Waste Less Live More Week has flown by.
Today is the last day, and it’s time to #Discover It.
Discover new ways of doing old things-different ways of getting to the same place; different places to shop; different things to do with the kids…
I thought that as this blog came about from a year of Buying Nothing New, I would encourage you all to discover alternatives to buying thing new (I know I’m kind of preaching to the choir here, but maybe you might find a little nugget of inspiration!)
- Discover alternative retail outlets: charity shops; auction houses; flea markets; vintage fairs; jumble sales; reclamation yards. These are all fab places for finding ‘new’ things. And don’t forget Freegle and Freecycle, as well as events like Swishing (clothes swapping) to pick up some totally ‘new’, totally free stuff
- Discover how to make: once you can sew, or knit, or crochet, the world is your oyster! You can make your own clothes and accessories, and home furnishings. They will be unique, and just how you want them, and people will be shocked and awed at your fabulous talent…! If you’re not sure where to start, the Sewing Directory is the go-to place for a great list of loads of sewing workshops nation-wide; or contact your local yarn shop or haberdashers to see if they are running any course. Lots of adult education places also do evening classes in sewing basics
- Discover how to make do: how to turn something you already have into something ‘new’ that you want or need. Just a little bit of thinking outside the box can mean you can make new cardis from old jumpers; bags from trousers; drawers into bookshelves; and even old sideboards into deluxe guinea pig housing..!
- Discover how to mend: Yesterday’s post was devoted to #FixIt, and has loads of resources to help point you in the right direction, so that you can mend something, rather than ditch it and buy something new
So that brings us to the end of this week’s Waste Less Live More Week, and the end to this series of blog posts 😦
I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have, and we can all have a whole year Being Resourceful until next year’s Waste Less Live More Challenge..!
My Make Do and Mend Year 
Learning to use a sewing machine and advancing my crochet skills are on my Autumn/Winter to do list.I have bought some fabric remnants to make new cushion covers, a draught excluder.I’ve also got a single panel curtain from a second hand shop, which me and my 9 year daughter are going to embroider on.Once finished it’ll hang over the front door in hope it helps keep the cold out.
This is awesome Aly! Have you joined the Make Do and Mend-able FB community? Great place to pick up tips and ask for help if you get stuck, and then to show off all your fabulous makes! Love the idea of you and your daughter doing a project together 🙂
Reblogged this on The Un-paving Paradise Project and commented:
It’s so much fun discovering new ways of doing things!
I think we just have to try to not take the burdens of the whole world on our shoulders and not worry about where we have got it wrong, but focus on the little changes that gradually add up to bigger changes. These then begin to influence those around us to make little changes for themselves. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing! Totally agree with your philosophy-the little things really DO add up!
That’s a good post. We’ve found lots if new things in our neighbourhood by walking and cycling. It’s amazing.
Yes! It always amazes me how much more you see when you are walking or biking!
I have stopped myself from buying new twice this week. I can knit sew etc so why buy new!
HURRAY!
Great post. As a runner I use my old shoes for yard work or donate them. I also try to re-use the plastic bags they give us at races to put my wet gym clothes in so my gym bag won’t get quite so stinky.
My garden was an epic fail this year. But I tried and will try again next year.
BTW – running is a great way to see your home town or a town you are visiting.
Cheers – Andy
Great tips Andy, thankyou!
I (try to) run too, and as you say, a great way of exploring-even your home town-I often explore footpaths I’d never seen before!