Kyra makes birdfeeders out of reused yogurt containers.

We have been very busy since Christmas with a few recycle-reuse projects. Kyra, 6, found a creative use for her yogurt containers. Instead of throwing them out she has been reusing them as bird feeders. We hang them on branches and bushes around the yard. We even turned one upside down, filled it with bird seed and hung it by the kitchen window so we can watch as the chickadees eat.

We have also put our empty cereal boxes to good use. They have been remade into file boxes for books and school work. We also use cardboard boxes and packaging for making homemade picture frames.

We are proud to say that we haven't used the clothes dryer in over a year! Instead we use an indoor, homemade drying rack that can hold one large load of clothes. We set up our drying rack by the wood stove and our clothes are dry in no time. We sometimes venture out to the clothes line, but prefer to use our indoor rack. Kaleigh, 4, loves to pitch in and help to hang the clothes, and takes them down when they are dry.

Max, 8, and Kaleigh help out with housework and we use only natural, homemade cleaning products. Our vinegar and water cleaner is great for cleaning the table after dinner. For stubborn spots, a pinch of baking soda and a little elbow grease do the trick.

Max and Kaleigh clean up using environmentally friendly cleaners.

We are doing whatever we can to protect our Earth. We believe that actions speak louder than words and we are convinced that when others see how easy it is to incorporate some green practices into their everyday lives they will want to do the same.

Cindy Harasen