Thursday, June 26, 2008

Green with envy, that is

I've got to tell you something: When it comes to preserving the environment, I'm as green as the next guy.

Unless the next guy is my sister-in-law, who unwraps presents centimeter by centimeter to save the wrapping. And unless it's my neighbor who composts. Or that guy who drives the electric car...

But here's one thing I definitely do: Reuse furniture and other household items. Not only does it save the environment, but the result is usually much better than what you could buy new.

Take, for example, that garden gate my clever friend Marianne put in her garden. She got it at a second-hand store, hung a little sign on it announcing "Sullivan's Sunny Side" and planted around it. Looks great, especially in contrast to the white fence.

A note of caution: When it comes to re-using older weathered items, practice restraint. A few items are charming. Too many items, and you've gone from Martha Stewart to Sanford and Son.

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6 comments:

Kimba said...

Cute post! Love the garden gate idea. I've been on the hunt for some kind of trellis to grow a clematis on but I think I like this idea better.

Off to the salvage yard! Thanks for the tip.

Anonymous said...

This is really pretty. I think some people have a natural ability to pick out stuff like this...the old rusty kids bicycle in the garden, the old metal rocking chair. You're right though about restraint.

Stacey said...

Looks great! Glad I found your Blog!

Amy said...

Love that picture!

Mom O Matic said...

Love that! Our neighbors (aka "The Clampetts" have a utility sink in their front flower bed. It doesn't have quite the same effect though.

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

You have such a great sense of humor!!! And I love this green idea you have showcased.