Repurposing-The Creative Answer to Your Budget!

In our current economy crisis, it's more important than ever to find clever and creative ways to slash the budget. I'm sure you've read all about cutting the grocery, water, heating and electric bills, along with every tip known to man on how to improve your gas mileage but I've got another budget friendly tip you may not be so familiar with: Repurposing. Countless times repurposing an item has save my family the financial burden of buying a new or even used product. On occassion it's made the difference in eating well versus eating not-so-well. I can honestly say it's saved my family hundred's of dollars-yes I said HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS! Depending on how creative you are, the sky is the limit on how much money you save!

You don't know what repurposing is? It simply a type of recycling by taking an object and finding another purpose for it or a different way to use it. Repurposing helps keep our landfills free of excess materials therefore contributes to the growing "green" movement within our nation. It also saves on your garbage removal service-if it's not in the trash, you don't have to pay to haul it away!

Now you're wondering: How do I get started? That's simple enough! Take a look around the house, garage or the office. Just about anything can be repurposed into something else. An unused bedroom dresser can be moved to the dining room as a buffet! This works especially well for the holiday season when extra space is always necessary for the big family meal. Easily alter an old old wooden or glass french door into a coffee table or headboard with a little hardware.

Convert the over-the-door shoe rack into extra bathroom, art supply or toy storage. A wooden closet shelf, some brackets, screws, mirror, and a chair can modify a nook into a built in vanity. Mount a breadbox near the toilet for extra toilet paper storage. A decorative plant stand easily transforms to a lovely side table, bathroom or pantry storage.

Some of the most creative repurposing ideas can be found at www.junkmarketstyle.com/projects. Sue Whitney, co-author of Junk Beautiful and Decorating Junkmarket Style: Repurposed Junk to Suit Any Decor has created an online community to share, discuss, and find inspiration to turn your junk into treasure. You'll find a clever use of vintage ties: convert them into a seat cushion. A bakery style cupcake display rack metamorphoses into a terrarium. I've gleaned many inspiring ideas from her works and I'm sure you will too! Repurposing can be economical, environmentally friendly, and completely CHIC too!