Instead of shopping for a bunch of bins and boxes, create storage out of things you already have. It's the green way to store stuff.
Old jars get a new purpose as storage for screws, nails and other small items. Use a screw or two to attach the top of the jar to the underside of a shelf. Fill the jar with whatever, and screw the jar onto its top.
Pegboards are another storage classic. They're great because you can see everything; the tools aren't lost in a drawer somewhere. If you want, you can draw the outline of the tools on the pegboard; that way, you can tell at a glance if one is missing and could be in use building a tree fort.
A metal bow rake that's lost its handle can gain a new life in the garage. Remove most of the handle, drill a pilot hole through the remainder and screw it to the wall. It's perfect for hanging your garden tools.
Old metal garbage cans can get recycled, too. They're great for storing bags of soil and fertilizer — a great alternative to piling them up in the corner. Drill some holes in the bottom so that the nutrients in the soil or fertilizer can "breathe." Otherwise, they can go rancid.
Old tires can go green, too. It's not something you can do yourself, but tires can be turned into rubber mulch. It's a little more expensive, but it lasts for 10 years or so, and it doesn't fade. It won't wash away, either; it's heavier than regular mulch.
Some manufacturers also make garden hoses out of old tires, too, and they're less expensive than new-rubber hoses.
Old jars get a new purpose as storage for screws, nails and other small items. Use a screw or two to attach the top of the jar to the underside of a shelf. Fill the jar with whatever, and screw the jar onto its top.
Pegboards are another storage classic. They're great because you can see everything; the tools aren't lost in a drawer somewhere. If you want, you can draw the outline of the tools on the pegboard; that way, you can tell at a glance if one is missing and could be in use building a tree fort.
A metal bow rake that's lost its handle can gain a new life in the garage. Remove most of the handle, drill a pilot hole through the remainder and screw it to the wall. It's perfect for hanging your garden tools.
Old metal garbage cans can get recycled, too. They're great for storing bags of soil and fertilizer — a great alternative to piling them up in the corner. Drill some holes in the bottom so that the nutrients in the soil or fertilizer can "breathe." Otherwise, they can go rancid.
Old tires can go green, too. It's not something you can do yourself, but tires can be turned into rubber mulch. It's a little more expensive, but it lasts for 10 years or so, and it doesn't fade. It won't wash away, either; it's heavier than regular mulch.
Some manufacturers also make garden hoses out of old tires, too, and they're less expensive than new-rubber hoses.
