both these cookwares come with draining trays. So, you can also use them to store your vegetables you have washed up and put them in the refrigerator. The water will drip out of the vegetables through the trays.
Do you need to buy more egg trays for your refrigerator? I cut the egg carton from my supplier in half and...
... stack one on top of the other in the refrigerator. I am able to hold three stacks of eggs that way.
I love the packaging boxes for storing A4 size paper from Xerox. They are so solid that I kept them for storing my stuff.
Just wrapped them nicely with wrapping paper and they look as good as the ones selling at Ikea. If I use them to keep my children's toy, I will cut out a picture of the toy and stick it to the side of the box. That way, the children will not rummaged through all the neatly stacked boxes of toys.
I am glad I kept this bag for packaging some herbal product I bought.
It is useful for storing my utility bills. I segregated the bills with cardboard cut out from boxes. That way, I do not have to staple each month's bill together or punch holes on them to file. It makes looking for a bill easy.
And don't discard that old pair of slippers. They make great door stopper, at least for your back door, if style is an issue with you.
Instead of buying one more ingredient for the recipe you are working on, consider finding substitutes already in your kitchen.
What do you do with microwaveable wares that you rarely use? Here is what I did to my collection when I was advised that microwaving is not a healthy solution to quick cooking.
This used to be for microwaving fish. Now it helps me keep my mugs neat and clean.
I used to put them on a tray without a cover and it's gross when you can see traces that a lizard had visited.
This is meant for steaming buns but it holds my tea cups perfectly.
Both these cookwares come with draining trays. So, you can also use them to store your vegetables you have washed up and put them in the refrigerator. The water will drip out of the vegetables through the trays.
Do you need to buy more egg trays for your refrigerator? I cut the egg carton from my supplier in half and...
... stack one on top of the other in the refrigerator. I am able to hold three stacks of eggs that way.
I love the packaging boxes for storing A4 size paper from Xerox. They are so solid that I kept them for storing my stuff.
Just wrapped them nicely with wrapping paper and they look as good as the ones selling at Ikea. If I use them to keep my children's toy, I will cut out a picture of the toy and stick it to the side of the box. That way, the children will not rummaged through all the neatly stacked boxes of toys.
I am glad I kept this bag for packaging some herbal product I bought.
It is useful for storing my utility bills. I segregated the bills with cardboard cut out from boxes. That way, I do not have to staple each month's bill together or punch holes on them to file. It makes looking for a bill easy.
And don't discard that old pair of slippers. They make great door stopper, at least for your back door, if style is an issue with you.
Friday, 7 July 2023
I am a GreenBeing Designer
The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) is encouraging the United Nations to adopt the following internationally peer-reviewed definition of Zero Waste and to work with ZWIA and other Zero Waste organizations around the globe, to create a just world of vibrant, resilient, Zero Waste communities, in harmony with nature:
"Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health."
You can sign this petition to the UN if you agree to it.
So, how can I adopt the principles of zero waste in my life?
I believe that handmade product can help save the environment. You are less likely to discard something that you have made or received as a gift. This is a crochet top that I made for myself more than 20 years ago. My daughter could wear it now.
Now that I have revived my interest to crochet, what kind of product will I be able to create that will help the environment?
I will start with a reusable bag. I will design a bag that will allow the user to:
- change its size
- change its colour
- change its handle
- reduce the "discard mentality" as you cannot be bored with a bag that you can play with in shape, colour and size.
- enable you to extend its life as damaged portion of the bag can be replaced.
- use less material to produce by using net (see through) crochet patterns so that the resusables bags we keep getting free from retailers can be used as inserts.
- allow the creator to make use of leftover material to work with and reuse what they have.
- promote a reuse culture by encouraging crafters to consider using discards in their work creatively.
- extend the life of low quality reusable bags.
- allow users to personalise their bags as they can decide how they can decorate them.
- inspire others to make stuff that they need if they are able to.
Is that possible? Yes it is. I hope that my project will make the younger generation realise that handmade items can be cool to create and own. Let's start a reuse mindset revolution.
Since I run a bikeshop I will start with this discard which is one of the packaging items for bicycles.
If I cut the protuding parts off, I can use it as a base for my crochet container.
It fits in nicely in this container I crochet.
It keeps its base flat.
If I want to, I can use another circular piece to crochet a cover for it.
When I use it as a container in my reusable bag, it will protect the glassware for storing food that I bring to my shop to eat for lunch.
