Nov/Dec 2013 by Greenability magazine

November/December 2013

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Publisher’s Letter

This holiday season, rethink and repurpose

bout this time each year, my husband and I begin musing about what special holiday gift we will give our children. This is the present we make ourselves, and our tradition is to start with something used. It has to be creative, practical and an item we think they’ll all like. For years we have begun at Habitat ReStore, perusing the aisles for raw materials and ideas. We’ve made nightstands from bi-fold doors and leftover cork flooring, lamps from commercial fixtures, chickenand cow-shaped cutting boards from a felled walnut tree, “memory” boxes (filled with childhood trinkets) from repurposed wood and magnetic boards housed in old frames. It’s likely none of these gifts would make the Top 10 on a wish list, but every year the kids (all young adults now) are eager to see what we have created and hear the story of its origins. The year we gave them lamps, they created an impromptu YouTube video that featured them singing “Deck the Halls” to the synchronized flickering of their CFLs. They have long since adopted the tradition, each making something for the sibling whose name they draw from a hat. As we head into the holiday season, we encourage you to rethink your celebrations and bring family and friends into the fun of creating something original from old materials, instead of simply purchasing everything new. The Greenability interns spent the summer scouring websites like Pinterest looking for gifts that could be made from items found in a recycling bin. They gathered the materials and created their treasures from paper, cans, plastic bottles, and even old clothes. You’ll find their creations and instructions in our section, Create Upcycled Gifts. For those who don’t want to attempt a project, we suggest passing this issue on to your favorite recycler. Then head to a local shop like Stuff or Eclectics Gallery in

Brookside or to the Crossroads or West Bottoms on First Friday weekends to find locally created art and repurposed gifts. Keeping with the holiday recycling/repurposing theme, Greenability is participating in the Holiday Light Recycling Drive as one of more than 175 dropoff locations. If you’ve wondered what to do with those broken strings of lights, now you can donate them for recycling and support a great cause. Southeast Enterprises, the project organizer, is a nonprofit organization that provides work for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By donating lights, you know they are being recycled, and you’ve helped create jobs, too. Read all about it in the Greenability Challenge story in this issue. Our free weekly e-newsletter will provide you with even more sustainable ideas for celebrating. We’ll keep you posted on ways to simplify, minimize waste, cut an invasive tree (and then recycle it), find farm-fresh local food and enjoy a “green” Friday the day after Thanksgiving. Sign up at www.greenabilitymagazine.com, and while you’re there, check out our online calendar for seasonal events and greener holiday outings. And finally, we appreciate being a recipient of the Founders Sustainability Award from Arctic Action Teams and Polar Bears International. In this season of gratitude, we thank all of you for supporting our efforts at Greenability.

Julie Koppen Publisher julie@greenabilitymagazine.com

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Volume 7, Number 6 November /December 2013

PUBLISHER Julie Koppen julie@greenabilitymagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Valerie Kutchko Rachel Martin

OPERATIONS & CIRCULATION MANAGER Dani Hurst Brown dani@greenabilitymagazine.com

ADVERTISING Julie Koppen julie@greenabilitymagazine.com

COPY EDITOR Kim Broers WRITERS Dani Hurst Brown Audrey Faltin Valerie Kutchko Rachel Martin Tanner Rapelye ASSISTANTS James Gottsch Johannah Waldo GRAPHIC DESIGN Kim Tappan/Tappan Design Connie Saum COVER PHOTOGRAPH Rachel Martin

WEBSITE MANAGEMENT Tim Gieseking COPYRIGHT All contents of this issue of Greenability are copyrighted by The Koppen Group Inc., 2013. All rights reserved. GREENABILITY November/December 2013 (ISSN 1938-5749) is published bi-monthly (6 times per year) for $24 per year by The Koppen Group, Inc., 1600 Olive St., Kansas City, MO 64127. Periodicals postage paid (USPS 2020) at Kansas City, MO and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to GREENABILITY, P.0. Box 414056, Kansas City, MO 64141-4056. Subscribe online at www.greenabilitymagazine.com or send subscription orders or address changes to P.O. Box 414056, Kansas City, MO 64141-4056. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE 1. Greenability; 2. 1938-5749; 3. 9-18-13; 4. Bi-monthly; 5. 6; 6. 24; 7.8.9.10. Julie Koppen, publisher; The Koppen Group, Inc, owner; 1600 Olive St., KC, MO 64127; 816-931-3646; 11. 0; 12. Not changed; 13. Greenability; 14. 7/8-13; 15a. 4660, 4000; b1. 1306, 1224; b2. 0, 0; b3. 850, 938; b4. 0, 0; c. 2156, 2162; d1. 30, 22; d2. 0,0; d3. 8, 4; d4. 1263, 940; e. 1301, 966; f. 3457, 3128; g. 1203, 872; h. 4660, 4000; i. 62, 69; 17. 11/12-13; 18. 9-18-13

ON THE COVER Greenability interns made the monkey from old socks, the vase from a soda bottle, and the frame from archive Greenability magazines. The photo is of the publisher’s granddaughter, Madison.

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CONTENTS November/December 2013

Features

11 17 37

7 tomes that tout sustainability Take the Eat Local Pledge Greenability wins Founders Sustainability Award

Departments

4 36 39

Upcycle Your Holidays

19 25 29 33

Make a bowl, bow or planter from old magazines Use discarded cans for luminaries, cookie cutters or rocket stoves Craft creatively from castoff clothing Turn plastic bottles into four fun gifts

From the Publisher Commentary: Match your environmental values to a career Greenability Directory

Recycle your lights this holiday season

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Recycle your LIGHTS this holiday season By Dani Hurst Brown Photography by Rachel Martin

From left: Lisa A., John P. and Jami E. all enjoy processing strands of holiday lights for recycling at Southeast Enterprises.

hree years ago, Megan Lee-Gurera was looking forward to decorating her home for the holidays. When she plugged in the previous year’s lights and found that they were damaged, though, she was left with a tangled pile of seemingly worthless garbage. While many would have simply stuck them in the ever-growing holiday trash heap and headed to the store to buy more, Lee-Gurera took on the challenge of finding them a more meaningful second life. As the business development director at Southeast Enterprises, Lee-Gurera is constantly on the lookout for creative projects that can be turned into paying jobs for the organization’s 167 employees. Southeast Enterprises is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe and challenging work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s natural, then, that when faced with the tangle of unusable lights, Lee-Gurera was determined to turn them into a chance to help the environment while providing much-needed employment opportunities.

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Greenability Challenge

So it is that in August 2011, the metaphorical light bulb went on, and the Holiday Light Recycling Drive was born. The first year saw a slow start. Thanksgiving had come and gone before the program really found its footing, but with the help of 11 dropoff sites in the Kansas City area, Southeast Enterprises was able to collect about 500 pounds of lights for recycling. They weren’t groundbreaking numbers, but Lee-Gurera figured that if that much interest existed with such short notice, then surely those numbers would multiply with a little more planning. She decided to “go bigger” in 2012, and set an ambitious goal of 24,000 pounds of lights. The response she received was inspiring. She organized 165 drop-off locations and a working partnership with St. Louis Green, a non-profit organization that coordinates a similar holiday lights recycling drive. Southeast Enterprises blew its original goal out of the water. They collected 31,000 pounds of broken holiday lights of all shapes, sizes and colors. Lee-Gurera believes the Holiday Light Recycling Drive has been so well received by the community because until now people didn’t know what to do with broken lights and felt bad about just throwing them away. “People don’t realize that each strand adds up to a big number,” she says. “By collecting such huge amounts, we’ve made it a big deal. We are showing people that the waste adds up quickly.” Lee-Gurera is hoping the third time is a charm, and that this year will be their biggest yet. With more partners and drop-off sites than ever, Lee-Gurera has boosted the goal yet again, setting it at

Find a drop-off site near you The Holiday Lights Recycling Drive 2013-2014 runs from November 17 through January 26, 2014. During that time, residents can take their broken or unwanted holiday lights to a drop-off box at more than 175 locations. Here are 10 donation sites in the metro area. For a full list of drop-off sites, visit www.kcrecyclelights.com.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Greenability at Posty Cards 1600 Olive St., Kansas City, MO

Downtown Jackson County Courthouse 415 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO

Valley View Bank 4550 Belleview, Kansas City, MO

Southeast Enterprises 6701 Booth Ave., Kansas City, MO

Blue Ridge Public Library 9253 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO

Public Works Department 303 W. Walnut, Independence, MO

Blue Springs North Public Library 850 N.W. Hunter Dr., Blue Springs, MO

Mission Bank 5115 Roe Blvd., Roeland Park, KS

Industrial Bank 966 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS

Security Bank 701 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS

In previous years, some light-drop-off sites have added festive decorations to their donation bins. Photo: Southeast Enterprises greenabilitymagazine.com greenabilitymagazine.com

Greenability Challenge

34,000 pounds of lights. She knows the increase turns up the pressure, but is optimistic that Kansas City residents can handle the challenge.

