Recycled Home

[vintage girl]

Hubs and I were talking this weekend and realized that our house is 98% recycled. We have furnished it with used and twice-loved furniture, dishes, bedding, lighting, etc etc. We also reuse everything from lumber to nails. We built our fences from fenceboards that were recycled, even our chain-link fencing is recycled. We were not deliberately "green", it just evolved and now we do it consciously. I also find it is so much more fun to shop wise and hopefully save a few trees along the way. We are also doing projects to make our home more economical to live in. We have put in solar tubes in the living and dining room, which gave us some very much needed light and also cut down our electric bills. This past weekend we put in attic ventilators in both the house attic and the garage. It has made such a difference. Cut down the temps by at least 15%. We also replaced outdoor lighting with solar lighting. In the garden we are growing all our own fresh veggies and saving at the grocery store. We have eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, peas, peppers, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes. We also grow lemons, apples, tangerines, oranges, tangelos, pears, avocados and grapefruit. Few years back we raised our own beef cow, but I was devastated when it was butchered, so never again. I did have chickens for eggs, but they now live with my neighbor since we do not have the petting zoo anymore, but I get fresh eggs from her weekly. If I do buy something new, I make sure that if it gets replaced that it is passed down to someone else to love and enjoy. My neighbor across the street calls her house our "second home", since it is furnished with all of our first-loved and now twice-loved (by her) furniture, rugs, lamps, etc. Also, everyone in out town puts out what they don't want or need anymore on the horsetrail and it is fun to scavenge. Sunday we found a great radio-flyer wagon with the wood slats on the sides. Hubs fixed the handle and repainted it red and green. We have displayed it in our yard, but will also be using it to haul groceries in from the car. So what do the rest of you all do to "stay green":)

[chyna]

I refuse to throw things away if they can be repurposed (well except for jars and other storage items, a person can only use so many salsa jars:o). My house came with a wheelchair ramp attached to the deck that we took down one summer and I stored the lumber until this summer when we used it all for planter boxes (strawberry patch, side yard veggie and herb gardens). All we really were out was dirt and a replacement box of screws. My soil is bad right now so buying soil was necessary. :( Anyhow I found the old sink that was in my bathroom in the attic of the garage and it is now back in the bathroom (complete with leaky faucet I need to fix). If it is plaster I will go to great effort to keep it be it replastering missing parts or screwing it back to the wall. I don't know, I guess since I want the house to reflect it's age I tend to pick up stuff that is old which is recycling. I just see it as being thrifty. :p

By the way, the deck is coming down this summer too. I need another gardening box. :eek: Oh and I reuse the concrete chunks I've dug up from busted up sidewalks. The grave yard is slowly being dug up, one day I'll find out why the sidewalks to nowhere even existed.

[vintage girl]

I sympathize about the concrete. Hubs and I have spent literally years digging up concrete slabs on our property. Our house used to be an egg farm and apparently they had chicken coops all over the place. That is why there were so many concrete slabs. They are not wide either, about the size of a sidewalk. Maybe that is what yours are??

[Zuzu's Garden]

I read an article several years ago on the best way to save energy. Answer? Don't use so much! ;) Hubby and I installed the solar panels a couple weeks ago. They are working out great, and when the wind blows the clouds in, the wind generator kicks in. Best part is that we will get 1/3 of the cost back in a tax refund next year. :) The off-grid system runs 12 volt lighting, the 12 volt fridgey, the water pumps, power tools, the computer, and an occasional small appliance. I use a broom and a mop instead of a vacuum.

We're putting our unused building supplies to good use. Hubby is currently building shelving in the shed with it. We will need to make a trip to the dump in the Fall, but what we use up won't cost us additional effort and money to take it to the dump.

