DIY Life

This can be a great way to source out a rare vintage find, or expand your collection of designer handbags without shelling out the big bucks. Keep your closet fresh this spring by getting rid of stuff you don't wear, and swapping them for things you will. And needless to say, this is a great way to find those rare pieces you've been coveting for your next DIY fashion creation.

[via: Lifehacker]

Around my house, we are always looking to purge. It's tough when two packrats unite, believe me. Since I really love my husband, the two of us need to learn to love our stuff a little less.

I think he is making progress. Arriving home from the local hardware store a few days ago, he was very excited to tell me about a new product he saw there called the "Bagster." A lightweight bag with the strength of a steel dumpster, on sale at Rocky's Hardware? Very cool, but it gets cooler.

Once you use this little sucker, you make a phone call or go online to schedule a pickup. For a fee, a truck will come and take it away.

I know it's coming. I'll act surprised. I may even try it on and model it for family around the tree. I'll take it home, write a polite Thank You card and quickly stash it on the top shelf; home to all the other tacky Christmas sweaters from all the other years of thoughtful handmade gifts. While I'll probably need to keep at least the last two years on hand in case I ever need to make an appearance in one of these fashion sweaters, I can put the rest of them to use in creative ways. Here are a few ways that I found to re-purpose them. Add some of your ideas in the comments.

1. Make a sweater wreath
   The festive sweater wreath turns your old sweaters into a holiday wreath. Cut the sweater into squares. Feed a wire wreath through them and pack it tight. Christmas sweaters usually have bright colors which will look great on this recycled wreath. The article suggests giving this as a secret Santa gift, but having just written about choosing the right one, I have to give that idea a big NO.
   
   
2. Throw a tacky sweater party
   When you get together with friends this holiday season don't just host a cocktail party, host a tacky Christmas sweater party. Give your friends a reason to show off their latest sweater gift and sport your own at a tacky sweater party. You know you secretly love the flashing red nose reindeer on your sweater, so here's your chance to wear it with pride and have fun!
   
   
3. Give them away
   You'd be surprised at how many people are looking for tacky Christmas sweaters. Many of the want ads even specify tacky as one of their criteria. People might need it for a party or project of their own. They'll likely start out by checking the local thrift store which is always in need of warm clothes anyway.

Which one is your favorite?

It seems to come up a lot that people aren't quite sure how to properly dispose of certain materials. While ideally, we're using less, some consumption is inevitable and the correct disposal of these things is environmentally crucial.

I've collected a list of things that don't belong in landfills, or regular municipal recycling programs and found the right place for them. I'm sure these answers vary from one community to another, so feel free to jump in with your own answers in the comments.