(NC) Whether you’re trying to be more eco-friendly in your day-to-day life, or some of your possessions are looking a bit tired, finding ways to make items useful again can be good for your wallet and your spirit. Here are five ways to give new life to some of your possessions.
Embrace visible mending
Whether it’s an inconvenient rip in your comfiest jeans or a hole in your favourite sweater, there are plenty of simple techniques to repair clothes and other fabric items around the house. A garment that looks like new may not be beginner-level. But there’s a growing popularity of visible mending, where your darning is noticeable on the garment. Methods like Japanese Sashiko stitching are known for adding a beautiful touch to your repairs. Check out your local library, craft shop or YouTube for tutorials.
Visit a cobbler
Believe it or not, cobblers are still in business. When your shoes and boots are wearing through, get one of these footwear experts to replace the sole. You’ll get another few years out them and save on a new pair as well as waste. It’s not just the soles you can get fixed either, broken zippers, buckles or ripped linings may also be repairable. Some will also repair leather goods like wallets and purses.
Use your network
There are plenty of buy-and-sell groups, buy-nothing communities and auction sites online. Before throwing something away, from a baby stroller to an old lamp, post it in one of these groups and see who bites. You never know when your junk will be someone else’s treasure. To get the best results be clear and upfront about terms of the deal (e.g., Do you expect them to pick it up? Are you willing to negotiate on price?) and prioritize your safety – don’t meet anyone alone after dark and choose a public place if possible.
Start a book nook
Home overflowing with books you don’t want or need anymore? Consider setting up a book station in your front yard or lobby, at your office or at your kids’ school for passersby to take and return as they please. Fill it up as you feed your reading addiction and encourage your neighbours or community members to add to it as well.
Give others a lift
Donating clothing that’s in good shape allows someone else the chance to enjoy it. When it comes to used bras, you can drop them off at a la Vie en Rose store anywhere in the country. The bras are given a second life through the Canadian retailer’s Be Your Own Breast Friend program, and the materials are recycled. Throughout the month of May the company donates a dollar to various breast-cancer-related charities for every bra dropped off at their stores.
Find out more about the program at lavieenrose.com/en/be-your-own-breast-friend.