My Mom just gave me my Grandparent's china. Hubby asked why I needed another set of dishes. I gave him the look (you all know 'the look') and told him I plan on using the china for cake and ice cream on my 80th Birthday. :D

Zu

[vintage girl]

I would love to have solar in our house. When we retire our retirement home will definately have solar. We have looked into it for this house, but the cost is too prohibitive for us right now. We use solar in our motorhome and it is great. We go to Utah every year for 2-3 weeks and we are on solar power the entire time. The only thing it won't run is the tv, but we go up there to get away from that, so no biggie:)

[RoseMary]

This is a great thread! Vintage girl, I love to hear you talk about your home and how you furnish it. And I love all of the 'mystery' that Chyna keeps discovering about her house.

My home is mostly furnished with cast-off family pieces, as well as a few nicer pieces that my grandmother left to me. I also have some of my mom and dad's furniture. They have moved in and out of their house next door 3 times now, and they keep bringing back more stuff with them whenever they move back!

Our garden isn't doing that great this year, but hopefully we are learning and will be able to produce more of our food in the years to come.

I buy used whenever I can. I love the fact that older pieces are so much nicer than the quality of a lot of new things that you can buy. I especially love to buy sheets and kitchen items at the Goodwill or thrift store. My latest craze is bread boxes. They work so well in my small kitchen and I can use them to store so many things. They really help keep the counter looking neat and cleaned off.

I've been looking at solar panels, but I don't think we can afford them just yet. I'd love to do them for my hot water heater, if nothing else. We are going to start turning it (hot water heater) off at night and switch it back on in the morning. It's so warm at night (it's in a little 'closet' conncected to our house) that the water shouldn't cool off too much.

[shabbychick]

What do you all think of the hot water on demand systems? I keep seeing mixed reviews online. Some say they waste water waiting for it to heat in the morning and that it can't effectively heat enough water for showers for a family. That wouldn't be an issue for me because I live alone, and for now, my water heater works fine, but it's about at the end of its natural life span and I'm thinking it may go one of these days. I know the on-demand systems are pricey, but maybe in the long run they pay for themselves (though I hope not to be living here that long). Do any of you have any experience with these systems?

[chyna]

I've heard mixed reviews too, I think that in order for them to work the best you need to take into account how much water you really are going to use at once. You know, don't buy a tank that heats only enough for say 2 people when you have 2 adults and kids. My dh wants to get one and I'm pushing for one on the shower and then a high efficiency heater for the rest of the house. REally the only thing that would depend on hot water right now would be the washer since dishwashers have their own heater built in. The sinks are just fine with cool water, I would actualy be happier if they had truely cold water coming out of them. :rolleyes:

[RoseMary]

My SIL's father lives alone and has a 'heat on demand' water heater and it works fine for him. But, I've heard complaints from people that have several people living in the house.

[Zuzu's Garden]

We have an on-demand water heater, and you do need to wait for it to heat up, but it isn't any big deal. I put a 1 gal. jug under the faucet while waiting for the dish water to heat up and it fills to about 1/4 of a gallon before the water is hot. I use that water in the gallon jug to water the houseplants.

I guess the question to ask is if it is more expensive to wait for the water to heat up or pay to keep the water in a hot water tank hot 24/7/356.

I'm also a little confused as to why households w/ several people would complain. With a hot water tank, the hot water can run out. With an on-demand water heater, the hot water never runs out. Perhaps the complaint is that you can't run the clothes washer, dishwasher, and multiple showers all at once?

Zu

[cheapdiva]

we had a friend who had on-demand and she loved it. we did stay with her several times and always had plenty of hot water.

[chyna]

I would guess that the on-demand can't keep up with all the water going thru it. I haven't really got that far on doing my homework but do know that This Old House pushes them on ocassion. That could go either way on if you'd do it or not. :D

I would love to put solar water heat on our house too or at least some sort of solar heating but lets just say it would be a nightmare putting one on my house, wouldn't get that hot in the winter and scald ya in the summer. I'm just never happy. :o:p

[Zuzu's Garden]

The on-demand hot water delivery is continuous, but limited by the pipe size. If too many hot water valves are open at the same time, there won't be enough hot water. The camper's shower building at the state park I worked at had one on-demand water heater per shower. Perhaps the people that are complaining about their system need to add another one? Or, understand how the system works and schedule clothes washing & showers so they don't happen all at the same time?

Zu

[CohenCottage]

Our plumber told us that an extra insulated tank water heater would be just as cost effective to run as an on demand, and after researching the tankless ones, he ended up doing that in his own house. Not sure if he's right or not, but he's a friend and usually has excellent advice.

[ShabbyBlueBungalow]

We are proud to live in a recycled home that has been in my husband's family since it was built in 1920. It was passed down to my father-in-law and currently we own it. We love living here with all the rich family stories and traditions.

Everywhere you look is a reminder that this house has been around a long time. We have recycled a living room sofa and two chairs by reupholstering them. The set has been in our house, and used, since around the 1940's.

We also use the 1920's dining room set as well as a dining room set from my grandparents. We have several old bedroom sets in use, random furniture and decorations in use as well. We even have a storage area full of furniture passed down that we haven't found use for yet, but could never get rid of.

I love looking around and seeing all the old stuff as a reminder of both of our families. My children have been taught to appreciate our family heirlooms and if you ask either one of them about different pieces they can tell you it was Nana's chair or Grandma's books, etc.

Our home is far from perfect, it's a bit shabby in areas, and I'll admit that new homes are nice. But our home has good bones and we love it.

[cheapdiva]

WOW - love your house!! Great photos. Welcome!! See, this is how we like our newbies - ones who want to show off their homes and treasures!! SBB, glad you have joined us.

One question . . . how come so many of our members live in CA? or the east coast? where in the heck are the midwesterners?????

[RoseMary]

Beautiful home, shabbybluebungalow! Thank you so much for sharing pictures. And welcome to the forum!

[yarborough house]

Beautiful home and welcome.
We had an on demand hot water heater in this house when we moved in. But it just could not handle the house. It would fluctuate so much during a shower so we removed it. We have since thought that if we could have put it on the kitchen and laundry room that it would have done good there and then left the baths on the large hot water heater...but that might be way down the road.

[ShabbyBlueBungalow]

Thanks for the lovely welcome. I discovered the magazine a few months ago and the forum today. I've enjoyed visiting everyone's sites and viewing photo's too.

I know there are a lot of people in California who have blogs that pertain to their older homes or who have a love of antique things. I was actually amazed when I discovered it because the majority of "mom" blogs are bloggers from the midwest or back east. I used to think it was rare to find a blogger in California, but it seems to be the most popular niche for the west coasters is home blogs. At least from what I have found.

[Lynzee]

Your home is lovely, ShabbyBlueBungalow! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Welcome to the forum! Glad you're here.

[Zuzu's Garden]

Welcome ShabbyBlueBungalow! Your home is lovely! :)

CD asked
One question . . . how come so many of our members live in CA? or the east coast? where in the heck are the midwesterners?????

Good question!

Zu

[chyna]

Do you think it has something to do with a greater wealth of cottages in West Coast and scattered among the East Coast. I could be way off but when I think of my state I wouldn't really think a cottage would go for say a ranch or farm but rather somehting larger? I was just so thrilled when someone from WY showed up in CL and even she isn't on here much lately. Zuzu and I seem to be the odd balls here. :o

[yarborough house]

I think Chyna is dead on - the population is more crowded on both coasts. But after living in the midwest I'd have to say you all have your share of awesome homes they are just spread out a bit more..kinda nice that way.

[Zuzu's Garden]

Love being an odd ball with ya, Chyna! :D

Yep, it's a population thang, and the reason I can't find vintage goodies like you all do. When I do find something, the prices here are crazy-high. But, every small town and large city in Colorado has gorgeous, historical (and new) cottage communities, so there's no excuse to not have more Colorado members here!
;)
Zu

[chyna]

And when it comes to good finds in my area, I have to drive to Colorado! How's that for sad?:eek:

[LindaLK]

Good Morning Ladies, :)

Hello and welcome to our little home, Shabby Blue Bungalow. What a nice home you have.

Chyna, talk about being an odd~ball. I am the only New England yankee girl here. I am sooooo alone. :D

Here we have more colonials, victorians, 4~squares, cape cods, ranches, some craftsman & bungalows, and ranches, than we do actual cottages. Although, if you live near the lake, there are lots of cottages there, but they mostly are for week~enders. Most of those have been McCottaged. :)

Have a good day all!



Hugs,
Linda :)

[Heather]

Do I get to be an odd ball to, eh? Being Canuck and all....

[RoseMary]

Hey girls, if we were all from the very same region, just think how boring this place would be. Our differences are what make this forum so special:)~at least to me. I love hearing about where each of you live!

[LindaLK]

Hi Ladies, :)

Sure Heather, you can be the Canadian odd~ball of the bunch. And I can be the Yankee one.

RoseMary, you are so right. But just think of all the trouble, I mean....fun we could have if we all lived closer. We could all meet up and go to yard sales, Good Will, etc,.. Maybe it is a good thing that we all live so far away. ``Lead me not in to temptation. I can find my way all by myself.``

I really should be cleaning the house, but I am yacking here instead. Darn indecisions. Do I clean the house, or do I yack? Hmmmmmmm. ;)
I am motivationally challenged today. Or motivationally impaired? I just don`t feel like doing a darn thing. :D It has to be all of this dreary, rainy weather we have been having, non~stop by the way. (sigh)

Enjoy the day ladies!!



Hugs,
Linda :)

[CohenCottage]

Linda - Sometimes you just have to go with the lack of motivation and get nothing done! I had grand plans for painting last weekend, but I worked so hard during the week/weekend, that I couldn't muster the energy to do anything!

[chyna]

Heather

Since some parts of this country seems to think Montana is in Canada we might as well be fellow oddballs. :rolleyes:

[RoseMary]

You're right, Linda--we could get in loads of trouble and probably be banned from the Goodwill and several thrift shops:). I suppose that if we all lived close enough together, we could go with vintagegirl to the DMV tomorrow~wouldn't they love all of us??:p

I do feel bad for all of you and the long lines you have to stand in. Here, a long line means that there are two people in front of you:p.

[Heather]

Maybe people confuse Montana with Manitoba - they DO start with the same letter after all!

[LindaLK]

Good Morning Ladies, :)

Cohen, you are so right. I did muster up the motivation to do all that needed to be done. It took all day, but now I don`t have to worry about it. Although, I now have another list of ``To~Dos`` to do. Does it ever end? Sheesh!

RoseMary, :D I think we would make head~lines if we all got banned from Good Will and other thrift shops. I will join you all in helping Vintage Girl. Just say the word, give me a time and a place.

Heather, you are right. Montana and Manitoba both really do start with ``M``. I didn`t realise this before now. How did I let this one get by me? :D
(hugs)

Have a great day. As always, thanks for the laughs, and for being the wonderful ladies that you all are.


Love Ya!
Linda :)

[RoseMary]

I guess for now we are all safe from being banned from anywhere:)!

I can believe the Montana Canada mix up quite easily.

You would be surprised how many people seem to think I live in Arizona. Arkansas~AR, Arizona~AZ. Especially people who call about products I've bought (trying to sell extended warranties). One man asked how far I was from Phoenix. I told him I wasn't sure, but probably at least two days drive:p.

[chyna]

When I worked at Jean Nicole in the mall we would call in credit card applications and inevitably the person on the other end would ask me if Alberta Calgary was in the U.S. and one lady asked me if Billings Montana was in Canada. Me and the Canadians had a good laugh about those. We decided that either Montana has invaded Alberta or vice versa. :rolleyes: Never thought about Manitoba except I think a friend of mine lives there. :o

[ChapterTwo]

When I worked at Jean Nicole in the mall we would call in credit card applications and inevitably the person on the other end would ask me if Alberta Calgary was in the U.S. and one lady asked me if Billings Montana was in Canada.


It's amazing, how confused some people are!

A few years ago I was ordering something on the phone and when I gave the address, stating "New Jersey", the woman asked if that was part of New York! :D