Have you ever noticed the running arrow triangle on plastic containers? They are a recycling clue for that particular plastic item. — From 1 to 7 Not all plastic is created equal. How it’s made will depend on how or if it is recycled. Symbols and numbers on plastic bottles and containers give us a clue. The symbol looks the same and is a running arrow triangle shape, but the number in…

My mom chose my name because she thought it couldn’t be shortened into a nickname. Well, friends and family have been creative. — It Started Early Here’s the part that I find a little funny. My mom gave me my first nickname. It started when I was very young, when she called me Lettetjie. It evolved into Lettetjie, from the name my cousin called me. My cousin, Estelle and I, are about the same age. She…

The benefits of magnesium supplements are impressive, but for our family, its benefits around sleep, anxiety, and migraine are the most important. — History of Magnesium · Joseph Black from Edinburgh recognized magnesium as an element for the first time in 1755. · It’s essential for photosynthesis in plants and is found in the center of chlorophyll cells. · It’s named after a district of Thessaly, Greece, called Magnesia, where it was first found.

Hydrogen peroxide sounds like a heavy chemical, but it’s actually very useful around the house. — What is Hydrogen Peroxide? In very simple terms, hydrogen peroxide is a compound of oxygen and water. I was skeptical of it because it sounded like a chemical and not something I would find useful. However, after reading about all its uses, I changed my mind. It’s a natural sanitizer and cleaner. The recommended…

Borax is a staple in our laundry room. It’s been the best way to remove musty odors from towels or sweaty clothes. It’s a sanitizer and deodorizer. — What is Borax? · It’s also known as sodium borate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate. A salt crystal compound typically and naturally found as residue on dry riverbeds. A Short History of Borax · It was first discovered in Persia around 4000 years ago.

Calendars often have beautiful pictures on them, and I struggle to throw them out. Why not craft with them instead? — Repurpose Your Calendars I’m old school. I need a calendar on the wall to remind me about life in general. Putting anything on my phone is useless. It’s often in another room or on mute and I miss the notification. Having a calendar on the wall next to my desk is a far…

I use craft methods to make faux leather for my art projects, but it’s repurposed paper. I couldn’t make a dress out of it. However, there is growing interest in the development of wearable plant-based leathers. — Environmental Impact of Animal Leather A lot of leather is the by-product of the meat industry, but raising cattle, whether it’s for meat, dairy, or leather, is carbon intensive. Additionally, the tanning process that turns hides into leather uses a heavy metal chemical called chromium. The process requires a lot of water, and one square…

I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but I decided to make 2023 a year when I buy less but use more. — Use What I Have I love to craft and draw. I’m trying my hand at watercolor painting. In my yearning for creativity, I’m seduced by adverts for new paints, stickers, inks, glue, and more. It’s almost ridiculous when I look at all the supplies that I collected in 2022. In my defense, I use…

Recycling batteries seems more difficult than recycling paper or plastic, but it doesn’t have to be. — Batteries Are Everywhere It’s astounding how many batteries are used each year. In the United States, we buy around 3 billion batteries annually. Despite this high number, only 8 states in America have introduced laws asking companies to provide recycling opportunities for their battery products. …