Recycling lights provides year-round work When work is slow at Southeast Enterprises, the employees complete simulated work tasks, both to continue honing their skills and so Southeast Enterprises can continue paying them. According to LeeGurera, the lights collected during the recycling drive are worked on throughout the year to supplement their more regular contracted jobs. This helps keep simulated work to a minimum and keeps the employees engaged and excited about their jobs. “We don’t ever want to have to lay anyone off,” she says. “The lights provide work for our employees, so the program is good for us and for the environment. It’s a win for everyone.”

The goal is zero waste Megan Lee-Gurera, business development director at Southeast Enterprises, spearheads the organization’s Holiday Light Recycling Drive. Below: She works with employees Jami E. and Andrea P. on the project.

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The recycling process is simple and designed with a zero-waste goal. The first step is to remove all the lights from the donated strands. Depending on the type of lights, employees either clip off each individual light or unscrew each bulb and place them in a corresponding container. The coated wire that once connected the lights is separated and put into another container. Finally, the plugs at the end of each cord are cut and put into yet another container. Small, plastic twinkle lights are sent to Systech Environmental Corp. in Kansas, where they are burned in a kiln and used as an alternative source of energy. Lee-Gurera and her team are working to find a good recycler for the glass bulbs they collect, but until then the bulbs are stored on site. (Some were given to a Boy Scout troop that requested light bulbs for a craft project.) But the money is in the wires and plugs. These are sold to City Scrap Metal in Lee’s Summit, MO, which pays by the pound for the copper they recover. Any money that Southeast Enterprises earns from this process is used to cover employee wages and fund future employment endeavors. Although the donation bins primarily are meant to collect holiday lights, people tend to drop all kinds of items in them. Lee-Gurera says they have seen everything from picture frames to canned goods, and that to stay in line with their zero-waste goal, they have tried to find homes for everything. Many items are donated to Goodwill, and any nonperishable food items are given to Harvesters. Lee-Gurera says they come across a great deal of plastic and cardboard that is associated with holiday lights. From cardboard packaging to tiny plastic roof clips to rigid sculptures covered in lights, it is all separated and sent to City Scrap Metal to be recycled. “If we run across anything that we can reuse or recycle, we do,” LeeGurera says. One of the best qualities of the holiday lights recycling process, according to Lee-Gurera, is that just about every employee can participate in some

Greenability Challenge

capacity. Plus, it’s an activity that summons the warmth and excitement of the holiday season all year long. “Employees really like the season and seeing all the different types of lights that people decorate with,” she says. And with thousands of pounds of lights running through Southeast Enterprises in a year, the employees get to see every color, shape and size of holiday light. “I like all different colors of lights, but green is my favorite,” says employee Andrea P. “I also like star-shaped ones.” “I like blue lights the best,” says Lisa A. “And I like lights shaped like snowflakes, too.”

Southeast Enterprises supports a bigger cause Recycling lights is just one of the many jobs at Southeast Enterprises. Employees have a wide range of skills and abilities, which allows the organization to accept a variety of work contracts. On any given day, numerous workstations are set up according to the projects that need to get done, each buzzing with unique activities and conversations. Employees could be cleaning remotes and untangling and sorting cords for Time Warner Cable or assembling throat swab kits for Remel, a pharmaceutical company, as well as puppy and kitten kits for Zoetis (formerly Pfizer), which are then sent to veterinarians to give to new pet owners. “Working at Southeast Enterprises keeps the employees socially involved with their peers,” Lee-Gurera says. “They can work within their abilities here, and don’t have to live up to expectations that are too high for them.” For Lisa A., an employee for more than 20 years, the work experience she has gained has been invaluable, both socially and in terms of acquiring other work outside of Southeast Enterprises. “I like coming to work here,” she says. “I always miss talking with my friends when I’m not working. They’re really good people, and they’ve helped me with a lot of stuff. I also like working here because it helps me do other jobs outside of here.” Lee-Gurera says working with the employees is inspiring because they love their jobs and are always looking to improve their skills. “It’s a good environment for disabled adults,” says Jami E., who recently became engaged to a fellow employee. “I like working with the other employees, and I always want to do a good job.” James S., an employee at Southeast Enterprises for more than 10 years, couldn’t agree more. “Handicap is up here,” he says, pointing to his left temple. “But we can still work. This is our job. I don’t care what a job pays. If you don’t like it, you won’t go. And I love my job.” “Never underestimate what they can do, because 90 percent of the time, they prove us wrong,” Lee-Gurera says. “We try to let them try all the different jobs to see what fits them best. It’s not about the money; it’s about the people. It’s like a family around here. Ultimately, we just want them to be happy and fulfilled.”

Last year, the Holiday Light Recycling Drive collected and recycled 31,000 pounds of lights. greenabilitymagazine.com

7 tomes that tout sustainability By Dani Hurst Brown, Audrey Faltin and Valerie Kutchko

The Book of Herbs: An Illustrated A-Z of the World’s Most Popular Culinary and Medicinal Herbs By Barty Phillips Herbs represent some of nature’s most remarkable and multifunctional plants. They were among the first plants to be cultivated by humans, and their varied culinary, medicinal and cosmetic benefits have been studied and revered for centuries. The Book of Herbs offers a wealth of information that highlights more than 80 of these diverse and amazing plants. This A-Z guide covers everything from common herbs – like aloe vera, basil, black pepper and lavender – to the more rare and exotic – such as cardamom, galangal and mandrake. This guide even features those herbs that are so common we have forgotten their usefulness and often classify them as worthless weeds. At least that’s what many think about dandelions, garlic chives and stinging nettle. Each page focuses on a different herb, examining its history and place in folklore, healing benefits (including any special precautions), flavor-enhancing properties, and household and cosmetic uses. Entries include color photos of the whole plant, all of its useful parts and how to prepare them. Herbs are featured alphabetically by their common names for easy searching, and in an index of botanical names. This reference volume is perfect for those wanting to learn about living a more natural life with herbs.

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Cooking Wild in Missouri By Bernadette Dryden The Show-Me State boasts a wide array of native and wild delicacies, ranging from fish and wild game (like venison, rabbit, squirrel and a variety of birds) to fruits, nuts and mushrooms. This means great eating all year long for hunters, anglers and foragers across the state, and for those lucky enough to be their friends. The aim of Cooking Wild in Missouri is two-fold: to encourage Missourians to explore some of their home state’s most popular and well-loved native foods, and to provide an assortment of ways for preparing and enjoying them. in Missouri Author Bernadette Bernadette Dryden Dryden highlights more than 100 kitchen-tested recipes, some of which reflect Missouri’s native culinary traditions, savoring the Show-Me State’s game, fish, nuts, fruits and mushrooms such as creamed morel mushrooms and fried catfish. Others draw on cultures and cuisines from around the world, such as Korean barbecued venison and smoked paddlefish Niçoise. The result is a compilation of recipes that augments and energizes the culinary repertoires of Missouri’s outdoorsmen and women. And for these people who fish in cold streams for hours, forage in the forest for obscure mushrooms, or hunt game in the early morning hours, cooking and sharing what they bring home from the fields, woods and waters is just as important as procuring it. This volume introduces readers to the importance of eating locally, seasonally and sustainably, and encourages them to experiment with non-traditional preparations of their harvests. The author includes color photos of almost every recipe, personal stories behind the recipes, words of caution and lively kitchen tips that apply to the novice or experienced cook. It’s all done in an effort to help readers cultivate a commitment to more conscious consumption.

CookingWild

Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist

Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep It Fun!

By Bill McKibben

By Jeff Alt

Environmentalist and author Bill McKibben recounts his ongoing fight against the proposed Keystone XL pipeline while taking readers to the heart of raising honey bees, two tales that are interwoven with his personal story in Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist. McKibben looks at the climate-change connections between the melting of the Arctic, the drought in the Midwest and Superstorm Sandy in the Atlantic, and how that has spurred him to build a social movement to find solutions. His fight against big oil companies lands McKibben and his followers in jail for their protests at the White House. At the same time, he joins forces with a Vermont beekeeper who is struggling with Colony Collapse Disorder to raise hives for honey and as pollinators. Oil and Honey offers a balance between global issues of a warming planet and local concerns about our food system’s critical pollinators. The author of more than a dozen books, McKibben is best known for The End of Nature, Fight Global Warming Now, Hundred Dollar Holiday, Eaarth and Deep Economy. He is the founder of the environmental organization 350.org.

