Tutorial: Cereal Box Shipping Envelope

When I am shipping items, I reuse boxes and shipping envelopes that I have received in the mail. Every now and then I have to buy one or make one. The last time I made a shipping envelope from a cereal box I took photos so that I could share them with you.

1. Deconstruct your cereal box so that it is flat. I cut off the small end that was on the right side of the front of the cereal box, but you can also leave it attached and just tape it down.

2. Tape down the flaps on the top and bottom of the front of the cereal box.

3. Cut a small slit on the top and bottom flap of the back of the box. Then cut that section out. The photo does not illustrate it well, but that whole blue section in the photo below will be cut out. This makes the outside flap. It will be the last thing you tape down to seal the envelope.

4. Tape the top and bottom flaps down like you did on the other side of the box. Also, tape down the middle flaps.

5. Fold over the flap that you just created at the end to form a crease, but do not tape this down.

7. Fold the cereal box in half.

8. Tape the sides together to form your envelope. Then stuff your goodies inside.

9. Fold over the creased edge and tape shut.

10. Viola. Now you have a nice recycled package. Attach your shipping label and put it in the mail.

If you have something that you want to ship that is not flat, you can just keep the cereal box in tact. Place your items inside and tape it shut. Doesn't get easier than that.

What does Going Green mean?

One of the hot air balloons that floated over our house this afternoon.

Going green means something different to everyone. On wikipedia.com Going Green is redirected to Environmentalism. According to wikipedia .com, environmentalism is "a broad philosophy and social movement centered on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the natural environment, both for its own sake as well as its importance to civilization."

To me right now going green means conserving energy, creating less waste, recycling, educating myself, and being aware of my impact on the environment. I want my children to grow up in a safe and unpolluted environment.

Here are some new green tips. I am calling them my easy ecos.

1. Don't get an ATM receipt or a receipt at the gas station. (Thanks to Dana for that one)

2. Sign-up for your bills to be automatically drafted from your bank account. You can also sign up to receive your bills via e-mail. No more bills in the mail, no more checks, and no more stamps.

3. Green Dimes- This is another great way to get rid of that junk mail. It costs $20 and they use this money to plant 5 trees. (Thanks to Dana for this one too.)