But it is not just a container once I added the second layer I crochet. I can add this layer to the container with a piece of string so that it can be removed.
This is how my creation looks like once the plastic circular base is removed.
If this is how I would like to use it, I can use cords removed from paper bags and use them as handles. The net edge on the second layer allows me to push the cords through and secure them to it. Once done, it has become a container cum bag.
Based on how I would like to use it, which depends on how creative or fashionable (daring) I am, I can:
- add another layer to increase the height of the bag.
- remove the orignal layer to add a layer in a different colour or crochet pattern.
- add additional layers in many different colour.
- add another layer in different crochet patterns.
- crochet a layer of see through or net pattern so that I can use a reusable bag as insert.
- change the handles on the bag.
You can adopt the above idea by making two square containers. If you join them together and add the layers, it can become a rectangular bag. I like the idea of using granny squares in this project because I can use leftover material in different colours to crochet them. For example, I managed to crochet the granny squares on this crossbody crochet bag with cut strips of plastic bags in different colours. You should not have any problem using raffia strings too.
Note: I shared the instruction on how to create the versatile bag at Creative Recyclers
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Ikea accessories? Improvised with waste.
I love this Ikea suspension rail installed in my kitchen.
The little hooks to go with it can only hold about 1 or 2 items together. Instead of hanging more hooks, I can buy additional accessories like the cutlery stand to hold more stuff together but I decided to save some cost by improvising and here are some of the ideas I came up with.
I created these by cutting up empty plastic bottles from drinks and detergent. I like the see through plastic which makes looking for the stuff I need a breeze. Since it was just before Chinese New Year, I am happy that I could decorate them with festive stickers to mark the occasion.
They are great for holding my scissors nice and safe.
My efforts saved me RM100! So, before you throw away your packaging, click on my link to Packaging to see if I have created something useful out of them.
The little hooks to go with it can only hold about 1 or 2 items together. Instead of hanging more hooks, I can buy additional accessories like the cutlery stand to hold more stuff together but I decided to save some cost by improvising and here are some of the ideas I came up with.
I created these by cutting up empty plastic bottles from drinks and detergent. I like the see through plastic which makes looking for the stuff I need a breeze. Since it was just before Chinese New Year, I am happy that I could decorate them with festive stickers to mark the occasion.
They are great for holding my scissors nice and safe.
My efforts saved me RM100! So, before you throw away your packaging, click on my link to Packaging to see if I have created something useful out of them.
Wednesday, 5 April 2023
Making use of Product Packaging
Do you keep the packaging containers from product you purchased?
I do keep some of them if they are suitable for storing my stuff. I like the clear containers from Ferrero Rocher. I usually use them to store my beads and finishings for making handmade jewellery. I recently discovered a way to make use of their 24 piece container which is rather shallow.
It is perfect as a base for my crochet granny square bag which I can use without its cover. I like it that it is the perfect size for carrying a box of cake.
If I leave it as is, this crochet piece and the container will work well as a decorative receptacle for serving food during a festive event, like the forthcoming Raya celebration.
This is the video instruction for the bag.
You will have to modify the base if the yarn you use is different in thickness. I enlarged my base with another granny square design so that it fits the size of the Ferrero Rocher container I used. I also used leftover wool from another project to make part of the base.
This is how my modified bag looks like.
Friday, 14 November 2025
What can I make from my old paper?
Do you know that you can get paid to recycle your old paper?
If you do a search for “recycle paper near me”, you should be able to find a company that will collect your paper.
At my bike shop, I recycle:
-cardboard boxes and paper.
-metal parts from bicycles.
On my request, the guy who collects my recyclables will give my staff some pocket money.
I also send packaging material taken off bicycles delivered, like bubble wraps and plastic sheets that are clean and still in good condition, to a courier service company, right next door.
However, there many ways you can make use of them, if you do not want to recycle them or have to pay a fee for collection. If they are blank paper, you can make notebooks out of them. I shared how it can be done in a question I answered on Quora earlier at the following link. From there you can learn to bind the papers together into a notebook:
You can use the notebooks you make to start a journal because journaling is good for your emotional wellbeing. If you are feeling down and do not know how to start journaling, read this book by Lee Crutchley, "How to Be Happy (Or at Least Less Sad): A Creative Workbook". I found a review about it shared on VaneesBabySteps YouTube channel. At the end of the video, she flipped through the book which will give you an idea how you can go about journaling your thoughts so that you can be less sad.
