upcycling

September 6, 2017

Duel Purpose Upcycling idea!

photo from/of Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Country Walk Branch

I love this idea I read in the Programming Librarian newsletter.  Crafty events are fun. Crafty events with recycled materials is a win win.  Crafy events with recycled materials that are giving a useful resource to those in need tops it all!

At the Miami-Dade public library system “Helping Hands is an arts and crafts program that meets the needs of two communities — older adults and homeless populations — at the same time. Older adult participants socialize at the library while they make sleeping mats from upcycled plastic bags. The mats are then given to nearby homeless populations.”

Interested in learning more: The article on the Programming Librarians site give detailed instructions, planning guidelines, marketing tips, advice, a video on how to, budget (for this one ZERO!), and a nice write up on the library in the right nav bar (check out the link “Photo Slide Show” that pops up some images from their event)

May 2, 2014

TRASHeBAGS

trashebags-footer-logoLooking for a place to recycle or upcycle all our used coffee bags, I found this site called TRASHeBAGS.I was really excited to read more about this small company that is located in one of my favorite states Colorado as well as :

  • Employs people in the USA
  • Provides occupations for disabled individuals
  • Raises household awareness of upcycle opportunities
  • Makes products from 90% repurposed items. Yes, upcycles trash.

They are looking for items you can donate as individuals as well as looking to schools or scout troops – maybe a LIBRARY? –  to organize a collection.  They have some partners already.  You can read more about them and their plans for the future.  Follow their blog for resources, info and updates too.

joegirlfront_1

Of course you can also check out their  store where you can buy all sorts of cool bags, purses, wallets etc.

totallyehicaljoe

 

 

 

 

(PS TerraCycle is another great place for recycling, er “eliminating the idea of waste” but they are not collecting coffee bags now unfortunately)

March 27, 2014

DIY Crafts & Upcycling

Maybe not really “Green Library” related but I love the idea of reuse and art projects.  Anyone with a Makerspace in your library should really check out these ideas.  Care2 has a great post about upcylcing and art projects that could be fun for any library:

10 DIY Crafts for Old Altoids Tins (oh the miniature zen gardens are a fabulous idea)

25 Ways to Upcycle Old T-Shirts (the t-shirt to yoga pants – awesome!)

24 ways to reuse old sweaters (I think the sweater skirt would be easy enough for me to do)

15 Ways to Reuse Old Pillowcases (I like the pillowcase belt, but I think my cat wants the hammock)

and of course…

20 upcyclying idea for BOOKS from picture frame to a purse to a tablet cover and more… get creative @your library