This practical guide provides advice for parents who want to get their children outdoors and show them how to enjoy it. The information is useful for both beginning and experienced hikers, and for children of all ages. Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep It Fun! begins by covering methods of hiking for kids of various age groups, from infancy to the teen years, as well as how to hike with a specialneeds child. Not only do these include suggestions for age-appropriate equipment such as infant carriers, non-cotton socks and water-resistant shoes, but also ways to get children interested in the activity. Letting them be involved in planning and packing for the hike, allowing them to lead, and taking along books on insects, birds and plants can go a long way in developing a child’s enthusiasm for what will likely be a long and sweaty hike. Author Jeff Alt emphasizes that reaching your destination is not the goal as much as is developing your child’s enthusiasm for the hike. The guide includes packing checklists, ideas for child-friendly menus, a resource list and advice on keeping you and your child safe and healthy. With the proper attitude and planning, taking the kids out on the trail doesn’t have to be a battle; it can be fun for the whole family.

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Homesteading in the 21st Century

to consider starting small homesteads where they raise their own vegetables and perhaps a few chickens. In 2003, apples cost $0.96 per pound, a carton of eggs cost a dollar, and three pounds of chicken was about three dollars. Today, the same items cost $1.38, $1.90, and $4.44, respectively, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Add to that the overall lack of information about where and how grocery-store food is grown and processed, and the appeal of growing your own food on your own homestead is even stronger. Divided into three parts, the book explains in detail the best methods for every aspect of homesteading. Readers will learn about soil types, the best fruits and vegetables to grow and the best types of animals to raise. In each chapter, there is a feature named “Homesteading Wherever You Are” for the reader who isn’t quite ready to give up the urban lifestyle, but wants to develop sustainable habits. Whether you’re looking for a complete lifestyle change or just want tips on how to enjoy the little things and appreciate the natural world, Homesteading in the 21st Century is a great resource.

By George Nash and Jane Waterman The appeal of knowing where your food comes from coupled with an increased awareness of the impact we each have on the environment has pushed “homesteading” into the public awareness. Developing your own style of homesteading may seem daunting, but in Homesteading in the 21st Century, authors George Nash and Jane Waterman have thoroughly laid out the process by which everyone can live more simply. Homesteading, or living a more self-reliant lifestyle by growing and/or raising your own food, is a trend gaining in popularity. A combination of rising costs and wariness about the source of our food has led urbanites

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Still Your Pinky

The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food By Janisse Ray The local food movement is taking root and spreading across the country, emphasizing the importance of responsible farming and regionally based cuisines. But the very building blocks of our entire food system – the seeds themselves – are under attack. Of the thousands of seed varieties that were available at the beginning of the 20th century, 94 percent have disappeared forever. The selection of available seeds continues to narrow, which directly impacts our nation’s agricultural bio-diversity as well as our cultural heritage.

The Seed Underground shares the inspiring stories of everyday growers who strive to save heirloom seeds like Old Time Tennessee muskmelon and Long County Longhorn okra that will be lost if people don’t continue to grow, collect, and exchange them. Author Janisse Ray introduces readers to dozens of seed savers across the country, and also shares parts of her own story – watching her grandmother collect and save squash seeds; of her own first tiny garden at the edge of a junkyard; of falling in love with heirloom and local varieties as a young woman; and the one seed – Conch cowpea – that got away from her. The Seed Underground reminds readers that as seeds disappear, so, too, do the stories, heritage, and history that are exchanged between people as those seeds are passed from hand to hand. With her book, Ray strives to inspire and empower younger generations to regain control of their food system through sustainable farming, at the core of which is saving seeds and preserving local history.

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kansascityzoo.org | 816.513.5800 The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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Trash Animals: How We Live with Nature’s Filthy, Feral, Invasive and Unwanted Species Edited by Kelsi Nagy and Phillip David Johnson II Many wildlife species are loathed, feared or mocked because humans have classified them as the repulsive “other” in our society. An eagle or hawk perched upon a branch inspires awe, while pigeons shuffling along the sidewalk are kicked at and shooed away. Why are some animals revered and even kept in our homes as pets, while others are regarded as “trash” and relegated to the fringes? What cultural and social

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forces contribute to these classifications? And what are the consequences of valuing certain species while trivializing others? In Trash Animals, a group of environmental writers examines the history of certain species deemed unwelcome and unwanted, and investigates the strained relationships humans have with them. Each essay spotlights a so-called “trash” animal – cockroaches, coyotes, gulls, snakes and prairie dogs, to name a few – and explores the reality of their behavior and biology in contrast to the assumptions we hold about them. The sarcastic use of the word “trash” in Trash Animals highlights the very purpose of the book:

to challenge every reader to take a closer look at these animals and re-evaluate our manner of interaction with them. Perhaps by analyzing the origins of our rash and often unfair cultural responses to some species, we may better understand ourselves and how we classify and respond to “trash” in general. The authors contend we all need to learn how to better deal with “trash,” whether it’s spoiled food, broken or obsolete electronics, or animals we don’t quite understand. Part of that process is recognizing that some of what we delegate as such is actually useful in its own way and shouldn’t be carelessly tossed away.

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www.metroenergy.org/kccleancities.aspx greenabilitymagazine.com

Take the Eat Local Pledge

hen the outside temperature takes a dive, finding locally grown food is an especially nice culinary treat. This holiday season, take the Eat Local Pledge and eat healthier, support the local farming economy and promote sustainable growing practices by reducing your food miles. The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition asks that Kansas Citians pledge to serve just one locally grown or raised food at a holiday celebration this year. When you take the pledge at www.eatlocalkc.org, you will receive a buy-one-entrée-get-one-free coupon from Chipotle and be entered in a random drawing for one of five local grocery gift cards. An interactive local food map will help you find farmers markets, meat purveyors, grocery stores and restaurants that are selling or serving locally grown and raise.d food in your immediate area.

5 Reasons to Eat Local for the Holidays ■

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Farmers markets and CSA (community-supported agriculture) programs put you face-to-face with farmers. You can talk with them directly to learn when the food was harvested and how it was grown. Local farmers tend to grow different varieties of our favorite foods or other fruits and vegetables that grow more regionally and may not be available in our supermarkets. This allows for a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, leading to a more nutritious diet. Greenability

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A strong local food system lets you put your money into your own community, creating more stability for everyone. Local growers are more likely to limit their use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, they rely on growing management methods, like crop rotation, composting and biological controls, to ensure a healthy harvest. Locally raised products travel shorter distances to your plate, which reduces energy consumption.

your holidays

Meet the Greenability interns who will guide you through the art and craft of creating gifts from your recycling bin – and old clothes. They are (from left) Rachel Martin, Audrey Faltin and Valerie Kutchko.

his holiday season, the Greenability interns challenge

repurposing projects, and subscribers can “pin” them

you to rethink gifting. Instead of purchasing it, try

for later reference.

making it.

Audrey Faltin chose cans and paper as her source

That was our challenge to them early this summer. We

materials; Valerie Kutchko used plastic; and Rachel

wanted to see what they could make out of a recycling bin.

Martin talked us into letting her use old clothing — even

It had to be something they would give as a gift to family

though you don’t put it into curbside recycling.

or friends. We strongly suggested gifts that were useful.

In their stories, you’ll learn what worked, and what

They each began by looking for ideas on “upcycling”

didn’t, what they liked, and what they’d never make

and “repurposing.” They found most of their projects

again. They hope it inspires you to think outside the box

on Pinterest, an online (www.pinterest.com) idea center

— and dive into your own recycling bin for some great

where individuals can post and share their crafting and

gifting ideas.

greenabilitymagazine.com

your holidays

MEET THE REPURPOSER

Faltin

have been crafting since I was about 10 years old. Until recently, my creations were always made from store-bought supplies and decorations. Over the last year or so, I’ve begun to make some of my own craft supplies. I make glitter, Mod Podge (glue and sealer), and a few other general crafting items which are costly to purchase at craft stores. For someone like me, who is addicted to glitter, there’s a big savings in making it from salt and dying it with food color. I am routinely consumed with the irrational desire to sprinkle glitter on everything. Luckily for my roommate, this assignment helped me see that not everything needs glitter to be attractive. I discovered you can make many gift items from the paper and tin cans you find in your recycling bin. Before this assignment, I never considered repurposing anything, much less creating functional products from recycled materials. When out shopping, I’ve seen new products made from recycled materials, but never considered the possibility that I could create them myself. This assignment was an exciting step outside the box for me, and proved to be very worthwhile. I learned that crafting doesn’t have to be solely for decoration; it can be functional as well. I also realized that recycled materials are a perfect place to start (rather than finish) when I want to create something new.