If you are not someone who likes to write, you can also journal in bullet points. I saved some ideas on how you can do it on my Pinterest board, “Bujo (bullet point journal)”.
Following are other ways you can make use of your notebook. You can use it:
-to record recipes
-to draw or doodle in it.
-as a travel/souvenir collection book.
-as an accounting book.
-as a scrapbook to stick your photos or cut out of images that inspire you.
-to jot down ideas and develop your writing skill as an author.
Are you good at crafting? If there are prints on them, you can use them for paper-mâché projects to make practical items like bowls and planters to decorative objects, such as, sculptures, masks, and ornaments.. You can learn the process from the following question I answered earlier.
If you can make use of your old paper, you are actually creating abundance out of the abandoned. You can use them to:
-create paper beads to make decorative items or jewellery.
-create decorative items with decoupage or collage.-pick up origami.
-pick up quilling (rolling strips).
-pick up papercutting.
-make greeting cards.
-make gift boxes or wrap gifts.
-make baskets or storage boxes.
-make paper flowers.
-make flatpack paper toy
If you like any of the above suggestions, you can check out the free tutorials I saved on my Pinterest board, "Playing with waste paper".
Monday, 10 March 2008
Reducing food wastage with waste
I received an interesting email from my friend. It was about someone sharing her discovery that aluminum coated bags can be used to keep fruits and vegetables fresh in the refrigerator.
These are bags used in the packaging of most milk powder, biscuits, cereals and peanuts. There was a picture showing her carrots, ocras (lady's fingers) and tomatoes looking fresh after one week in storage.
I kept a Chips More chocolate chips bag and bought a piece of Kudzu (Fun Got in Cantonese) to experiment with the idea.
I forgot about my experiment with the Kudzu and bought another piece the following weekend. This piece I kept as is in the refrigerator. When it was time for me to use my Kudzu, this is what I discovered.
The smaller piece on the right was the one I bought earlier and kept in the Chips More bag. Look at the difference when I cut them up.
So, it is obvious that you can keep your vegetable fresh for more than a week in aluminum coated bags. Now I have a clear plastic bag that I stick to the side of my fridge with a magnet to store all the aluminum coated bags.
It is great to be able to reduce food wastage with waste.
These are bags used in the packaging of most milk powder, biscuits, cereals and peanuts. There was a picture showing her carrots, ocras (lady's fingers) and tomatoes looking fresh after one week in storage.
I kept a Chips More chocolate chips bag and bought a piece of Kudzu (Fun Got in Cantonese) to experiment with the idea.
I forgot about my experiment with the Kudzu and bought another piece the following weekend. This piece I kept as is in the refrigerator. When it was time for me to use my Kudzu, this is what I discovered.
The smaller piece on the right was the one I bought earlier and kept in the Chips More bag. Look at the difference when I cut them up.
So, it is obvious that you can keep your vegetable fresh for more than a week in aluminum coated bags. Now I have a clear plastic bag that I stick to the side of my fridge with a magnet to store all the aluminum coated bags.
It is great to be able to reduce food wastage with waste.
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
On boycott, plastic reduction petition and such.
I have a confession to make. I am the 388th person to sign the Plastic Reduction Petition.
I am moved to sign it because according to the website, EPA has reported that over 380 billion plastic bags are consumed in the U.S. each year and when these are indiscriminately discarded, they choke waterways and litter beaches, parks and streets. If this does not bother you, think about the animals and marine life affected when they are entangled in the mess.
Should I have signed it? If the law to tax or curtail the use of plastic bags in U.S. is enforced, it will not affect me and I can still opt to accept plastic bags offered by shops in Malaysia. Whose life have I affected when I signed this petition?
This question dawned on me when I read a GreenYes forum member's posting encouraging those who are environmentally conscious to boycott companies who supply their beverages in non-returnable containers in bottles and cans. The concern is that the garbage generated by these products is becoming a very serious problem in his country.
Boycotting? Should I participate? The success may lead to other social economic problems that can be as bad as the environmental issues. These multinational corporations are providing jobs that are needed for the country to strive eoconomically. If these companies are pushed to move their operations elsewhere, bootlegging may flourish when there is a demand for the drinks that are popular.
If you do a search on the internet, you can find many ways to utilize these waste materials. I discovered that Clean Washington Center provides many useful reports on how to use waste from glass and plastic.
This is a very common plastic food container being used in Malaysia for takeaways. Instead of throwing it away, I have created a Hibiscus out of plastic bags to decorate its cover. I can use it to store little trinkets like my daughter's hair pins and such. Would reducing waste be a better option?
With a little creativity, the bottom of a plastic bottle for storing detergent, an old piece of sponge and a picture cut out from a food packaging can be put together to make this little piece which I am using to add a bit of colour to my kitchen wall. Is there a possibility to use the idea to raise funds for the needy? If not, I am sure it will look cheery too in an old folks home or orphanage.
If you live in UK, The Recycle for Cornwall, has a very useful tool on its website to search where you can send your waste material to recycle. If the users are aware of such information, it will encourage them to recycle the waste they generated.
On an artistic approach, work on enlisting the help of a well known artist to create an art out of waste material. Maybe that will encourage irresponsible companies involved to participate for publicity if not for a greener environment.
I tried working in that direction in Malaysia but the Malaysia Book of Records chose not to recognise my creation of Watering Pals, using plastic bottles and plastic bags, and it was rejected. Study this idea and see if it will work for you in your country.
GREENBEING'S 3-IN-1 IDEA TO A GREENER ENVIRONMENT
Maybe, instead of waiting till the children grow up to become irresponsible business owners, we should educate them about the importance of keeping the environment green. If you need some ideas, check out how Heidi Rhoades, a Substitute Teacher at Palm Beach County, is teaching the children through her "Ecology Webquest" programme.
Don't want to do anything about it? Maybe some information about the estrogenic compound from plastic and how it can affect the health of your love ones will push you to a decision. Read what Dr Mercola has to say about it in his views on Why Plastic Shopping Bags Should be Avoided.
I am moved to sign it because according to the website, EPA has reported that over 380 billion plastic bags are consumed in the U.S. each year and when these are indiscriminately discarded, they choke waterways and litter beaches, parks and streets. If this does not bother you, think about the animals and marine life affected when they are entangled in the mess.
Should I have signed it? If the law to tax or curtail the use of plastic bags in U.S. is enforced, it will not affect me and I can still opt to accept plastic bags offered by shops in Malaysia. Whose life have I affected when I signed this petition?
This question dawned on me when I read a GreenYes forum member's posting encouraging those who are environmentally conscious to boycott companies who supply their beverages in non-returnable containers in bottles and cans. The concern is that the garbage generated by these products is becoming a very serious problem in his country.
Boycotting? Should I participate? The success may lead to other social economic problems that can be as bad as the environmental issues. These multinational corporations are providing jobs that are needed for the country to strive eoconomically. If these companies are pushed to move their operations elsewhere, bootlegging may flourish when there is a demand for the drinks that are popular.
If you do a search on the internet, you can find many ways to utilize these waste materials. I discovered that Clean Washington Center provides many useful reports on how to use waste from glass and plastic.
This is a very common plastic food container being used in Malaysia for takeaways. Instead of throwing it away, I have created a Hibiscus out of plastic bags to decorate its cover. I can use it to store little trinkets like my daughter's hair pins and such. Would reducing waste be a better option?
With a little creativity, the bottom of a plastic bottle for storing detergent, an old piece of sponge and a picture cut out from a food packaging can be put together to make this little piece which I am using to add a bit of colour to my kitchen wall. Is there a possibility to use the idea to raise funds for the needy? If not, I am sure it will look cheery too in an old folks home or orphanage.
If you live in UK, The Recycle for Cornwall, has a very useful tool on its website to search where you can send your waste material to recycle. If the users are aware of such information, it will encourage them to recycle the waste they generated.
On an artistic approach, work on enlisting the help of a well known artist to create an art out of waste material. Maybe that will encourage irresponsible companies involved to participate for publicity if not for a greener environment.
I tried working in that direction in Malaysia but the Malaysia Book of Records chose not to recognise my creation of Watering Pals, using plastic bottles and plastic bags, and it was rejected. Study this idea and see if it will work for you in your country.
GREENBEING'S 3-IN-1 IDEA TO A GREENER ENVIRONMENT
Maybe, instead of waiting till the children grow up to become irresponsible business owners, we should educate them about the importance of keeping the environment green. If you need some ideas, check out how Heidi Rhoades, a Substitute Teacher at Palm Beach County, is teaching the children through her "Ecology Webquest" programme.
