The 5th R = RAT (as in Pack Rat)

Of the 4 R’s (Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Repair) I’ll have to admit I’m pretty bad about the 2nd one “Reduce”. At home, I live in clutter. It may be partly due to adhering to the other 3 R’s. (Or, maybe not!) Anyway, I’m blaming my husband, “Mr. Thrifty”.


He can’t throw anything away. If it’s broken, he thinks it can be repaired. If he can’t repair it, then it’s kept for parts. If something is no longer needed for the original function for which it was intended, but is too good to be thrown away, it is kept with the idea of future use - even if he has no idea what the use may be. (For example, a VHS player when we now use DVD’s) Actually, it’s even worse than that, we also have a Betamax along with a box of Beta tapes.


Some items are well-suited for “re-purposing”; such as an old dresser turned into a vanity for a bathroom sink. That was a great idea! Other items (Yes, I’m speaking specifically of the two 5-ft.tall Boze floor speakers) have no discernable purpose unless it is to block access to the dining room – in which case, they are doing an admirable job.


I think the longer you live in one spot, the more stuff you accumulate. That’s why Grandma’s attic is so full. It’s probably best to move every five years just so you’ll be forced to consider what you actually want to pack up and haul with you to your next destination. The attic is an interesting place, but no one wants to live in one.


I’ll admit that some of the clutter is mine…but only the good stuff! It’s mostly unfinished art projects and abandoned hobby paraphernalia. And some dolls. A few books too. Okay…a lot of books.


The only good thing that can be said for the clutter we have is this: If the world banks finally crumbled and we were forced to return to the bartering system, we could set up shop. How many people do you know who have a “backup set” of appliances?


I don’t know how we got to this point because it’s amazing really how much stuff we buy and dispose of. Take plastic grocery bags, for example. They seem to multiply on their own, but many people actually purchase “small” garbage bags to line their bathroom and bedroom trash cans. Why not use the grocery bags? They are the same size and you can tie the handles into a knot when you get ready to dump and replace them.
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Here’s what I do with them:

Take a plastic bag

Fold and Cut off the handles  

Cut into strips and connect to make "PLARN" (plastic yarn)    

Crochet the "plarn" into a bag - use different "plarns" for pattern 

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For other ideas on how to recycle what you have around the house check out these great books:

Earth-friendly crafts: clever ways to reuse everyday items 
by Ross, Kathy

Don't throw it out!  by Baird, Lori

Junk beautiful: room by room makeovers with junkmarket style 
by Whitney, Sue

Let's reuse!  by Nelson, Sara Elizabeth

Have fun!