Green²: double your green and live green (part 1)

October 30, 10:53 PMLA Budget Decorating ExaminerTara Etienne

Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the LA Budget Decorating Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Green² is about remixing the odds and ends you’ve got into something cool and useful with little or no cash.

Here are a few ways to work the green in your wallet and go green with the stuff you might already have!

1. Before you toss out magazines or outdated calendars, clip the photos to use as free art.  And instead of frames, see tip #2.

2. Lean a salvaged door or window frame against a wall to display photos and artwork.  You’ll avoid holes in your walls and save your paint job - a bonus if you’re a renter.

3. Need an end table?  Stack old books together using glue for added stability, stick a lamp and vase on top and voilà - instant table!  See tip # 4 on how to add some bling to beat up books.

4. Take the paper wrap from your next bouquet and use it as book covers.  The same goes for gift wrap, especially the pesky tail end of a roll that’s too short to use on a gift box.  Paper gift bags cut open work as well.  If the gift wrap is holiday specific or you’re just not into it, flip it over to use the bare side.  For a more edgy look try newspaper or magazine pages.  Use double sided tape or glue on the ends to create a smooth seam if you need multiple sheets for added length.

5. If you don’t already have anything you can remix, turn someone else’s trash into your treasure.  The Los Angeles County Materials Exchange, or LACoMax for short, is a free service where you can browse listings of stuff eco-conscious LA county residents are giving away.

And of course you can’t go green without this final tip.  Once you’re done tearing up your mags and calendars for artwork or no longer want your old books and gift wrap, take them down to your local city recycling center.  Some city run recycling centers pay for more than just bottles and cans - books, magazines and print materials can be recycled for cash.  You end up doing good for the environment and pocketing an extra few bucks in return.

Check out part 2 of this series for more ideas.

Stacked books make a budget and eco-friendly side table.

Photo by Tara Etienne