tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post1609926227332324041..comments2024-02-23T02:03:23.020-07:00Comments on The Eco Cat Lady Speaks: The Rag Bag, and other Cleverly Disguised Portals to HellEcoCatLadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-49871937388764177582016-08-23T18:30:57.507-06:002016-08-23T18:30:57.507-06:00Well, I am trying very hard to embrace the concept...Well, I am trying very hard to embrace the concept that less is more, but it is a daily struggle for me. I'm sure some of it comes from having lived with very little money at various points in my life, but some of it is just plain laziness - I HATE having to make the decision about whether to keep something or not, so I just put it aside and figure I'll decide later... only "later" never comes. Sigh.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-58070516055855242932016-08-17T12:40:05.880-06:002016-08-17T12:40:05.880-06:00I don't have a problem throwing things away. ...I don't have a problem throwing things away. There are some things I buy and keep way too much of (mostly cookbooks and groceries), but I have no trouble throwing away/getting rid of most other things.<br /><br />It just about kills about my husband, though! We've determined that he's actually a hoarder. He's also the king of procrastination, so that makes for a pretty rough combination. He's getting better about getting rid of things as we're together longer. <br /><br />I just can't deal with clutter, stuff all over the place, not having clear surfaces, and having to move stuff around to get to the things you actually need. It makes me anxious and crazy. Even hubby admits he feels better about the way the house looks as we get rid of more and more stuff. Danielle L Zecherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01492742250595537348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-39512582243583400152016-08-10T02:41:33.540-06:002016-08-10T02:41:33.540-06:00Oy! Aren't you glad you're not trying to h...Oy! Aren't you glad you're not trying to host him in a one room apartment? :)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-81538913051743733982016-08-09T20:48:03.012-06:002016-08-09T20:48:03.012-06:00Other than my grandchildren I don't do well wi...Other than my grandchildren I don't do well with house guests. I just had good news and bad. First the bad my son was laid off again and needed a place to stay because he found a temporary position down by me. The good news is my ex won't be staying with me. Now if I get through this month long stay with my son. :-(Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00557087787515295447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-10796159565917328122016-07-27T00:34:53.836-06:002016-07-27T00:34:53.836-06:00Yikes! She makes me look like a downright neat fre...Yikes! She makes me look like a downright neat freak. EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-45171510235899034932016-07-26T14:21:14.916-06:002016-07-26T14:21:14.916-06:00You are not alone. My mother in law keeps the weir...You are not alone. My mother in law keeps the weirdest things. She also keeps cardboard boxes - to the point that she couldn't even use her walk-in shower because she had filled it up with boxes!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-44465708353733685532016-07-14T01:31:47.476-06:002016-07-14T01:31:47.476-06:00Ha! I fear I'm even worse at entertaining than...Ha! I fear I'm even worse at entertaining than I am at getting rid of stuff. Seriously, when I hauled the extra bed out of the basement (because it was infested with larvae) I realized that it had only been used twice the entire 20 years I've owned this house - both times by the same friend! I think I'm just not cut out for house guests!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-62658340892286048832016-07-13T20:47:53.137-06:002016-07-13T20:47:53.137-06:00Please don't let me any where near your garage...Please don't let me any where near your garage I'd be tormented trying not to adopt all of it. <br /><br />I thought a month long visit with the kids was going to be a lot for me but in the end I really enjoyed them being here. That's probably because they used to visit every day for a few hours so we know how to work well together. Now my ex plans to be here next month for our grandson's second birthday. He will be here a week or less and I'm already dreading his visit as we have no common interests and he wants me to sit around doing nothing like he does. Want to trade, I'll work on your beetles (if you lock up your garage) and you can entertain my ex. :-)Lois@Living In Denimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368939902298894344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-31734602178541663252016-07-12T13:18:49.108-06:002016-07-12T13:18:49.108-06:00I'm not sure why Denver is so resistant to ena...I'm not sure why Denver is so resistant to enacting better garbage policies - I think some of it has to do with worker contracts etc. I've written numerous letters to the editor and contacted the city council over and over, but the answer is always that it's too expensive to change the system. Grrrr....EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-15374804163003501062016-07-12T13:15:32.497-06:002016-07-12T13:15:32.497-06:00I'm pretty good about not buying things except...I'm pretty good about not buying things except for consumables and necessary stuff, but I do have a LOT of stuff that has been given to me. My problem is that I HATE to drive around town to get things, so I end up buying online, which leads to more cardboard! <br /><br />Environmentally I think it's a toss up - but online is generally cheaper, and it's a whole lot easier. So I just have to make myself recycle the boxes - though at this point the problem is all the stuff stored in boxes, half of which is full of bugs! OY! I'm getting there though.<br /><br />And the spring cleaning idea is one I really need to adopt. Not sure spring is the best time for me to do it because I'm generally psychotically busy then, what with trying to get the garden in and the uptick in cycling hours... maybe winter cleaning? <br /><br />Anyhow, I think doing a bi-annual clothing rotation would be helpful - both because I think it will take a while to get this beetle situation completely under control, and until then I don't really want anything not worn regularly to be un-sealed and open to infestation - and because it will be a good opportunity to purge things that either don't get used or have crossed the line and should be made into rags.