Audrey Faltin is an avid crafter, but this was her first experience using materials from a recycling bin. She now has a broader range of creativity and a better understanding of the art of repurposing. Photo: Valerie Kutchko

I was especially excited to make the tin-can rocket stove and the magazine planter, because each of them struck me as something that a loved one would truly appreciate. While these were my favorite projects, they were by far the most difficult and time-consuming.

The

other projects were fun and would make great gifts. I truly enjoyed broadening my crafting repertoire and my understanding of repurposing as a functional and beautiful alternative to store-bought. Audrey Faltin is a high school Spanish teacher in the Raytown School District.

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Make a bowl, bow or planter from old magazines By Audrey Faltin Photography by Rachel Martin Used paper abounds, so it seems natural to choose it as a base product for bows, bowls, a frame and even a planter and stool. All of these gift ideas were made from old issues of Greenability magazine.

a loop of paper at the very top of the brad so that you can’t see the brad head when you attach it to a gift. Start by ripping out a magazine page you would like to use. Cut the page horizontally into six ¾-1 inch strips. The thicker you cut the strips, the harder it is to fold into bows. Once you have the strips of paper, create a figure 8. Twist the end of the magazine strip so that the images touching the middle match. Once the strip is twisted into a figure 8, put it on the brad. Attach the remaining five strips to the brad. Open the brad so that the strips stay together.

Gift Bows

Paper Bowl

Difficulty level: Easy

Difficulty Level: Easy

Supply list: Magazine pages, scissors, brass brads

Supply list: Old magazines, glue stick, heavy books/ stacks of magazines (optional), tape, Mod Podge This project made me think of my younger sister, because she is just starting to subscribe to tween magazines and really enjoys the DIY sections. It took a long time to fold the paper for the bowl, but it turned out beautifully. Since the recycled paper is thicker than some other magazines, I wasn’t able to accomplish the

Cutting and folding strips of colorful paper for gift bows is a green way to decorate presents.

Making gift bows from old magazine pages is a resourceful and frugal way to decorate your holiday packages. Plus, with a little attention to color selection, you can use them year-round. I had a lot of fun making the bows because I played with colors and used strips from different pages to get the color scheme I wanted. One thing I added after tinkering with this project was

This nifty paper bowl is made from magazine pages and would make a good key, change or candy holder.

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last fold in the instructions I found. I would definitely do this project again, but would probably spread it out over a few days so that my fingers don’t hurt from folding so many pages. To begin, rip all the pages out of a magazine (or two, depending on how large you want the bowl to be). Take a page and fold it in half horizontally. Then unfold it and fold the ends in so they are touching the crease in the middle. Fold those ends in again so they touch the middle. You can stop here; if you are using a magazine with thin pages, you can fold it once more so that the strip is very thin. Use your glue stick to glue the page together into one strip. I placed my strips under a stack of magazines to ensure the page glued tightly, but this step is not necessary. Once you have all the pages folded and glued, start making your bowl. Take a strip of paper and

Give your favorite family photo to a loved one in this simple rolled picture frame made from magazine pages and the top of a cardboard box.

roll it on itself. It will be hard at first, and might get a little lumpy, but keep going. Tape the next strip to the end of the first and continue rolling. Continue taping and rolling until all the pages are gone or you get the width

colors and making sure they each fit well on the box. I

of bowl that you want. Once you’re finished rolling and

added a step with my frame by covering the shoebox

taping, pull the edges of the circle up so that the roll of

before I glued on the rolls. The shoebox was a maroon

paper becomes a bowl shape. Pull until the bowl is as

color, which did not coordinate with my color scheme,

deep as you want it to be. Be careful that you don’t pull

so I found paper that did match and glued it down to

too hard or the edges will detach and you’ll have to start

create a cohesive look. This is a fun, inexpensive and

all over. Once the bowl is in the shape you want, cover

resourceful gift for anyone, but would be especially

it with Mod Podge or some other sealant to ensure the

enjoyable for younger children to make for grandparents

bowl will hold its shape.

or friends.

This would make a great holder for keys, paper clips or other small objects.

Rolled Paper Frame

Start by ripping pages out of a magazine with pictures or colors that you like. Once you have some pages, start creating rolls with each page. To create the roll, fold down the corner of a magazine page and roll it around

Difficulty level: Easy

a drinking straw. (Using a drinking straw creates uniform

Supply list: Magazine pages, glue, drinking straw,

rolls.) When you’re finished rolling the page, glue the last

shoe box lid

corner to the roll. My shoebox lid was small enough that I could rip the page in half and get two rolls from one

Although it was time consuming, making this paper

page, but you’ll have to judge that for yourself based

frame was really easy and gave me the chance to get

on the size of your shoebox lid. When you have enough

creative with a design. I had fun finding complementary

rolls to cover the box, glue the rolls to the shoebox lid

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Be creative with the design. Outline the shoebox with

Start by picking out the magazine cover you would

rolls, but then fill the outline with diagonal rolls, or glue

like to showcase on top. Next, outline the thickest part

rolls vertically, but glue the frame off-center. To finish,

of the planter on the magazine. I would suggest adding

just insert a great photo for a personalized gift!

½ - 1 inch of extra space around the outline. Using an X-Acto knife or box cutter, cut through the magazine

Magazine planter Difficulty level: Medium Supply list: Old magazines, X-Acto knife or box cutter, Mod Podge, plastic pot small enough to fit inside the stack of magazines, plant, dirt When I spotted this magazine planter, I immediately thought of my godmother. She is an avid gardener and loves eclectic things to add to her garden. This

following the outline of the planter. Repeat until you have a stack of magazines higher than the planter. Add one full magazine on the bottom, cutting a hole for drainage if you would like. Use Mod Podge to attach the magazine pages and coat the edges of the magazine stack to keep them together. Plant your pot with a favorite indoor variety and place the pot into the hole. When you water the plant, be sure to put a drip saucer underneath.

project looked easy initially, but out of all my projects

Magazine Stool Difficulty level: Easy Supply list: Old magazines, zip ties If you are working on several magazine projects, save this one for last. The magazine stool is a great way to use up the leftover, torn-up magazines. It sounds complicated, but once you get started it makes much more sense and becomes very easy. It took me a couple times to get it right, but because I was using old, torn magazines anyway, I didn’t feel bad wasting (and recycling) a few to get the process figured out. This stool would be perfect as a plant stand or foot stool, but I wouldn’t use it as a Making a magazine planter from paper is a little time consuming, but it can be personalized with your recipient’s favorite magazine on top.

step stool or seat unless it was for a small child. The first step is to roll up your old, used, cut-up magazines as tightly as you possibly can and put a zip

it was the one which took the most work to complete.

tie around the middle of each to hold it in place. Once

Cutting through the magazines was a lot more work

you have several rolls, start creating your stool. To make

than I originally anticipated, simply because it took a lot

the seat, lay several magazine rolls next to each other

of strength to cut through multiple magazines. I would

and zip tie the ends together, then zip tie those ends

suggest spacing it out over several days so it’s not so

to each of the crossbar magazine rolls. There should be

strenuous. However, once it was complete, it looked

one crossbar that runs underneath the top ends and one

wonderful. It would be a great gift for someone who has

that runs underneath the bottom ends. From there, lay

a favorite magazine or who loves unique planters.

two rolls vertically on the crossbars.

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It should look like a square, with the seat of the stool on the bottom. Attach the rolls at each corner with zip ties. Continue laying magazine rolls opposite the previous crossbars, creating squares at each level and zip tying the squares in the corners. Simply stop adding levels once the stool is as high as you want it to be.

All you need to create this stool is a pile of magazines, zip ties and some free time. It would make an eclectic plant stand or decorative footstool.

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Use discarded cans for luminaries, cookie cutters or rocket stove By Audrey Faltin, Photography by Rachel Martin

Put a dent in that mountain of recycling by creating a few strands of aluminum can lanterns for your next soiree.

Kick a can down the road. Put it in the recycling bin. Or better yet, make it into something useful and creative. Here are five ideas for transforming the simple tin can into something practical and decorative.

