It's that time of year again - wrapping paper, packaging and consumerism abound, setting off my unsustainable alarm bells.  To soothe them back to charming jingles, check this awesome list of everyday items repurposed for the holidays plus creative uses for holiday-themed goods.  My favorite is creating a table runner out of last year's holiday cards - gives you the opportunity to revive the memories while creating new ones.

New Uses for Christmas Items

Happy Holidays, everyone, and Best Wishes for the New Year!

You might have one of these little wonders in your refrigerator right now.  After you read this list from a New York Times article, I bet you'll be energized to try some of the ideas right away!  Home-related ideas at the top (we are focused on interiors here, after all).

Looking for a green way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean.  Not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?  Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

You don't have to sacrifice style to be kinder to the environment, and a model condominium designed by Thom Filicia is a perfect example of this. He uses green materials, fabrics and finishes throughout this comfortably appointed home, but you wouldn't know it unless he told you. 

I love the beautiful dresser by Aponwao Design he used, which is made out of salvaged picture frames!

Read more (and see the beautiful dresser) here.

Check it out... and product finder for green building materials in your are! This site is lacking a large amount of manufacturers, however, as the site develops, it will be come a great resource!

http://www.green2green.org

Using reclaimed or found items to create a focal point in a room can really make your space stand out. I love image below (found on design sponge). The designer/owner created interest by incorporating multiple found mirrors all ranging in size and style.  All it took was a few thrift shop runs to create this look! Its easy,inexpensive and keeps these items out of the dumpster.