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It’s the Great Upcycle, Peoria!

With Halloween right around the corner, you have probably already started planning your get togethers and costumes, but did you know that you can Upcycle along the way? What is Upcycling? Upcycling is simply reusing something that may have otherwise been discarded for a new, better, or just different purpose.  Upcycling can be done with just about anything, so here are a few ways to get you started this season: Use old clothes to make your halloween costume instead of buying a costume. Use outdated clothing to “period” dress for a certain decade. (ie. 60’s hippie or 90’s grunge) Stuff old socks and stockings to make tails for animal costumes Use empty containers for costumes, then recycle them when Halloween […]

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Things you didn’t know about recycling

Recycling involves more than just tossing plastic,metal, glass,or other recyclables into your recycling bin. Here are six things you didn’t know about recycling. Not all plastic is recyclable! If you’ve read our past blog posts you know this. Plastic bags, straws, and black take out containers are examples of non recyclable items. Recycling depends on the market. If there is a demand in the market, recyclers and companies will pay for your recyclables, which will then be considered a commodity. If there’s no demand for some items, they have no monetary value. In this case, these items can be stockpiled until the market becomes favorable or they might end up in the landfill. Some plastics can be made using natural […]

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Fall candles — how to reuse those containers

It’s that time of the year again for cozy candles. Maybe you just lit a new one, or you already burned through a couple. What do you do with those glass containers? Continue reading to find out. How to clean out glass candle jars Turn your oven on to its lowest temperature Set your empty candle into the oven while it is preheating Leave your candle in there for 10 to 15 minutes Use an oven mitt to take the candle out of the oven Pour the hot wax into a carton to cool or directly in the trash (do not pour hot wax down the drain—your drain will clog) Wash the jar out with warm soapy water using your […]

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