Tin-can luminaries Difficulty level: Easy Supply List: Tin cans, water, marker, hammer, nails of various thickness, tea lights, string This project caught my eye because it looked relatively easy and would add a nice decorative touch to a fall or holiday party. I would suggest not using tuna or any

Greenability

To punch the holes in the luminaries without crushing the tin cans, fill each can with water and place in the freezer. Then hammer the nails to create your design before the ice melts.

other shallow cans since it was difficult to keep the candle in the middle when it was hanging. I would also find thicker nails to create larger holes for the light to shine through. Also, make sure you have a long lighter to light the candles. I would definitely make this project again.

Drink Holder Difficulty level: Easy Supply list: Tin can, paint or other decorations, wire hangers, needle-nose pliers, hot glue gun (optional) This outdoor drink holder is a simple and practical

To begin, fill the cans with water and freeze them.

project. It would be a great way to re-use the hangers

Once the water is frozen, use a marker to make dots to

tossed out in spring cleaning, and can be used all

outline the design you would like to create on each can.

summer long. Another option for this project is to use

Hammer a nail through each of the dots. (Thicker nails

a single sturdy rod instead of three complementing

will create bigger holes.) Then add a hole in each side

rods to support the can. I personally find these fun and

so you can hang the luminaries when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re finished. Let

quirky, but my roommate thought it looked like a piece

the water thaw out of the cans and put a tea light in

of junk. So if you give these as gifts, choose decorations

each can. Thread the string through each can, light the

designed to appeal to your recipients.

candles, and hang.

The first step is to rinse out the tin can. Paint or decorate. (I glued a scrap of decorative paper around

Aluminum-can lantern luminaries Difficulty level: Easy Supply list: Aluminum cans with tab opening, paint or other decorations, masking tape, gloves, tape measure, X-Acto knife, tea lights, string

it.) Unbend the wire hangers, using needle-nose pliers if necessary. Wrap the straightened hangers around the can to create a three-legged support. If you like, you can use hot glue to keep the wires together. Once the wires are wrapped around the decorated can, push it into the ground and enjoy your favorite beverage within easy

I chose this because it is a perfect project to decorate with glitter. I enjoyed discovering that these luminaries

reach of your patio chair.

gave off more light than tin-can luminaries. When cutting the panels, keep in mind that the thicker you make the panel, the harder it is to bend them outward. This is another project that requires a long lighter to light the candles. First, rinse out the empty soda cans. Paint and decorate to your liking. When paint is dry, place tape around the top and bottom of the can to create boundaries for your cuts. Using the tape measure, mark the can where you would like to create the openings. Cut the can vertically. Push the two ends together to make the panels bend outward. This may take some finesse. If you need to

Creating this drink holder is a great way to repurpose tin cans and extra wire hangers. They can be decorated with the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite colors or designs.

use your hands to help bend the panels outward, use gloves, as the edges will be sharp. Once the panels are bent outward, slide a tea light through the openings. Tie a string to the tab on top, light the candles, and hang.

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aluminum. Cut that sheet in half horizontally so you have two long thinner pieces of aluminum. Try to make this cut as straight as possible. It will be the sharp edge of your cookie cutter. Because the edges will be sharp, use gloves and needle-nose pliers to fold the outside edges of the aluminum sheets over, creating a dull edge. That will be the handle side of your cookie cutter. Once the edges are folded down, attach two pieces of aluminum to each other, using hot glue to create one long strip. Now you can shape your cookie cutter into whichever shape you would like. When you have finished creating your shape, attach the ends to each other with hot glue. Instead of buying a set of cookie cutters, make your own out of aluminum cans.

Tin-Can Rocket Stove Difficulty Level: Hard Supply list: Large tin can (coffee, bulk tomatoes, etc.),

Cookie Cutters

four smaller tin cans, marker, hammer, large nail, tin snips, gloves, sealant, sand

Difficulty level: Medium Supply list: Aluminum can, X-Acto knife, gloves, needle-nose pliers, hot glue gun

As soon as I saw this project, I thought of my dad. He has loved camping since he was young, and I thought this would be a perfect addition to his camping gear.

Creating your own shapes for cookie cutters sounded

When I told him about it, he was so excited that he took

like the perfect project for me, because I enjoy baking

it upon himself to research the best way to make a rocket

almost as much as crafting. Buying cookie cutters in

stove, and helped me through each step of the project.

specific shapes can be expensive, so this is a money-

So much for a surprise gift! Good thing he knew what

saving alternative. But it was a bit more difficult than I

he was doing, because without his guidance I would

originally thought. Getting the sharp edges perfectly

have been begging at restaurants for extra tin cans. It is

straight was quite difficult. (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still not sure I successfully

a very difficult project for someone who does not have

completed that part of the project.) Flattening the

practice working with tin snips. It also takes patience and

aluminum sheets to create straight lines was equally

precision to ensure all the parts fit together perfectly.

difficult. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure if I had tinkered around with weights

However, it was definitely one of the most rewarding and

and rollers, I could have created a straight piece of

useful projects I created. It was so useful (and my dad

aluminum for the lines, but that would take some time.

was so excited about it) that we used the stove on our

All in all, it was a worthwhile project but took more effort

family camping trip last summer. The scrambled eggs

than the luminaries or drink holder.

turned out perfectly!

Start by rinsing out an aluminum can. Use the X-Acto

Begin by rinsing out all tin cans. Using a marker,

knife to cut off the top and bottom. Cut the remaining

outline the bottom of one of the smaller tin cans 2-3

circle in half vertically, so you have one flat sheet of

inches above the bottom of the larger tin can. I used

Greenability

the bottom of the ridges on the can as the lowest

chimney within the larger tin can. The chimney should

point while drawing my circle. Once the circle is drawn,

stop 1-2 inches below the rim of the large tin can, so cut

hammer a few nail holes inside the drawn circle to help

the tin sheet accordingly. This allows for heat distribution

you create a starting point for your tin snips. Using your

once you are cooking on your stove.

tin snips and wearing gloves, cut the opening so that the

Use the fourth small tin can to create a shelf within

small tin can fits snugly inside the large tin can. At this

the horizontal first small tin can. To do this, cut off the

point, the small tin can will be sticking out horizontally

bottom of the fourth tin can and then cut it vertically,

from the large tin can. Once it fits snugly, take out the

just like the chimney you created with the third tin can.

small tin can and again outline the bottom of that tin can

Flatten the tin sheet, and cut a “T” shape into the tin; the

on to another one of the smaller cans. Again, I used the

dull edge will be the top crossbar of the “T” hanging out

bottom of the ridges on the second small tin can as the

of the first tin can, and the vertical bar of the “T” should

lowest point while drawing.

be cut so that there is a sort of shelf created within the

Following the same procedure, cut that outline into

first horizontal tin can. The shelf holds extra kindling for

the second small tin can so that the first small tin can fits

the fire and also allows air to flow into the fire once it has

snugly inside both the holes cut into the large and small

been started. To provide additional airflow, drill several

tin cans. There should be space between the bottom

holes through the top of the large tin can. This ensures

of the second small tin can and the bottom of the

the fire will not go out once a skillet is placed on the rim

large tin can when the first small tin can is placed into

of the large tin can.

both circles.

Once you are finished cutting and fitting, you may

Next, take the third small tin can and cut off the

seal the holes where the tin cans don’t fit quite flush with

bottom. Then cut it vertically. You should now be able to

each other. I chose not to seal the cans so that I could

overlap the tin sheet upon itself. Insert the overlapped

take it apart if I needed to transport it. The last step is

tin sheet into the second (upright) tin can to create a

to fill the empty space of the large tin can with sand so that the stove and chimney are insulated and conduct heat more effectively. Make sure you do not fill it above the edge of the chimney so that sand does not fall into your stove. If you need more visual directions, search YouTube for “tin can rocket stove.” There are several excellent instructional videos.

