The US leads the world in many ways, including the amount of waste we produce. Although we constitute less than 5 percent of the world's population, we use up to 30 percent of the world's resources, and per capita we generate the most trash. Throwaway Nation illuminates the problem and suggests ways we can mitigate this environmental disaster.

Electronic equipment like computer monitors, central processing units (CPUs), keyboards, mice, scanners, and cell phones contain a number of hazardous constituents such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and silver. Many of these constituents are found on the circuit boards or in the glass. Computers also contain a battery such as nickel-cadmium, lithium or sealed lead acid. These constituents are not a concern while the equipment is in...

"Lumber prices are soaring, and deforestation is a rising concern. Yet millions of pounds of perfectly usable wood are dumped in landfills every year. Wood Pallet Projects shows how anyone can upcycle salvaged pallet wood to create truly one-of-a-kind projects. Maverick craftsman Chris Gleason combines sound woodworking techniques with a hip designer's sensibility to unleash the limitless possibilities of the common skid. Inside you'll find 15 of...

Whether you dream of restoring an heirloom to its former beauty, or just want to modernise a flea market treasure, Amy Howard has the design and refinishing secrets you need. Here are all the furniture finishing recipes, techniques, and tips that have made Howard's beloved classes sold-out success stories, and made Howard herself the go-to guru of refinishing and "use what you have" redecorating. Try your hand at unique painted and faux finishes,...

"Upcycle that unwanted wood! The New Pallet Book updates a unique woodworking book with 25+ new ways to take a stack of pallets and put them to use. Join home improvement author Chris Peterson for a complete guide to deconstructing and repurposing pallets. This edition, with tons of new content and more than 50 projects and ideas, features everything from dead-simple builds like pathway pavers and a mug holder to more challenging projects like a recycling...

Once empty, clean, and without a label, most glass bottles and jars are pretty on their own. With a few extra touches such as paint or ribbon, glass items that are commonly recycled can be truly beautiful! Clear, simple instructions guide readers through several crafting projects that use old glass items in a new way. Each craft encourages readers to individualize their project, adding color and detail they choose and like. Additionally, this book...

Once a month--every week in the summer--Steve the electrician dons special gear and, with the help of youngsters who live in his building, dives into a dumpster seeking useful objects that they can transform into imaginative new ones.

More than twenty-five creative designs for one-of-a-kind upcycled projects using the world's most widely available reclaimed wood! Crafting with Wood Pallets offers innovative new projects for transforming wood pallets into all types of beautiful, useful items for the home and garden. Packed with color photos and easy-to-follow instructions for over twenty-five DIY projects, this book shows how to build, paint, and finish unique gifts, decor, and...

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse contains a cutting edge collection the most inventive work being made with re-used, upcycled, and already existing materials. Artists and crafters have always been recyclers, but for many, it has not only become a thrifty choice, it has become a moral imperative. The work in this book ranges from clever and humble personal accessories to unique and important large-scale works of art, including paper art, fashion, jewelry,...