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-87519707403621574612016-07-09T14:00:13.289-06:002016-07-09T14:00:13.289-06:00I also have trouble throwing things out. We spend...I also have trouble throwing things out. We spend our childhoods and early adult years slowly collecting things, but then we really get to a point where we have everything we need except some consumable stuff and stuff for new activities and it's hard to change.<br /><br />I like your rules. For you. I have different rules, which I enjoy having. I have some space-oriented ones such as:<br />* I don't need more clothes than will fit in my closet and drawers (um, except for some things that I love except they don't go with anything or I think I will be that size again)<br />* I don't need more books than will fit in my shelves<br />* I don't need more kitchen supplies and food than will fit in my kitchen<br /><br />Another strategy is to pay more attention when you're bringing things into the house.<br /><br />For example, I try not to buy any books unless I already know I will like them and either want to re-read them multiple times or lend them out to people. Same rule for DVDs. But what about when I stop re-reading the books? I am a little different now and don't love them anymore. And they are dated and so not necessarily great for young people? It's hard to get rid of those things.<br /><br />I don't buy clothes unless they are washable, they fit, they're flattering, they go with stuff I have, they are things I would actually wear, etc.<br /><br />There are some people who go out of their way to not buy trash (or one-use items). So, for example, they buy things in bulk using their own containers. They buy things used rather than new in bubble packs. That sort of thing. And of course also re-usable dishes, napkins, storage containers rather than one-use stuff.<br /><br />And there's a spring-cleaning like strategy where you do things every so often like test whether all your pens work and stuff. Or you can pull everything out of a space and only put it back as you use it.<br /><br />And there's looking into the durability and/or repairability of things. (My spell-checker thinks repairability is not a word. So sad.) So things are more likely to last and not have to be trashed and re-bought so many times.Debbie Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-6766202681683365152016-07-09T13:38:07.477-06:002016-07-09T13:38:07.477-06:00Terrible policies. There are many things that ann...Terrible policies. There are many things that annoy me about my city, but at least here recycling is free and garbage costs. Also, you can choose different sized trash cans that have a different monthly charge.<br /><br />I'm sure this tempts people to throw trash in the recycling can, but the program continues, so I hope that means it's not too bad.Debbie Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-89292184153032774972016-07-03T23:54:27.065-06:002016-07-03T23:54:27.065-06:00Oh, you should see what my garage looks like! The ...Oh, you should see what my garage looks like! The previous two occupants of this house (meaning sequential) were both woodworkers, and they left behind a plethora of wood scraps. Add to that the various pieces of lumber I've scavenged over the years, and it's just totally crazy out there. I had actually planned to tackle it this summer, but alas, more pressing things have arisen!<br /><br />Best of luck on cleaning and resting. I think I'd be nuts if I'd had house guests for a month!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-50217671180013410062016-07-03T22:32:59.391-06:002016-07-03T22:32:59.391-06:00Boy you have been busy while I've been away! ...Boy you have been busy while I've been away! The rag bag I'm good on but I do have my struggles with throwing things away. I am pretty good about cutting up worn clothing and fabrics into rags and my rags tend to disappear keeping my stash of rags to a limit. the children will grab one for a runny nose and take it with them when they leave so my basket is rarely full. <br />Now on throwing other stuff away I am horrible. I have a pile of cheap pressed boards from mass produced furniture people offered to me by saying if I didn't want them they were going to put them out for trash. I also have an end table sitting on my deck I pulled out of a neighbors trash because she said she had the drawers, turns out she doesn't. I'm ready to carry it back down to her trash just to get it out of here. The pressed boards are also close to being tosssed out. The latest cleaning came about after having the children here for a month, all of a sudden my stuff seemed overwhelming when their bags arrived and needed a place to be stored. Today was my first day alone in a month and I got to cleaning right away, well after getting some much needed rest. Who knows how much will go out the door in this latest cleaning marathon. :-)Lois@Living In Denimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368939902298894344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-26281438138458659022016-07-03T20:38:16.186-06:002016-07-03T20:38:16.186-06:00I feel your pain! It's just not possible to fi...I feel your pain! It's just not possible to find uses for all of the garbage that comes into our modern little lives.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-79667742347874960952016-07-03T20:36:18.525-06:002016-07-03T20:36:18.525-06:00Oh yes, the fabric has all been washed and will be...Oh yes, the fabric has all been washed and will be given away one way or another - well the pieces that were big enough. I tried washing some of the tiny stuff like for the quilt that I was gonna get around to some day - but it just fell apart. I am making progress though!EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-59546047009002252802016-07-03T16:29:19.149-06:002016-07-03T16:29:19.149-06:00Love this post! I have the exact same problem. I h...Love this post! I have the exact same problem. I have just today filled a bag with a million margarine tubs that I have saved, because it pains me so much to throw non-recyclable plastic away. I will never reuse them all, so my husband made me ditch them :-( Everyday Life On A Shoestringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06038009981638541163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-62944794714150986632016-07-03T13:37:15.619-06:002016-07-03T13:37:15.619-06:00True, at least you have a good reason to throw it ...True, at least you have a good reason to throw it all out now rather than agonising over where it ends up. If someone else gets an infestation, it would just mean even more going to landfill in the end!