There seems to be no limit to what you can do with old socks. My good friend Karen came up with a way to use them with the Swiffer.

As a pet owner, I love the Swiffer for keeping the hard floors clean. If you aren’t aware, you can also use it as a wet mop.

A greener option to the wet pads is using socks.

Take 2 worn out white socks and turn them inside-out. Run them under hot water with a few drops of dish soap and wring it out.

Stretch one over each end of a standard Swiffer sweeper. Make sure the rougher side is the part you will be using on the floor.

This cleans the floor better than the wet pads do because of the texture, and they are completely FREE.

Best of all, you can launder and reuse them!

I tried it out and it worked great. You can even replace the socks with dry ones to run back over the floor to dry it.

See more uses for your old socks.

Make your own spa products

Natural You has a video showing how you can make your own spa-quality natural body scrubs in minutes.

Making better food choices

On a quest to eat healthier? Anne On Life suggests ways you can make your favorite foods healthier.

Recycling items to new uses

Global Recycle Products is full of creative ideas on how to recycle your everyday trash into something you can use. I love the turning toilet paper cores and plastic bottles into curlers idea.

Cute Firetruck Birthday Party

Creating a cute little boy’s birthday party can be challenging. Check out this adorable firetruck themed party idea that is sure to be a hit. Eat-Drink-Pretty is full of beautiful, fun party ideas.

Handmade gift idea

Bake some delicious cookies and present them in a beautiful gift package created from a Pringles can.

This is a great idea for a back-to-school gift for your child’s new teacher. Add a tag saying “Have a great year!” to the front.

Find the recipe and package creation instructions at The Paper Pony. Print this easy gift idea and keep it in your Custom Cookbook in a tab called “gift ideas”.

Endless cooking advice and recipes

Ever realized you are missing an ingredient and wish you know what you could use as a substitution?

Check out Chef Tom’s recipe forum at Recipesnoop.com. It is full of recipes, tips, definitions, and advice. I don’t think there is a cooking question that doesn’t have an answer in this extensive collection of cooking information.

You can get his free cookbooks, too. I have been trying out his recipes 2-3 nights a week for awhile, and they are easy and delicious.

Quarterly room clean out

I periodically go through the kids’ rooms and clear out the junk, but I like the idea of scheduling it on a quarterly basis. Find out more at PenelopeLovesLists.com.

Cheap decorating idea for a small kid’s room

Check out how cute little dresses hanging on a clothesline looks in a little girl’s room at Momspark.net. You could use sports-type shirts and baseball hats to create a boy version.

Shameless self promotion

Check out my new blog at Finding The Humor. My favorite post is “What I could have done with $900″.

Did you discover any cool finds this week?

Book Mooch

Bookmooch.com has an interesting concept in trading around books with other readers. You earn points to borrow other books when you lend yours.

You can even donate your extra points to a couple of charities so they can purchase needed books. I’m going to try it out soon.

(Available in the US, France, and UK) If anyone has used this before, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Facebook Fun

The funny facebook video on my friend Jenny’s wonderful blog called NEWRU is hysterical because in some ways it is so true. Hey, I think I know this guy.

Wear your seatbelt

Sorry..a second video, but this was a very creative moving reminder that you should always wear your seatbelt.

Let’s make this world a better place

I was moved to tears at the stories by “How to treat others in 5 lessons”. The five stories have an amazing message that is sure to make you think. Warning: have a tissue in hand.

Going along with that concept, I thought the article “72 ways to make someone’s day” has some wonderful ideas.

Make a difference in someone’s day today

A collection of cool stuff I found this week:

Environmentally conscious toothbrush

Radius Toothbrush makes an environmentally conscious toothbrush. You can replace the tops of the brush! I discovered this thanks to Random Recycling.

How to make a grocery bag holder

My sister knitted a grocery bag holder for me that I love. I was wondering how you could make one without having to knit (since I don’t). I found easy instructions on how to sew one from a blog full of make-it yourself ideas. Go to MakeIt LoveIt for the instructions. OK, I don’t really sew well either, but I’m willing to try.

Recipe Sources

I am always on the hunt for some new recipes as I just get tired of the same old thing. I discovered some wonderful recipes on the following sites:

• Chocolate chip cookies made using a cake mix at Heavenly Mommy
• Brandie Castle Cooking
• Mommie Cooks

Print some new recipes and place them in your Custom Cookbook.

Other cool stuff

McDonalds is offering free small Mochas on Mondays, and that is one of my favorites! Guess where I will be Monday? I think it is nationwide and it ends August 3rd. Thanks to The Organizing Genie for the tip. Check out her organization site.

Flying cars are coming soon! WOW! Check it out. It is the car we have been waiting for since we watched the Jetsons as kids. Of course, the price tag is a bit steep.

Did you find any cool stuff this week?

Happy 40th anniversary Earth Day!

Make a commitment to change

In honor of Earth Day, commit to making 3 changes in your lifestyle to help the environment.

What items do you use the most that you could find a more environmentally-friendly alternative for?

More Go Green articles

What are your three Earth Day resolutions?

Recycling is about more than cans and newspaper. These fabulous programs are putting “trash” to good use.

1. Rechargeable batteries and cell phones

   Many local stores collect rechargeable batteries from toys, tools, laptops, cordless phones, or flashlights for Call2Recycle. Visit Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

   
   

2. Used eyeglasses

   Don’t throw them away! The Lions Club has a wonderful recycling program for used prescription glasses. Visit www.lionsclubs.org to find a drop-off site and donate your old glasses.

   Many local organizations like schools, doctors’ offices, etc. collect the glasses for the Lion’s Club. You can make a difference in someone’s quality of life with your donation.




3. Ink and toner cartridge recycle programs

   Office supply stores offer rewards programs for turning in your used ink and toner cartridges.

   • Staples
   • Office Depot

   I believe Staples sends the rewards coupons more frequently, but both offer $3 credit for each cartridge you return to the store. Check the website of the office store you frequent to see if they offer similar programs.

   There are also other programs like FreeRecycling.com. I haven’t personally used them but the idea is interesting.

   
   

4. Computer/TV equipment

   LG, Dell, and Apple are a few examples of electronics companies that have recycle programs for their products.

   Check the website of your used equipment for specific details on how you can recycle your old electronics. Several of these companies also offer discounts on new products if you recycle your old one.

   
   



5. Running shoes

   There is quite a list of companies collecting used shoes which are then given to people in need. If they aren’t wearable, they can be recycled into playground surfaces and sports courts.

   I am personally familiar with Nike’s program, but there are many listed at RunThePlanet.com.

   
   

6. Greeting cards

   Mail used greeting cards to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, where the fronts will be reused to make new cards. They don’t just collect Christmas cards, but also thank you, birthday, and general cards, too. Another way to support this program is to purchase cards from them.

   
   



7. Packing peanuts

   Drop off plastic packing peanuts for reuse. Find a collection center in your area at LooseFillPackaging.com.

   
   

Have any other recycle programs to add to the list?

Related articles:

Recycle-Reuse-Reduce
10 Great Uses for Bags
Go Green – Getting Started

RECYCLE

Make recycling convenient

Recyclable cans, bottles, and newspapers will actually make it to the recycling bin if you make it convenient.

Place the collection bins in the garage near the door so you can simply toss them in quickly. If your bins are located on the other side of the garage from the door, then you are less likely to recycle that diet soda can.

If your sanitation department has a recycling program, check their website for a list of the items they accept. Occasionally they will add new items to the list. Tape the recycle list at eye level by the bin as a reminder.

Hazardous Waste

Batteries should not be thrown into the trash. Keep a bag near the new batteries to collect the old ones.

Items that contain harmful substances, such as mercury and lead, or precious metals that can be reused should be taken to a hazardous waste collection center.

Examples of these items include:

• Paint
• Florescent lights
• Household cleaners
• Pesticides
• Expired fire extinguishers
• Electronics
• Batteries

Many cities host “e-waste” drop-offs throughout the year.

Designate a small area in the garage to store these items until you collect enough to warrant a trip. Ask friends and neighbors if they have anything you can take for them, and maybe they will return the favor and save you a trip next time.

REUSE

One person’s junk is another one’s treasure

Freesharing.org and Freecycle.org are great for passing along items that you can’t use anymore but are too nice to throw away. There may also be local freecycle-type Yahoo groups in your area.

Not only is this a way to give items a second-life but it’s also a way to find items you need for free rather than buying them new. It is also great for finding odds ‘n ends for school projects.

Magazines

Recycle your magazines by sharing them with a friend or neighbor when you are done reading them.

Fly often? Leave your books/magazines in the airport or airplane for others to enjoy.

Waiting rooms are another spot to leave used magazines if they are fairly current.

Plastic bags

Plastic bags from the grocery store have many uses. Store them in a closet using one bag to hold all the rest.

