Favorite Memories from 2011

We asked the DRN team to share some of their favorite moments from the past year and here are a couple.

"My favorite moment was seeing firsthand the fabulous structures built with the used lumber we gifted to Corazon; room additions to a clinic." Paula Wise.

"One of my highlights was a potluck at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Gardena that I happened into a couple of weeks back.  While dropping off a furnace from one of our Brentwood projects (I suppose that was my contribution to the potluck!) I was invited to sit down and enjoy some great homemade dishes with the folks at Habitat.  It was great to look out over the many items from our projects dispersed across the ReStore’s floor and know that our efforts help support this important organization and its many fine people." Myles McGray

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and RePurposeful New Year!

Riding Green Helps Los Angeles Bar Goers Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

Please visit our NEW WEBSITES:

Decon-Network.org

ReuseNetwork.org

Photo Credit: Riding Green

Heading out to a the bar in Los Angeles? Why not reduce your carbon footprint while you’re at it? Riding Green is a newer grassroots environmental movement in Los Angeles that has come up with a way for bar goers to not only reduce their carbon footprint, but their bar tab, as well! The organization has teamed up with various establishments throughout the city that will feature different promotions for bar goers participating in the Riding Green movement. The goal of Riding Green is to encourage people to take public transportation which reduces our carbon footprint. As the organization grows, they hope to expand partnerships and bring awareness to the environment. You can visit Riding Green’s website to learn more and find out how you can get involved.

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Green Gift Guide 2011

Green Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Can you believe the Holidays are here already? As the fun and celebrations begin, it is important to remember that this time of year is often the most wasteful and from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25% (RecycleWorks)! One thing that can make a small difference is to select gifts that have been created by ReUsed or UpCycled materials. Below is a list of some neat gifts that are not only friendly on our environment, but also easy on your wallet.

Record Label Holiday Ornaments

These are perfect for any music lover in your life. They are laser cut from vintage 45 rpm records and each side of them features the original record label. What’s even cooler is the fact that these are made with zero waste! You can order them online at eco-artware.com.

Photo Credit: eco-artware

Silver Flatware Bracelets

These bracelets are not only charming, they also help keep old silver flatware out of our landfills! Each bracelet is made from reclaimed silver plate flatware pieces that are between 50 and 100 years old and it is a great gift for any person who loves jewelry. You can order them online from Tempest in a Teapot.

Photo Credit: Tempest in a Teapot

Recycled Bike Tube Night Out Card Case

Who wouldn’t enjoy a card case that is handmade in Seattle from used inner tubes collected from local bike shops? This card case features 86% recycled content and would be an excellent idea for that hard to buy for person on your gift list. It is perfect for someone who prefers a smaller wallet or for someone who would rather use a card case for nights out. You can purchase the card case at uncommongoods.

Photo Credit: uncommongoods

STARBUCKS Upcycled Gift Card Notebook Notepad

When it comes to the Holiday season, gift cards are always a gift of choice for many people. The problem with gift cards, however, is the fact that many end up getting tossed once they’ve been used. CampfireDesigns has an Etsy store that upcycles old STARBUCKS gift cards and turns them into cute little notepads. These would be awesome gifts for just about anyone! They would also make great stocking stuffers! You can buy them on CampfireDesigns Etsy store.

Photo Credit: CampfireDesigns

Upcycled Wetsuit iPad Sleeve

For the iPad owner on your list, what could be better than a sleeve to protect their iPad that was created from excess wetsuit material? Not only does this sleeve help eliminate wetsuit material from being discarded, it also does an excellent job keeping an iPad free from scratches and the lumps and bumps that sometimes occur. If your gift recipient doesn’t have an iPad, you can purchase an upcycled laptop case instead! The wetsuit sleeves can be purchased from uncommongoods.

Photo Credit: uncommongoods

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Rebound Books ReUses Old Books and Recreates New Stationary

Please visit our NEW WEBSITES:

Decon-Network.org

ReuseNetwork.org

Unwanted and unloved books are given a second chance with Rebound Books.  Rebound Books is an Australian company that has taken the initiative to keep old books out of the landfill and ReUse them to create "unique stationary in an environmentally way".  The company also ReUses old record covers and transforms them into new calendars.  Each piece of stationary that Rebound recreates also includes 100% recycled Australian paper.  They try to use every part of the original book, but whatever they can't use, gets donated to local artists in their community.

Rebound Books has a great online bookshop where they sell their journals, sketchbooks, photo albums, A-Z books, and other stationary items that have all been recreated through ReUse!  Each of their creations is also made by hand and truly unique!

Photo Credit: ReboundBooks.net

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