Re/Uses: 2,133 Ways to Recycle & Reuse the Things You Ordinarily Throw Away

by Carolyn Jabs

Recommends methods for reusing stale foods, worn clothing, empty bottles, old newspapers, parts from broken appliances and other types of trash to perform useful functions around the house

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Carolyn Jabs, MA, is an experienced professional writer with a reputation for insight and sensitivity in dealing with complex social issues. She has written hundreds of articles about families, ethics, environmental issues, and the Internet.

Her work has appeared in many publications including the New York Times, Newsweek, Working Mother, and Family PC. Her award-winning column, Growing Up Online, is featured in regional parenting publications across the country. She is the author of The Heirloom Gardener and a contributor to Children and Nature: Making Connections.

Carolyn and her husband, David, live in Santa Barbara, California where she participates in the Women’s Fund, serves on the Board of the local chapter of the Association for Women in Communications and practices tai chi.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the copyright date for this book is 1982, I continue to read this book, almost every year. It's based on the following principals: 1. Reuse saves money, 2. Reuse conserves resources, 3. Reuse satisfies the human urge to make things.
You don't need to have an obsessive preoccupation with every item thrown away, but the reader is encouraged to view items as a possible resource.
After a general discussion around trash, recycling and landfill, she creates an exhaustive A through Z of items and their possible reuse. What I find so interesting are the occasional inserts, of new inventions created (such as lawn/garden trimmers) and other suggested readings.
For myself, I find the book inspirational and love the idea of solving problems, by reusing throw aways. This year I was inspired to obtain, some of the suggested reading, so I purchased the following: Creating from remnants by Ethel Jane Beitler, Rags making a little something from nothing by Linda & Stella Allison, and Better Homes and Gardens Treasures from Throwaways. Stay tuned....

[Michelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't throw anything away, not even this book!

[Diane Mcquarry]

A couple of cute ideas. However, if one tried followed her instructions, one's house would be suitable for the Hoarders show on tv.

[Megumi-chan]

Its AWESOME!!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat.