is another person's firewood. Remember that relative that saved us from what would probably have been a pretty pricey plumber's housecall by getting our water valve to work? Remember that I wrote that this relative's building his own house? (Well, if you don't remember, I guess that about brings you up to speed now... :) Well, we got a call last night and a delivery of some scrap lumber to feed our ever-hungry wood stove. This was actually generosity on the part of said relative, because he has a wood stove too, but what I like in this scenario, besides the welcome firewood, is that a resource wasn't thrown away, or left somewhere unused to collect dust. It has left me thinking about resources in my house that could be put to better use.
I have seen really good examples of putting resources to use in other blogs. Most recently was a post over at Coffee with the Hermit, where he talked about the fact that he struck gold when he took the initiative to make use of a household resource. Sure, it took a little effort in the hunt and find category, but he came away with a valuable food preservation option-- after all, the less you waste, the more you have in storage for later. It would be hard to estimate how much Chris over at Johnson Family Farm has done in terms of not wasting scrap wood--he uses it for projects all the time, and there's another valuable resource used, and not wasted. Interestingly enough, when I just went to get the link at his blog right now, I see that he has an idea for making the most of your dryer heat--they apparently don't waste a thing over there.... :)
Well, just some examples that other people have set for me that have started me thinking. I need to consider how I could better use some of things that are being wasted around here. After all, why do nothing with your resources when you can do something productive...
6 comments:
Good post and links. Altho many younger folks, I'm thinking anyone under 60 at this point, don't know how to use available resources.
Besides reading blogs, talking to grandparents, checking out WWII and Depression era books, whether fact or fiction, would be a good idea.
Being resourceful, knowing how to fix things, knowing how to find information will be the salvation of many in these getting desperate times.
Quite a bit of our cabin was built with "scrap" lumber, it pays to have builder friends. :) Between our builder friends and those who are tearing down old buildings and such, we have gotten quite a bit of usable stuff that would have otherwise gone into the landfill.
Wretha
Anonymous--Excellent points! I personally like to look at older cookbooks for recipes that use very basic ingredients that I would have in my food storage. I agree that any skills/knowledge we can gain will benefit us now and later, because it certainly looks like times are going to get harder, unfortunately.... Thanks for your comment and insights!
Wretha--I think that over at your place you set a great example in how to use resources wisely! You've got me thinking that maybe I could look around and see if someone will let me have other scrap wood, etc. if they are just going to throw it away anyway. The opportunity probably won't come up too often, but if the situation arises, it can't hurt to ask, right? :) Thanks for your comment!
Marie, good post for all who want to make the most use of the things they have. "Waste not, Want not" has been the rule and guide of my life for many years. I am 41 and it's worked out really well for me so far. Not gonna change now. lol I read a good post on scrap lumber from consturction sites over at www.edificerex.blogspot.com
Seems she is in the construction field and has some tips on what may be available and how to ask for it in a proper manner. She has a good post on what is called dunnage- scrap lumber that building material is shipped on. Hope the dryer heat post gives you some extra heat and saves you some money too. Thanks for the link.
Your friend,
Chris
Hey Marie...since my post on the storage containers, I have found another potentiao source of make-do storage for smaller things. Gift and candy tins!
You know the kind I mean? The ones that folks put candy and cookies in? Just the right size for sewing kits, buttons, and all kinds of stuff. I gathered up about 10 of these in various sizes that were just sitting around at various places.
Seek and ye shall find, huh?
Chris--I'll have to check that website out--our wood is holding out but that wood stove sure gets hungry... :) Yeah, I am amazed what you have been able to accomplish for just the price of nails--very impressive. Waste not, want not is the way to go...
HermitJim--Way to make what originally are one-use items useful again! Thanks for reminding me that I still need to stock up on sewing needles--sounds like those kinds of tins would be a perfect container to keep them in...
Thanks to both of you for your comments--they are always much appreciated!
Marie
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