Waste Not, Want Not... Part 1

This is an area so many struggle with- finances. Visits to the supermarket can be so disheartening as prices continue to rise. Our family has recently started switching to a more natural diet. A diet that does not include additive- preservatives, food dyes, etc. Needless to say, our grocery budget has been expanding. We're shying away from pesticide laden foods, foods that are GMO (as in most corn products), etc.

I wanted to start this "series" to help show some of the things we buy can be made from things we re-purpose, re-use & recycle. I'll start with a few of my favourites today, as my health hasn't been great & energy is at a low point. I'm so excited to share these things with you, though!!

Composting

this is defined as

com·post

(kŏm'pōst') Pronunciation Key n. A mixture of decaying organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. A composition; a mixture. tr.v. com·post·ed, com·post·ing, com·posts To fertilize with a mixture of decaying organic matter. To convert (vegetable matter) to compost.

from Dictionary dot com
Composting is actually fairly easy. You begin a pile or a wire or wood cage & start dropping any of your vegetative wastes into. Rather than fill your landfill with paper shreddings, carrot peels & nut shells, you keep them for your own use in..... GARDENING!
If you want to really get nifty, try vermicomposting, aka- worm bin. I'll get to that later! Right now, let google be your friend.


Bones & discard & broth, OH MY!

What yummy stuff can become of things like shrimp shells, turkey & chicken bones/carcass & leftovers like veggies & bits & pieces of meat. Throw them into a large stock pot with lots of filtered water & boil. Lower to a simmer & simmer for an hour or 3. Strain all the chunky stuff out & freeze can, or use your broth. Yummy stuff. If you choose to refrigerate this yummy stuff, then do so, but freeze, use or discard within a few days.

Plastic bottles, jugs, jars-

I've recently been turned on to Winter Sowing and can't wait to try it!!! Even if you don't plan on doing this, you can still cut the bottoms off of the containers & use them as mini greenhouses (you ARE gardening to soften the financial blow, right?!? *grin*).

Another thing you can use plastic bottles & jugs for is storing your grains (rice, flour, wheat, etc). This keeps bugs & dust & other yucky stuff out. Be sure the containers are absolutely dry if you use them for dry storage.

Here's a small start on how to use everything you bring into your household. Waste Not, Want Not. It's been my motto for a little while now, & I am continuing my quest to live this way.