<br /><br />I would have thought the fabric could be donated if it was washed first (probably on a hot wash!) if you feel like taking on that additional challenge ;)NicolaBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01542310810409358114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-7887004448626798372016-07-03T12:35:49.481-06:002016-07-03T12:35:49.481-06:00Big IF there... and IF you are actually smart enou...Big IF there... and IF you are actually smart enough to not put yourself through the same thing over and over and over... <br /><br />Someone emailed me about possibly taking the rag rug today, and I'm so happy that it might become someone else's project soon! <br /><br />If nothing else, this whole experience has made it clear to me that I am a limited being. I have limited time and energy to pursue projects, and read books, and fix things, and do all of the other "maybe someday" stuff that keep me holding onto so much junk! It's actually quite freeing to let go of not just the physical objects, but the idea that I somehow "should" be doing all of the things that my belongings would imply.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-33303657186582134242016-07-03T12:28:45.247-06:002016-07-03T12:28:45.247-06:00Wow! I'm so happy for you that you managed to ...Wow! I'm so happy for you that you managed to get rid of the carpet beetles! I found yet another one by the patio door this morning, so my work continues... <br /><br />And I've gotta say, I'm thrilled with my new box of rags. Somehow the fact that it's all cut up into usable sizes that no longer look like the original articles of clothing really helps - I totally see where you're coming from with the underwear though! :-)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-35673642388185041342016-07-03T12:25:37.796-06:002016-07-03T12:25:37.796-06:00Yay! Free yourself, I say! Seriously, there's ...Yay! Free yourself, I say! Seriously, there's only so much one can do, and when it comes to the point of driving all over in an attempt to "do the right thing" you very quickly hit a point of diminishing returns. Good luck with those rag boxes! :-)EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-29477234616737593762016-07-03T10:21:16.513-06:002016-07-03T10:21:16.513-06:00Rag rugs are such a thing for greenies! They'r...Rag rugs are such a thing for greenies! They're well within my limited ability levels, they are cute and useful, and we have rags! <br /><br />I think that guilt is a really useful emotion, IF you go ahead and trash the thing and suffer through the bad feeling. It helps you avoid acquiring things in the future.Rosanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-84923123923092514642016-07-03T08:27:02.534-06:002016-07-03T08:27:02.534-06:00Oh, the rag bag!! My husband has about five of the...Oh, the rag bag!! My husband has about five of them in the garage. There are two main reasons why I don't use the rags. One is that the bags are so full and have been there so long I'm afraid that I might happen upon a nest of mice in there. The other is that I'd rather die than use a pair of his discarded Y-fronts to clean anything!!<br />In other news though, my carpet beetles seem to be gone (but I haven't told him that yet as he does seem to be doing some clearing out).Traceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00451416943813912617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-68051605715332920162016-07-03T07:09:40.446-06:002016-07-03T07:09:40.446-06:00I've been working on my "reuse/recycle&qu...I've been working on my "reuse/recycle" stash. I had a box of electronics - cords, phones, cameras - that I was saving to take to a store that recycles those types of things. Plus I saved wine corks to take to another place. Problem is both stores are in a city abou an hour and a half from me and since I've cut way down on shopping and driving I almost never go to that city. I realized it made no sense to save those items since I wasn't going to drive three hours and waste all that gas and wear and tear on my vehicle to recycle them so I ended up tossing them. I'm going to work on my rag boxes soon. Cheriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06661705838389866476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7685979597473858413.post-25466910114239583062016-07-03T01:36:35.582-06:002016-07-03T01:36:35.582-06:00Oy, I fear I've been known to pull a few thing...Oy, I fear I've been known to pull a few things out of the rag bag from time to time, but I am reformed... for realz this time! <br /><br />And funny you should mention rag rugs... I just washed and packed up the half finished one I had in the basement, along with all of the fabric I had saved for it. Hopefully I can find someone who will take it - I've posted it on Freecycle & we'll see. I tried to wash the little cut up quilt pieces (another one of those aspirational projects) but alas, the tiny pieces of un-hemmed cut fabric didn't fare well in the wash so it got tossed. <br /><br />One good thing about the carpet beetle infestation is that it's allowing me to feel less guilty about just trashing some things because it takes serious effort to de-beetle items, so if I'm not reasonably sure that someone will want it, it's really not worth the trouble.<br /><br />I do feel a bit guilty though because I put an old hide-a-bed mattress out for the large item trash pickup and somebody took it! I hope whomever it was doesn't end up getting a beetle infestation too... perhaps I should have placed a warning note on it! <br /><br />But I have had remarkable luck with Craigslist and Freecycle in the past - I even got someone to take an old leaking waterbed mattress once - they wanted it for a pond liner. Hopefully my newfound minimalist(ish) zeal will stick around even after I succeed in evicting the carpet beetles! (She says as she looks around frantically trying to find a piece of wood to knock on...) EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.com