REPURPOSING: Gloria Scarano of Euclid Avenue finds creative ways to use her extra bags.
This autumn-colored wreath was made with a combination of orange Bradford Era bags, yellow plastic bags and white-and-dark-colored bags.
Gloria explained that she cuts the bags to the shape she wants, then ties them around a wire wreath frame. She embellished this one with flowers.
She’s made wreaths before with just the orange Era sleeves, but she likes the look of them with more colors.
Meanwhile, Delores Padasak said uses her orange Era bags to carry shoes in when she’s traveling, or she donates them to the McKean County SPCA or recycles them at Walmart.
SHOVELING: We’re not going to lie.
We always break out into obscenities at some point when we’re trying to shovel the driveway. There’s a lot of ways to get hurt clearing snow, too.
The Snow & Ice Management Association — a non-profit organization for snow and ice removal professionals — has shared a few shoveling safety tips for one of the more frustrating chores of the season.
1. “Stay on top of the snow.” According to SIMA, it’s easier to shovel a few inches at a time, even if it hasn’t stopped snowing and you have to go back out later.
2. “Layer it up.” The organization suggests wearing these three layers to stay warm and dry: a base of comfortable, breathable fabric that wicks moisture from your body; an insulating layer of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing including a shirt and pants, which is meant to keep you warm; and an outer layer of waterproof, windproof clothes to keep you dry and warm.
3. “Push, don’t lift.” You’ll use less energy — and protect yourself from injury — if you have a way to push the snow out of way rather than lift it.
4. “Do an exercise warm-up.” It’s a lot of work to shovel. Stretch your arms, legs and back before you start, and make sure you stay hydrated. Don’t be afraid to stop and rest.
5. “Call and text.” Keep your cell phone on you so you can call for help in an emergency. Like we said, there are many ways to get hurt out there.
For more tips or more information on SIMA, visit the website www.sima.org.
