2019 Was Epic: Our Year in Review
We grew the team, used 25 tons of recycled fabric, and relocated the ping pong table for max game-age. Here's what else we've been up to.
Holiday Recycling Tips & Ideas
We know a thing or two about leftovers. From fabric scraps to dye water to using every part of a plant, we're always looking for ways to capture our leftovers and reuse them (wine bottle bowling, anyone?). If you're having an eco friendly holiday, keep it going and stretch those leftovers into 2020.
USED WRAPPING PAPER
Unless it's plain ol' brown paper, wrapping paper isn't recyclable. Wrap fragile things like ornaments or glassware in used wrapping or tissue paper to keep it safe until next holiday.
CARDBOARD BOXES
Ah the ubiquitous cardboard box. Instead of clogging the recycling plant, stick in your yard + cover with mulch = no weeds in the spring.
POLY BAGS
Most things ship in plastic in order to protect them from any transit snafus. Get in the habit of reusing these plastic bags for doggy doodoo bags (a Toad office trick), or save and use as packing materials next time you ship a package to another time zone.
FOOD SCRAPS
Nearly all food scraps can be reused. Toss bones and veggie peels into a pot for broth or soup. Take literally anything, mix it with eggs, toss in a pie crust and you have a quiche (or do the same thing but with cheese and bread and voila, you have a grilled cheese). Stale bread becomes croutons, wilted greens become pesto, and less than perfect veggies love a quick pickle. Waste not, want not.
OPENED WINE
Opened wine will keep in the fridge for 2 months, so now's the time to make all those fancy recipes that call for a cup of wine – piccata, coq au vin, braised short ribs, scallops... cooking with leftovers doesn't sound half bad...
CHRISTMAS TREE
First, check to see if your local waste management recycles Christmas trees into wood chips (that's a great option if you have it!). If not, get an axe and get to work – turn your tree into firewood and use the needles for much. Live near a lake or pond? Wash your tree with the hose (get any glitter, plastic, and hooks of of it) and toss the tree into the lake. The tree is a natural incubator for algae and great habitat for fish.
GIFTS
Got stuff you don't need? Instead of throwing it all in a box and sending to the thrift store, think about who could use it and donate to specialized organizations that will get it to people in need. Transition houses, homeless shelters, animal shelters, disaster relief organizations, children's programs, family assistance leagues... what you donate now will be used throughout the year.
Happy 2020 - let's make it the most sustainable year yet!
