On this Earth Day I'd like to honor a few down-to-earth women who were ahead of their time - my grandmothers. They were part of that generation molded by the Great Depression. Their ideas saved money, and to them, were just common sense. Ideas coincidently, that often show up on 'How To Save The Earth' lists.
So instead of the usual soap-box preaching that seems to accompany Earth Day, reminding us to do what we know we should be doing, allow me to pick up my soap box and turn it over. Inside this old box is years of wisdom learned from standing apron-side to my Grandmothers:
Never use a tea bag less than 5 times.
Tissues were intended for guests. Use a hankie. If you must use a kleenex, tuck it in your sleeve for easy access. Use it until there is no corner unsoiled.
Old clothes are an opportunity for sewing creativity, not a donation. Use them to sew quilts, curtains, other clothes, etc.
Save your butter papers for greasing pans, your old milk for cooking, and ALL plastic bags get washed and reused.
Coffee grounds perk up your flower beds.
Save all bread heals for casseroles, mopping grease, croutons, and crumbs.
Sneak old rusty nails from the barn walls and stick in the ground under hydrangeas for beautiful flower colors. (Careful which nails you remove.)
Use plates to cover food in the refrigerator.
Put on a sweater if you are cold, 'That's why I knit it for you child!'
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What is in your soapbox? Did your mother, grandmother, or great grandmother teach you common sense ideas to save money and the Earth?