Audrey Faltin says the rocket stove was her most difficult project, but also the most rewarding because she made it with her father, and then gave it to him.

greenabilitymagazine.com

your holidays

MEET THE REPURPOSER

Martin ince I was very young, I have been interested in fashion and making my own clothes. My mother taught me how to sew, and by middle school I was making my Easter dresses. I recently graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design, where I spent a brief time as a fashion student before turning my eyes to photography. My time in fashion was just long enough for me to perfect my sewing skills. So, when I was assigned the Greenability project of making gifts out of recycled goods, clothing and sewing were the first things on my mind. My experience with recycling is different than that of most of my peers. I grew up in a very small town just south of San Antonio, TX, where curbside recycling is the last thought on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind. My town is one of those mysterious places where things always seem the same, no matter how long I have been gone. The mail delivery is a lovely example of this: The mail route has not changed in the 22 years that my parents have lived there. If your house does not happen to be on the route, you are out of luck, because the mail route will not be changing for you. So, you can see why curbside recycling is such a foreign idea for me. One of the few items that my family would never throw away was the old clothing that my brother and I had outgrown. I remember taking my worn clothes to local thrift stores or Working with fabric was a skill forged in Rachel Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childhood, so it was no surprise that she would turn to her trusty thread and needles when faced with a repurposing project. Photo: Valerie Kutchko

giving them away to others in the community. Naturally, making gifts out of old fabric sounded intriguing. I had such a great time making all these adorable stuffed animals. I hope my projects inspire you to walk away from store-bought gifts this year, and instead opt for the experience of making your presents by hand.

Rachel Martin is a freelance professional photographer.

Greenability

Craft creatively from castoff clothing Story and Photography by Rachel Martin Once you’ve created something cool from an old sock, a stained glove, an outdated tie or ripped jeans, you’ll never again look at old clothing in the same way. Everything has repurposing possibilities. Here are a few to get you started.

Whale Difficulty level: Hard Supplies: Old pair of jeans, thread, fabric marker, 2 buttons, batting, sewing machine, scissors, seam ripper (just in case)

Made out of a silk tie and buttons, this snake does not require a sewing machine, making it a great project for new and experienced crafters alike.

This cute little whale is the most complicated of the four animals I made. It does take quite a bit of time to

Cut out your pattern pieces. Start by sewing the fin

complete, but it was my favorite. Make sure you have a

pieces and tail pieces together. Reverse them. Stuff with

sturdy sewing machine, or lots of extra needles, because

a small amount of batting.

sewing through multiple layers of denim can be difficult.

Begin sewing by attaching the back seam together.

First, find a simple drawing of a whale to use as a guide.

Sew some decorative seams on the reverse side of the

On the reverse side of the pant legs, draw pieces for the

belly pieces to simulate the look of the ventral plates on

body of the whale, the fins, and the tail. Remember that

a blue whale. Then sew the fins in their proper place and

the belly of the whale should have the lighter side of the

attach the back and belly pieces together. Sew the tail to

denim on the outside. The fun thing about making your

the end seam of the whale. To create the whale’s mouth,

own pattern is that each whale will be unique.

sew a decorative stitch in the correct shape. Finally, sew the belly seam, leaving a hole to turn the whale right side out. Once the whale is turned to the correct side, snugly fill with batting. Hand stitch the hole closed and attach the buttons onto each side of the head to resemble eyes. Choose a really excellent name for your new whale!

Snake Difficulty level: Easy Supplies: Man’s tie, bag of old raw beans, small piece Rachel Martin will tell you this whale made from an old pair of jeans was her most difficult project and her favorite.

of red fabric or ribbon, two buttons, small funnel, scissors, thread, sewing needles

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Making the snake was definitely my easiest project.

This project is the perfect use for that lone glove that

Almost anyone could create this, with only a basic

is hanging around your house. I made mine from an old

knowledge of sewing. You don’t need a sewing machine.

gardening glove, and if you look closely, you’ll see a little

This snake would be a great gift for a child or a child

streak of white paint on it. Instead of throwing the glove

at heart.

away, turn it into an adorable baby bear.

Start by cutting the red fabric to resemble a snake’s

Looking at the photo of the completed bear, draw

tongue. Cut a small hole into the larger end of the tie

simple pattern pieces on the reverse side of the glove.

and hand stitch the tongue to the tie. Then hand stitch

Use glove fingers for arms. Cut out two pieces for the

the hole closed.

other parts so you have a front and back. Sew the two

On the smaller end, cut a small hole in the lining. Use

body parts together, leaving a small hole to stuff with

the funnel to slowly fill the tie with beans, then sew the

batting. Do the same with the head, then stuff the arms.

hole closed. Sew buttons onto the side of the snake’s

Now sew all of your stuffed parts on to the body as shown.

head to resemble eyes.

To finish, sew a bead to the end of the bear’s head, to resemble a cute, shiny nose. Hand embroider the eyes using a contrasting colored thread. For a touch of personality, tie a tiny bow to one of the ears.

Sock Monkey Difficulty level: Medium Supplies: Knee-length pair of socks with contrasting heel and toes, batting, sewing machine, matching thread, decorative accent yarn, 2 buttons, sewing needle Turn that old pair of bright socks that you never actually wear into a sock monkey. Of course I’ve seen sock monkeys in the toy store, but I’d never thought of making one myself. I used an old pair of knee-high socks. For a more traditional look, I would suggest using a shorter sock. The length made it difficult to get the batting into the extra-long limbs. Cut out tail, arms, ears and mouth from one sock. Sew the Create a baby bear from an old glove, a few beads and a small snippet of ribbon for the bow.

parts together as shown in the finished monkey. Then turn them right-side out and fill the tail and arms with batting. Separate the end of the other sock to create the legs.

Bear

Stop cutting about one and a half inches in from the

Difficulty level: Medium

heel of the sock. Sew the legs, leaving the area between

Supplies: Old brown glove, batting, fabric pen or

the legs open so that the sock can be turned right-side

fine-tip permanent marker, 2 colors of thread (brown

out. Stuff the sock with batting and hand stitch the hole

and contrasting color to make the eyes), needles,

closed. Hand stitch the tail, ears and arms to the body of

ribbon (optional)

the monkey.

Greenability

Fashion show features repurposed clothes If you’re seeking more fabric inspiration, check out Project Greenway KC, a sustainable fashion show featuring locally made clothing repurposed from old garments, recyclable trash bags and other materials. Project Greenway KC is hosted by Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Models and makers of the fabric creations will include area children, teens and adults. The fashion show is a fundraiser for Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition of Kansas City, an interfaith non-profit organization that provides educational programs and resources to help local congregations “green” their facilities and advocate for sustainable living and ecological justice. “We’re delighted that Grace Covenant is supporting the You can make this sock monkey from a pair of matching colorful knee-high socks and two buttons.

Now attach the heel of the first sock to the face of the monkey to create the mouth; don’t forget to leave a small hole and fill the mouth with batting before completely

Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition through the fashion show benefit,” said Carol Meyer, executive director. “Living in harmony with our planet is an important work of the church today and one that all people of faith should embrace.” The show begins at 1 p.m., November 2 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Boulevard,

sewing on the mouth. Use decorative yarn to hand stitch across the mouth to

Overland Park. Admission is $15 for adults; $5 for students.

create the lip line. Sew two buttons above the mouth to

For updated information, visit www.facebook.com/

create the monkey’s eyes.

projectgreenwaykc.

Hang him from a tree or a child’s bed!

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your holidays

MEET THE REPURPOSER

Kutchko his project was my first real experience with repurposing. I was only slightly familiar with the concept. I remembered that a friend had used a picture frame and chicken wire to hang her earrings, and I’d seen a toilet bowl used as a flowerpot. But those objects could be made without much work. Using common objects from the recycling bin took some creativity, time and effort. I chose to make my repurposing projects out of plastic bottles because I knew that I had easy access to empty ones. My dad goes through several two-liter soda bottles a week, so all I had to do was collect them before they went to the curb. When the projects required whole, uncut bottles, they were easy; when I had to bust out the box cutter, it was an entirely different story. I learned quickly that detail work with a knife and plastic is not one of my skills. My favorite project was the hummingbird feeder. No cutting was required, and using candles to melt plastic spoons into ‘petals’ appealed to my inner pyromaniac. It was also a good lesson in learning how different thicknesses of plastic react to heat. It’s great to be able to reuse something that I once would have considered trash. Last week I picked up two wooden Valerie Kutchko gained inspiration and momentum from her ﬁrst-ever repurposing projects. She also learned that melting plastic into different shapes is more fun than it should be!

pallets from a curb, and thanks to the Pinterest website, I’m considering several repurposing ideas. The best projects that come out of your recycling bin are the ones that you can use over and over again, and that you have a good time creating. Repurposing doesn’t mean making something from scratch; it means taking something old and making it new. Try it when you’re ready to play!

Valerie Kutchko is a junior at the University of Kansas.

Greenability

Turn plastic bottles into four fun gifts

Making a hanging planter is an easy way to repurpose extra plastic bottles and jugs of all shapes and sizes. Customize them with spray paint, and they’re ready to hold your favorite herb or ﬂower.

By Valerie Kutchko, Photography by Rachel Martin When you look at an empty two-liter plastic soda bottle, you may see trash or something that can be recycled. Look again, and you may find potential creations, or perhaps a few holiday gifts. Here are four ideas, all made from this common item found in the recycling bin.

Hanging planter Difficulty: Easy Supply List: Large plastic bottle, paint, scissors or box cutter, hole puncher, wire or string, plant, soil

This hummingbird feeder made out of an old olive oil jug and melted plastic spoons was Valerie Kutchko’s favorite project.

By far the easiest plastic bottle project, making a hanging planter took perhaps 30 minutes, most of which was drying time. Use the box cutter to cut off the top of the bottle, starting at the point where it begins to narrow. I wanted to make it look more decorative, so I gave the rim of the planter a scalloped edge by warming it over a candle, then pinching around it as if making a pie crust. Cut small holes in the bottom so that it

Hummingbird feeder Difficulty: Easy Supply List: Green plastic soda or olive oil bottle, 8-16 red plastic spoons, hummingbird feeder tube, hot glue gun, pliers, candle, matches, sugar, water This past summer, I planted cardinal flowers and bee balm in my garden, hoping to attract hummingbirds. So I was eager to create something that would draw in the finefeathered little friends. This hummingbird feeder was my favorite project. It turned out to be pretty, useful and simple. First, heat each individual spoon over the candle until it begins to change shape. The plastic is now soft enough that you can pinch it into whatever shape you desire. These will become your petals. Keep in mind that the plastic will be hot, so either wear gloves or wait a second or two for it to cool. Next, use the pliers to clip off the handle of the spoon. Once you’ve done this with all of the spoons, use the hot glue gun to fix the petals around the top of the bottle, in either one or two rows. It should now resemble a flower.

can drain when you water the plants. Make two or more hole punches near the rim of the planter and thread string or wire through. This is what you will use to hang the planter. Paint the bottle, and let it dry. Put a few inches of soil in the bottom and then add your plant. You could also just insert a planted pot directly into the hanger. If you do this, don’t put holes in the bottom — the hanger will collect the draining water.

Child’s cow stool Difficulty: Medium Supply List: 7 large plastic bottles, newspaper, cardboard, clear glue, hot glue gun, scissors, duct tape, paint, paint brushes I was eager to make this stool because it was so adorable. The process turned out to make quite a mess, and I’m not sure it will last very long with a rambunctious child. But it would be cute in a tot’s bedroom. Create the base of the stool by duct taping all seven bottles together, one in the center and the other six around

Then fill up your feeder with homemade nectar (one cup

it. Paint glue on the exposed, flat portion of the bottles and

sugar per four cups of water), and push the feeder tube into

layer a few sections of newspaper around the taped bottles.

the mouth of the bottle.

This will form the sides of the stool. Cover the outside of the greenabilitymagazine.com

easily be blown away or knocked over. Although it probably wouldn’t have looked as cool, it would have been easier to Craft a child’s stool from plastic bottles, newspaper and cardboard for a great decorative piece.

forego the bottles and just use the caps to make the chess pieces. If you make it full-size like I did, I would suggest weighing down the pieces by gluing something heavy to each base to make it more stable. Here’s how I made my first model: Decide on the design for the chess pieces. There should be 16 pawns, 4 castles, 4 knights, 4 bishops, 2 queens and 2 kings. Cut the bottles into the shapes you need, and glue them together to form each chess piece. The bigger the difference in appearance, the more easily you will be able

newspaper in glue again. It will harden and make it more

to distinguish the different types of pieces. Paint half of each

durable. Cut a circle out of cardboard that is the same

kind black, and paint the other half white.

circumference as the bottle base. Use the hot glue gun to attach the cardboard to the underside of the bottles. Now flip the stool over so that the caps of the bottles are on the bottom (for the cow’s udders). At this point, let your

Cut a large square out of cardboard. Measure it so that it will fit 8x8 smaller squares that are large enough to fit your pieces. Alternately paint these squares black and white. Let everything dry, and you’re ready to play!

artistic side take over. Paint your cow face and personalize it for the child, or children, who will be using it.

Chess set Difficulty: Hard

Create a chess set using plastic bottles and a cardboard lid.

Supply List: At least 20 plastic bottles (number will vary by design), hot glue gun, box cutters, black and white paint, cardboard The end product is a large-scale chess set. But the production process was difficult, and I’m not sure it was worth the effort. The chess pieces have sharp edges and can

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Greenability

Commentary

Environmental

Match your environmental values to a career By Tanner Rapelye

‘‘D o what you love, and you never work a day in your

life” is advice my dad often gave me as I was growing up. As a young child, I was sure that I would do something that fit this mantra. Somewhere along the way, though, I lost sight of his wisdom, and found myself saying, “Yes, but I have to make a dollar.” I knew that in a perfect world, I wanted to work for a company that had a tangible, bottom-line positive impact on the environment, but I had not yet found it. Almost a decade after college, and after two jobs with

Media Services, a local company whose products and services benefit the environment. As part of a comprehensive suite of services, it provides customers with secure document shredding and recycling, helps organizations move into a paperless environment and improves overall document management processes for a more efficient use of resources. Media Services also has a commitment to operate as a zero-waste facility. Plus, the facility is located underground, so the constant air temperature reduces its energy needs by more than 50 percent.

Finally, my values match my career path. I am able to have conversations and relationships in the local sustainability community on a daily basis.

well-respected companies, I thought I was on the safe and secure path to a “successful” life. However, neither included my passion for the environment, a passion I can trace back to when I was eight years old and first became captivated by the outdoors and intrigued by recycling and conservation. About 18 months ago, it hit me that it was time to shift my career to match my environmental values. Since we spend so much of our lives working, it only makes sense that we be passionate about what we’re doing. For me, that means making a proactive, positive impact on the environment. I also want my two sons to grow up seeing me contribute to a better future. So it was that I began the search for a company whose product or service benefits the environment. I researched companies that provide energy efficiency services, renewable energy and recycling. And I began networking, sending out resumes and making contacts. My extensive search led me to one of the owners of

To make a great opportunity even better, I was given the chance to spearhead a new program to develop and implement a recycling program for computer equipment and electronics. Finally, my values match my career path. I am able to have conversations and relationships in the local sustainability community on a daily basis. And I truly understand my dad’s advice, which I hope to instill in my children. As we enter the holiday season, it’s a good time to reflect on what we are thankful for – family, friends and the ability to make a difference for the Earth at “work.”

Tanner Rapelye is a regional account executive at Media Services in Kansas City. He leads the e-cycle program in conjunction with The Surplus Exchange and Evolve Recycling.

greenabilitymagazine.com

reenability was named one of the nine winners of the 2013 Founders Sustainability Awards given by Arctic Action Teams and Polar Bears International at the Kansas City Zoo in September. The awards were presented at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums convention in Kansas City. The winners include:

• Greenability magazine, for providing local readers with timely and

in-depth information on sustainability issues in the Kansas City metro area since 2007. Readers learn about energy efficiency, urban agriculture, local food, renewable energy, native landscaping, recycling, bicycling, water conservation, green jobs, green homes, green businesses and electric cars. In addition, Greenability has integrated sustainability into all of its business practices.

Greenability wins Founders Sustainability Award

• Jackson County, MO, for instituting a “reduce, reuse, recycle” policy throughout county government. Projects include using recycled materials in the historic Truman Courthouse restoration, repurposing two older buildings, sponsoring “Clean out your files day” for recycling paper, batteries, toner cartridges and ﬂuorescent bulbs, and composting uneaten food at the Jackson County Detention Center. • City of Kansas City, MO, for a triple-bottom-line approach to achieving economic vitality, social equity and environmental quality in the operation of municipal government. Specific projects include converting the city’s ﬂeet to alternative fuels, utilizing green infrastructure for storm-water management and adding solar energy systems to municipal buildings.

Find a green job!

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Job Network

Greenability

• Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), for its promotion of sustainability as a regional priority and its sustainability partnership with the City of Kansas City, MO. MARC has worked on numerous grants to promote sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water quality, air quality, public transit, improvements to bike and pedestrian infrastructure, integrated solid-waste management and expansion of green infrastructure.

• Green Impact Zone, as a nationally recognized initiative to sustainably revitalize a 150-block area of distressed neighborhoods in the city’s urban core. With support from federal and city grants, Kansas City Power & Light and Make It Right Foundation, the program has added home weatherization, energy efficiency, public transit improvements, infrastructure projects, water conservation and community gardens.

