Got an old sweater that is too stretched out to wear? Make it into a sofa pillow, or use the arms to make child-size leggings, and the body to make a child-size winter skirt. Several old Gore-Tex jackets? Sew them together to make a beautiful and mold-resistant shower curtain. How about some plain white china plates? Paint or draw on them and sell the resulting work at a craft fair.

While many people are focused on finding ways to reuse or recycle things they can no longer use, others are finding creative ways to reuse stuff (clothing, dishes, you name it) by making something new out of something old -- turning storage problems into craft projects. While the practice is really just a new way to reuse or recycle things, it has generated its own word: upcycling. If your closets, kitchen cupboards, garage, basement, attic, or self storage unit is crammed to the gills or overstuffed with...stuff, then upcycling is the new green alternative to throwing things out. [More]

When the weather is warm enough, many people like to walk or bike to work or school every day, either to reduce carbon emissions from a car and reduce air pollution, or simply because they enjoy the exercise. A few adventurous souls travel by bike on vacation, bicycling across the United States, Europe, or Asia. The challenge is where to put your bike when you are not using it. Not all destinations have convenient bike racks. In a few cities, though, bicyclists are turning to self storage units to hold their bikes temporarily -- while they are at work or school, or while they spend the night in a hotel. Not only are self storage units more readily available than bike racks in some areas, but shoppers or travelers can leave parcels or luggage with the bikes in storage and know that their belongings will remain secure. Best of all, a bike can be contained in a very small storage unit. [More]