Waste Not, Want Not

Posted December 5th, 2013 08:15:51 am by Bill Frymire

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“Waste not, want not.” Was that something you grew up hearing? In our culture it is increasingly difficult to find a balance between waste and want. Many people find themselves trapped in mounds of debt due to our consumer culture. In my art, I try hard to not waste anything, using materials that other people would say are not classic things to make art out of, like up-cycled bricks, pennies, and even old milk cartons.

This Christmas, what will you do to “waste not, want not”? Can you give your friends time instead of an object? A shared experience instead of the latest doo-dad? Or something crafty that you have up-cycled? Try something original like making your own Christmas cards from cards you received last year, or if you’re really ambitious, knit some pot holders out of an old sweater. If you’re more technically inclined, can you burn a new CD for a loved one with digital files you already own, or make tree ornaments out of old toys? (Who doesn’t want to see a batman figurine in an elf costume?!)

Let me know how you’re making this Christmas green in the comments below, or find me on my facebook, or G+.