Don't want to do anything about it? Maybe some information about the estrogenic compound from plastic and how it can affect the health of your love ones will push you to a decision. Read what Dr Mercola has to say about it in his views on Why Plastic Shopping Bags Should be Avoided.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Not pregnant? Blame those receipts?
If like me, you have been recycling just any scrap of paper you can get your hands on, note this!
Recycling thermal imaging carbonless paper may not be such a good idea, after all.
If you know that you should avoid drinking from bottles with bisphenol A (BPA) because you have been reading reports that it can cause a number of health problems, including infertility, then watch out for that powdery feeling on any receipts that you get your hands on.
Janet Raloff reported in her article, "Concerned about BPA: Check your receipts," that what you feel is a layer of BPA, manufacturers coat on one side of thermal imaging carbonless papers.
What?!!! That's how most credit card receipts feel when rubbed against your fingers, right? So, stop doing that as she has also reported that a survey of urine samples of pregnant women in USA found that cashiers had the highest amounts of BPA in their bodies.
Janet may have us concerned about what we are recycling but I am sure that it is because of such reports that there are now BPA-free thermal-receipt paper in USA. But when will we see such used in Malaysia?
I guess that depends on how many of you are willing to talk about what you picked up today. Just remember that the BPA tainted paper we recycled could well be made into the packaging our food will be served in.
Recycling thermal imaging carbonless paper may not be such a good idea, after all.
If you know that you should avoid drinking from bottles with bisphenol A (BPA) because you have been reading reports that it can cause a number of health problems, including infertility, then watch out for that powdery feeling on any receipts that you get your hands on.
Janet Raloff reported in her article, "Concerned about BPA: Check your receipts," that what you feel is a layer of BPA, manufacturers coat on one side of thermal imaging carbonless papers.
What?!!! That's how most credit card receipts feel when rubbed against your fingers, right? So, stop doing that as she has also reported that a survey of urine samples of pregnant women in USA found that cashiers had the highest amounts of BPA in their bodies.
Janet may have us concerned about what we are recycling but I am sure that it is because of such reports that there are now BPA-free thermal-receipt paper in USA. But when will we see such used in Malaysia?
I guess that depends on how many of you are willing to talk about what you picked up today. Just remember that the BPA tainted paper we recycled could well be made into the packaging our food will be served in.
Thursday, 13 February 2020
Are aluminum drink cans better than plastic water bottles?
Are you wondering if you should buy drinks that are packed in aluminum cans or in PET bottles?
It depends on which country you are from and how the recycling rate is like for the packaging involved. Recycling agents in Malaysia would rather take aluminium cans over plastic as one lorry load of aluminium cans earns more than one lorry load of PET bottles.
I read this article posted on July 20, 2019 by TAPP Water:
Glass vs plastic vs aluminium – what is the most sustainable choice?
This is what it reported:
% recovered for recycling in USA
Glass 80%
ALUMINIUM 45%
PLASTIC (PET) 9.5%
Though the recycling rate in reported is 80% for glass bottle, in Malaysia I am not able to find recycling agents for them.
If you read the report, "Disposable Drinking Bottles- Plastic vs. Glass vs. Aluminum" from Macquarie University in Australia website, the recycling rate is different:
Average Amount Currently Recycled reported in Australia
GLASS 50%
ALUMINIUM 50%
PLASTIC (PET) 60%
Maybe it is easier to make a decision based on your views from this report extracted from the report posted at TAPP Water:
Time to decompose
Glass bottle 1 million years*
Single use plastic 400 years
Carton Never**
Aluminium can 100-400 years
Decomposition residue
Glass bottle - Glass
Single use plastic - Microplastics
Carton - Some microplastics
Aluminium can - Metal scrap
How do you stop microplastics from polluting the environment? Based on this, I would rather choose aluminium over PET bottles.
If you still cannot make up your own mind on it, read what "The Aluminum Association" has to say about it.
Extracted:
"Nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
Infinitely recyclable and highly durable, nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable and retains its properties indefinitely. Aluminum is one of the only materials in the consumer disposal stream that more than pays for the cost of its own collection."
Note: Though carton is reported not to decompose and there are microplastics residue when they decomposed, if you google "Tetrapak gets recycled into roof sheets" you can read about their efforts with with local charity in Thailand to turn recycled cartons into roofing sheets to provide emergency shelter for people in need.