Printer Paper

Use the back of “trash” paper for scrap paper. Great for making “to-do” or grocery store lists. Cut a stack in half and staple it together at the top. Voila…your new scrap paper pad.

REDUCE

Use reusable cloth bags

Use reusable cloth bags when shopping. Most stores offer them for $1 per bag, and it is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and paper bags. Store them in the back of your car so you don’t forget them.

Rechargable Batteries

Invest in rechargeable batteries and a charger. Not only are you helping the environment, but you will save money, too. Check out Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2010 for information on the choices available.

Minimize your junk mail by taking your name off lists

CatalogChoice.org – remove your name from catalog mailings or contact the companies yourself.
DoNotMail.org – another place to reduce junk mail
DMAChoice – Direct Marketing Association
Valassis – Redplum coupons
CoxTarget.com – Valpak coupon envelopes
Acxiom
YellowPagesOptout.com – Eliminate phone book deliveries
Stop preapproved credit card and insurance offers by calling (888)567-8688 to opt out of 4 major credit bureaus at once.

What other ways do you recycle, reuse, or reduce?

Related Articles:

7 Recycle Programs You May Not Know About
10 Great Uses for Bags
Go Green – Getting Started.

Don’t get me wrong – I am a believer in those reusable cloth bags for grocery trips. However, for short trips, I tend to forget to bring them with me.  I am new at the whole  “Green” thing and am still getting used to using them.

So what do you do with those plastic bags?

Don’t toss them – they have many wonderful uses.

Using a nail or thumbtack, hang one plastic bag on the wall in your pantry or laundry room and store the others in it.  Larger bags from departments stores get folded and stored in the biggest bag (one of those nice handled paper ones works great).  Keep them in a closet.

1. Line small trashcans

This is my favorite use! Use small plastic bags to line the little trashcans in the bathroom that tend to have wet yucky things thrown into them.  I like to use them in the kids’ trashcans, too, to avoid having gum or lollipop sticks stuck to the bottom. Now the trashcan will stay clean.  Just lift out the bag and tie it up when it is full. I have found storing a few in the bottom of the trashcan before lining it keeps a supply handy, so when I toss one I can quickly replace it.

2. Dog walking bag

There’s no need to buy special bags to clean up after your dog on a walk. Use the small plastic bags. They tie up tightly to help reduce odor.

3. Cleaning out the car

Why is it that my children are unable to make a five-minute trip to the store without taking every small toy they own? Once or twice a week I clean out the car using a couple of bags. One bag is for collecting all the toys scattered around the backseat and another to gather up any trash. With all the toys in the bag, I can easily hand them to the offender with the instructions: “Please put these away.”

4. Car travel trash bag

Keep a few small bags in the car to gather up trash during long car trips. This also comes in handy just in case someone gets car sick.

5. Donation bags

Those larger bags from departments stores make great bags for transporting items you want to donate. I keep a “donation” bag handy to toss things in. When it fills up, I take it where it needs to go. I do the same thing for clothes I need to take to the consignment shop.

6. Easy transportation

I am always sending in various items to school with my children. A bag makes it easier for the kids to carry them.

7. Packing material

When mailing a package, use them to fill the box instead of purchasing fillers.

8. Diaper disposal

Keep a few in a diaper bag in case you have to do an emergency change and there is no trashcan in sight. It will help reduce the odor in the car until you can dispose of it. This saved me many times when my kids were in diapers.

9. Kitchen use

When cutting up meat, use the bag to catch the yucky scraps and tie it up before putting in the trash. This will help keep the odor of the trash can to a minimum while waiting for trash day.

10. Protect your frozen meats

Wrapping up your meats in a bag before freezing them gives them an extra layer of protection.

Got too many bags to ever use?

Take the grocery bags back to the store and put them in the recycle bin.

Have any other great uses for bags?

I would love to hear them!

No, I’m not talking about your significant other..I am talking about the lost matches to socks building up in the laundry room. Now before you say..”Whoa there..I do not want to invite thirty kids over to make a sock puppet theater!”, that isn’t where I am heading with this.

Ok, ok…you can use a few for a sock puppet project if you wish; however, socks make excellent rags. My mother “claims” she is never missing a match, yet I seem to collect about 15 to 20 over a few months.

Every few months when you are sure the match just isn’t going to show up, move them to the rag bag. Cut a slit at the top so you know that sock is now a rag when you wash them.

Which brings us back to the missing partner. His fate is now sealed, and he will become a rag…if he ever shows up.