• Bridging the Gap (BTG), for 20 years of promoting

• Kansas City Power & Light, for its support of energy

environmental quality and sustainability through partnerships with KCMO and many other businesses, local governments and neighborhoods in the metro area. BTG was instrumental in helping the city establish recycling centers, curbside recycling collection, energy-efficiency programs, tree planting, preservation of native landscapes and litter cleanup programs.

• Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC), for 30 years of energy efficiency work in the metro area. MEC provides training for certification of energy auditors and energy contractors and assists homeowners and businesses with energy-use assessments and energy-efficiency improvements. Programs include EnergyWorks KC for energy savings and the Clean Cities Coalition to promote the use of alternative fuels in vehicles.

efficiency and renewable energy programs. KCP&L partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to implement a $48-million Smart Grid Project around the Green Impact Zone. KCP&L entered into a solar service agreement with KCMO for up to 40 rooftop solar panel systems of 25 kW capacity each on city buildings.

• Brightergy, for its extensive work in installing solar energy systems for businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and local governments. Brightergy uses innovative lease financing methods to make solar energy affordable for tax-exempt organizations that don’t qualify for federal or state tax credits. Brightergy entered into a 20-year solar operating lease with KCMO for installation of solar systems on city buildings.

Solar Solutions The Solar Solar Technology Technology Associate’s The Assocate’s Degree Degree and and Solar Technician Certificate at JCCC prepares Solar Technician prepares students students NABCEP entry-level to sit for the NABCEP entry level exam and provide the design and fieldwork experience to qualify to take the installer exam. The rooted in in courses coursesthat thatapply apply Theprogram’s program’sfoundation foundation is rooted totoaawider industrial widerrange rangeof of job job opportunities opportunities inin industrial maintenance maintenance and electrical work.

Learn It. Live It. Save It. For information, call Dan Eberle at 913-469-8500, ext. 3388, or visit www.jccc.edu/solar-technology.

Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210 greenabilitymagazine.com

GREENABILITYDIRECTORY EDUCATION

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Johnson County Community College

cfm Distributors, Inc.

Center for Sustainability 12345 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 913-469-8500

1104 Union Ave. Kansas City, MO 816-842-5400

www.cfmdistributors.com

www.jccc.edu/sustainability

Cfm Distributors is the Midwest’s employee-owned provider of sustainable heating, cooling, and refrigeration solutions for home, office and industry.

Want a new “green” career? Explore JCCC’s sustainability programs and train for a career in the growing “green” industry.

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) 600 Broadway, Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 816-474-4240

www.marc.org MARC is a non-profit association of city and county governments and the metropolitan planning organization for the bi-state Kansas City region.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES Randy Reed Nissan 9600 NW Prairie View Rd. Kansas City, MO 816-459-4800

The Hayes Company Kansas City, MO 816-444-6352

www.thehayesco.com The Hayes Company offers Home Performance services for energy efficiency through energy audits, insulating, duct sealing, weatherization and HVAC balancing.

Heartland Utilities for Energy Efﬁciency (HUEE) www.HUEE.org

HUEE promotes energy efficiency through Atmos Energy, Independence Power & Light, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Kansas Gas Energy, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative and Metropolitan Energy Center.

www.randyreednissan.com

Metropolitan Energy Center

Randy Reed Nissan offers fast, friendly, simple and fair service and is now featuring the 100-percent electric Nissan Leaf.

3810 Paseo Blvd. Kansas City, MO 816-531-7283

www.kcenergy.org

Metropolitan

ENERGY CENTER

The mission of the Metropolitan Energy Center is to help create resource efficiency, environmental health and economic vitality in the Kansas City region.

Greenability

Missouri Gas Energy

UMB Financial Corporation

www.missourigasenergy.com

1010 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO 816-860-7000

Missouri Gas Energy offers an energy-efficiency rebate for customers who purchase a qualifying energy-efficient, tankless natural gas water heating system.

www.umb.com UMB offers complete banking, asset management, health spending solutions and related financial services to personal, commercial and institutional customers nationwide.

Small Step Energy Solutions Shawnee, KS 913-708-8004

www.smallstepenergy.com Small Step Energy Solutions specializes in home energy auditing and green energy building consultations for both new and existing homes.

ENTERTAINMENT

GREEN JOBS Full Employment Council 1740 Paseo Blvd. Kansas City, MO 816-471-2330

www.feckc.org

Your Workforce Is Our Career™

The Full Employment Council, Inc. (FEC) supplies employers with a skilled workforce and job seekers with successful training in greater Kansas City.

Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr. Kansas City, MO 816-513-5800

www.kansascityzoo.org Come explore 202 acres of the “wildest” animals around, including the brand-new Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Open year-round.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

GREETING CARDS Posty Cards, Inc. 1600 Olive St. Kansas City, MO 816-231-2323

www.postycards.com

First Afﬁrmative Financial Network

Featuring Sustainable Sentiments® locally grown, green greeting cards. Build client and employee relationships with environmentally inspired cards for birthdays, holidays and other occasions.

913-432-4958

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

LITTER REMOVAL

Habitat ReStore Kansas City

Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America

4701 Deramus, Kansas City, MO 303 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO 816-231-6889

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Habitat ReStore collects quality, new and used building materials and sells them to the public at a discount. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity home building.

Sponsor-A-Highway and receive promotional signage. We take away the trash, you take all the recognition. Be seen as we clean.

LAWN & GARDEN

LOCAL & ORGANIC FOOD

Missouri Organic

Farm to Fork Workplace Wellness CSA

7700 East 40 Highway Kansas City, MO 816-483-0908

www.missouriorganic.com Missouri Organic offers a convenient and affordable facility for customers to drop off green waste and purchase quality compost, topsoil and mulch.

620-632-4470

www.csa.schenkerfarms.com Get veggies, meats, eggs and more raised with organic methods and delivered right to your workplace. Easy enrollment at www.csa.schenkerfarms.com.

FRES UY

www.goodnaturedfamilyfarms.com

Good Natured Family Farms

Natural Gas

Good Natured Family Farms is an alliance UY LOCA of more than 150 family farms that raise animals humanely and care for the Earth in a sustainable way.

$ave Money ($/MMBTU) Natural Gas: $10.93 Electricity: $35.11 2013 Price Outlook On a BTU for BTU basis Natural Gas costs less than other forms of energy EIA Short Term Energy Outlook http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo

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Locally Produced

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Greenability

Hen House Market

FreeEnergy

13 locations

816-461-8877

www.henhouse.com Hen House is locally owned, specializes in Buy Fresh Buy Local food, and offers customers a seasonal Community Supported Agriculture membership.

RECYCLING

info@FreeEnergyCorp.com www.FreeEnergyCorp.com FreeEnergy is a full-service sustainability company. We design and install solar PV, solar thermal hot water and geothermal GSHP.

REUSABLE MOVING SUPPLIES

The Surplus Exchange

Green Box to Go

518 Santa Fe Kansas City, MO 816-472-0444

14450 W. 100th St. Lenexa, KS 913-991-2222

www.surplusexchange.org The Surplus Exchange responsibly recycles electronics locally and offers pickup from metro commercial locations. Visit the Tech Shop and furniture showroom.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

www.greenboxtogo.com KC’s green, reusable alternative to cardboard boxes for residential/commercial moves. All delivered and picked up from your home or office.

Do you want your green business or service to be seen by environmentally conscious readers? List it in the Greenability Directory.

Brightergy Solar 1617 Main St., 3rd Floor Kansas City, MO 816-866-0555

www.brightergy.com Brightergy is the region’s most experienced solar design, installation, financing and leasing firm, with hundreds of commercial and residential installations across the Midwest.

For information, contact Julie Koppen 816-931-3646 or julie@greenabilitymagazine.com

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Reclaim The Heritage The Perfect Thanksgiving Requires

Heritage Turkeys

Heritage Turkeys from Hen House are the newest and oldest sensation for a sumptuous Thanksgiving Dinner. Descended from the original turkey cooked by the Pilgrims on the very first Thanksgiving, these birds are extremely tender and flavorful. Frank Reese, Jr. is a leader of a growing movement to save, from extinction, the magnificently hued, flavorful turkey varieties our forefathers enjoyed. The Heritage Turkey has a more pleasing texture: firm, almost steak-like, not fine grained like most mass produced turkeys.

Buy Fresh Buy Local ® is part of the FoodRoutes Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a new sustainable local food system for generations to come.

Definition of a Heritage Turkey: • Naturally Mating • Long Productive Outdoor Life Span • Slow Growth Rate Frank Reese, Jr. raises Heritage Turkeys on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch in Lindsborg, KS.

Stop by Hen House today, and experience our fresh, never frozen Heritage Turkeys.