See how Tetrapak is recycled in India to benefit the public.
Tetrapak is working on raising awareness that their cartons can be recycled. I think that children in school should be taught during their art and craft class lessons on how they can extract paper out of cartons as shown in this video.
It depends on which country you are from and how the recycling rate is like for the packaging involved. Recycling agents in Malaysia would rather take aluminium cans over plastic as one lorry load of aluminium cans earns more than one lorry load of PET bottles.
I read this article posted on July 20, 2019 by TAPP Water:
Glass vs plastic vs aluminium – what is the most sustainable choice?
This is what it reported:
% recovered for recycling in USA
Glass 80%
ALUMINIUM 45%
PLASTIC (PET) 9.5%
Though the recycling rate in reported is 80% for glass bottle, in Malaysia I am not able to find recycling agents for them.
If you read the report, "Disposable Drinking Bottles- Plastic vs. Glass vs. Aluminum" from Macquarie University in Australia website, the recycling rate is different:
Average Amount Currently Recycled reported in Australia
GLASS 50%
ALUMINIUM 50%
PLASTIC (PET) 60%
Maybe it is easier to make a decision based on your views from this report extracted from the report posted at TAPP Water:
Time to decompose
Glass bottle 1 million years*
Single use plastic 400 years
Carton Never**
Aluminium can 100-400 years
Decomposition residue
Glass bottle - Glass
Single use plastic - Microplastics
Carton - Some microplastics
Aluminium can - Metal scrap
How do you stop microplastics from polluting the environment? Based on this, I would rather choose aluminium over PET bottles.
If you still cannot make up your own mind on it, read what "The Aluminum Association" has to say about it.
Extracted:
"Nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
Infinitely recyclable and highly durable, nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable and retains its properties indefinitely. Aluminum is one of the only materials in the consumer disposal stream that more than pays for the cost of its own collection."
Note: Though carton is reported not to decompose and there are microplastics residue when they decomposed, if you google "Tetrapak gets recycled into roof sheets" you can read about their efforts with with local charity in Thailand to turn recycled cartons into roofing sheets to provide emergency shelter for people in need.
See how Tetrapak is recycled in India to benefit the public.
Tetrapak is working on raising awareness that their cartons can be recycled. I think that children in school should be taught during their art and craft class lessons on how they can extract paper out of cartons as shown in this video.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Used tea bags to the rescue.
There is a settlement in Mandela Park, outside of Cape Town in South Africa where people live in homes that are built out of bits of tin and wood nailed together. These people were living in poverty with no education to lead them out of it till Jill Heyes discovered their talent and started the "Original T-Bag Designs" workshop at Cape Town’s Waterfront Market.
So, what could they be making in the workshop that could allow some of them to buy proper homes for themselves? Listen up. They paint on used tea bags then assemble them into greeting cards, notepads, journals, ornaments, candles, coasters, trinket boxes, and tea light holders.
That's unique. So, it's no wonder that their workshop is now a tourist destination and you can even find their product selling in Europe and the United States.
The next time you throw away any packaging, think again. It may well be your ticket to a better lifestyle!
So, what could they be making in the workshop that could allow some of them to buy proper homes for themselves? Listen up. They paint on used tea bags then assemble them into greeting cards, notepads, journals, ornaments, candles, coasters, trinket boxes, and tea light holders.
That's unique. So, it's no wonder that their workshop is now a tourist destination and you can even find their product selling in Europe and the United States.
The next time you throw away any packaging, think again. It may well be your ticket to a better lifestyle!
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Cool green designs
Check out these photos of innovative ideas I received in my mail today. If designers keep creating furnishings or gadgets on smaller scale, who needs a bigger home. Let's see what we can save with them.
Less material used = less energy to create = less wastage
Don't let the water drip away. Save it by placing it where the plant needs it.
Small = portable = need not buy for each room.
Don't have to turn on the bathroom or kitchen light with these on.
2-in-1 = one more (function) need less = less space required
I am sure there is less packaging required for these products and...
since they are space saving too, you can deliver more units and save cost on fuel.
Less material used = less energy to create = less wastage
Don't let the water drip away. Save it by placing it where the plant needs it.
Small = portable = need not buy for each room.
Don't have to turn on the bathroom or kitchen light with these on.
2-in-1 = one more (function) need less = less space required
I am sure there is less packaging required for these products and...
since they are space saving too, you can deliver more units and save cost on fuel.
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