Home Green Home: Affordable Green Living - NYTimes

Video about Wisdom Way Solar Village in Greenfield, MA. A great combination of sustainable and affordable.

Thrift Shop Find!

I just bought this Kate Spade handbag at a thrift shop for $6.99!!! I went in looking for something else, never expecting to find a treasure, and I found this out in the open without any takers. In the process I did my part in recycling. The store even had a Prada handbag locked up under the counter for $39.99, but that was above my cheapskate price range.

In my much poorer past I used to haunt yard sales, consignment stores and thrift shops. Most of my purchases have not been treasures, but once in awhile I've struck gold. Years ago I bought the cocktail ring pictured below at a yard sale for 25 cents! While it is just costume jewelry and the setting is cheap, these types of rhinestones are no longer made. I get compliments whenever I wear the ring.

Given the state of the economy and the truth in the saying that "what's old is new again", in the future I think I will make more of an effort to visit my local thrift shops before I make my way to the regular retail stores.

Swap It!

Do you have a closet full of belts and scarves that you haven't worn in years? Do you hold on to things just because they're in good condition? Why not host an accessory swap? The ultimate in recycling, this is a great way to gather with friends and possibly save a scarf from ending up in a landfill.

I'm thinking this would be a great way to freshen up the home, too! Maybe swap out that piece of art that was never really your style for a much needed lamp? Nate Berkus, Oprah's favorite home designer, has even challenged America to swap home accessories with their neighbors as a way of spicing up their homes and saving money in the process. The more adventurous might even want to organize a larger scale event such as the one hosted by Sit+Sip in Seattle this Spring.

I am certainly going to host a swap sometime in the near future. Any excuse to gather with friends and sip some wine! Walking away with some "new" accessories in the process is just an added bonus.

Waste Not, Want Not

Every wonder if you're reading the expiration dates correctly on food? I've often wondered if food is good beyond the date and feel guilty if I throw food away. My daughter, the queen of finding YouTube videos, shared this with me. Some guidance for the next refrigerator cleanout.