Yes, I know today is the 17th and by the time I finish writing this could possibly be the 18th!, but Recycling is important to me and I just found out that Monday was America Recycles Day. (It's been a long, hectic week - and it's only Wednesday!)
I was challenged to tell you how I recycle Stampin' Up! paper and card stock. First, whenever I cut a piece of card stock, I have an accordion file folder that I put the unused pieces into. Sometimes these pieces are half sheets, and sometimes MUCH smaller. If I think I can use it for anything, I put it in the folder. Then, when I need a piece of that color of card stock, I check the accordion folder. Since the folder only has 12 sections, I have grouped each section to hold 5 of a color family (10 sections) plus one for each of the overlapping "In-colors."
When I have used every bit of a piece of card stock that can be used, I then put the remaining scraps into a paper re-cycle sack and when that is full, take it to the local school's collection of recycled paper.
Before I discovered the accordion file idea, I put leftover pieces of each project into zip-type plastic bags. This worked for awhile, but as I did more and more projects, the bags kind of grew out of proportion. I didn't have time to go look through so many bags to see if I could find a color, particularly when that piece might be small and "hiding" between other colors in the bag. Since changing to the accordion file system, I'm aware that I use those small pieces much more regularly. It stays within my reach and is easy to sort since it's by color family!
In case you're wondering, I made the color coded labels for these files on my My Digital Studio Program! I simply created a "square" punch, then made it more of a rectangle, then colored it in with the color I wanted since the MDS program includes all of Stampin' Up!'s colors! (I'm so glad I then saved it, since I had to re-do it for the color changes this year!)
With the Designer Series Paper, I put the unused pieces back into the wrapping that the DSP came in (which is where the rest of the uncut pieces are also). Since I tend to use DSP in square or rectangle pieces, there is hardly any ever left to go into the recycle sack, but when there is, that's where it goes.
Hope that inspires you to organize those scraps and use them on a different project. For one thing, it saves YOU money. Stampin' Up! paper is a great buy, but even then, throwing it away is throwing your money away. The second thing is, it's a good feeling to know that you're taking care of the environment by using resources wisely.
I'd really like to know what you do with your "leftover" pieces of paper and card stock. You might have a better idea! If we share ideas, we'll all learn, so leave a comment and let us know what you think about this subject.
Happy Stamping! (and it's still the 17th! - 'Night, stamping world!)
