How to Use the Unusable

Have you heard the phrase: "One man's trash is another man's treasure". We all know by now, from one way or another, that recycling is necessary. Recycling is the process of collecting and processing unusable materials that may be trash and turning them into a new product. This process benefits every person and every environment.

I was looking around my house and I found many unusable items that weren’t trash, but I thought it may become another item to be used.

Starting in the kitchen, I found a collection of utensils that I never use. Other items were not in use. I think and thought; searched and found some great ideas I want to share. I will gladly appreciate any other suggestion. I know there are many others.

Forks, spoons and knives come in variable designs and materials. I think every home has some in a box, inside an unopened drawer, or hidden in a closet. My aunt had many different kinds of pieces from mixed sets. From that unusable tableware you may try to use them in some other uses like:

1. chandeliers
2. hangers
3. fruit bowls
4. jewelry
5. hangers
6. figures
7. frames
8. and so much more...

Do we dare use those rusty and broken garden tools that, once upon a time were planting materials? There are several occasions that I have written on the agenda about the necessity of repairing a broken tool. The truth is that procrastination, or the thought of taking time to repair a tool that perhaps a new one is cheaper than what the repair may cost, makes one forget about it and bury it in a closet. Instead with it we can:

1. decorate it
2. make it useful in another way

We need to stop preoccupying and start recycling. Let's look around and see what we find that is not being used. Those unusable things take space, holding dust and making an unnecessarily burden. How about finding old wheels that hold water, bringing mosquitoes. Those unused chairs with broken legs in a corner of the garage, just for the lovely design. I bet that when you start being innovative you will feel an immense pleasure. Creating is one of the best satisfactions that an individual can have. When you finish a simple task that brings a piece of something new to your home it enlightens it; just like the old bottle shown in the picture used as a candle holder or a vase.

I am a follower of God's word, but I do agree at least with the quote of Abdul Kalam; "Educationalists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial, and moral leadership among students and become their role model." If you take this quote and join it to Clement of Alexandria's quote: "We are not to throw away things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly." ; we will come to find the way to use the unusable.

Heeyyy wait not so fast... I bet you are running to a flea market, garage sale or digging in the closet...watch the video below for more ideas and let me say ... Blessings to all!

© María Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill