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Free is good, aka: Let’s keep it out of the landfill

To fully understand this blog post, you need to know that I was born and raised in Connecticut and only recently (25 years ago) relocated to the Savannah, Georgia area.

Thumb of 2018-09-13/greene/dac5b5

So…I responded to an item on Facebook Marketplace. Hey, if you don’t already know about this, do yourself a favor and check it out in your local area. Someone in Savannah was offering cardboard barrels for $2 each. I had already known about these barrels from when I was the manager of a dry cleaning store. As long as these barrels are kept indoors, out of the weather, they can last a really long time. I had one for over 20 years. It originally contained starch but I used it to hold plastic beads for craft work.

The seller of the barrels and I communicated back and forth and it was arranged that I would pick up the barrels; I brought cash money – exact change. Yep, I brought cash money, but the seller did not actually want any money. Seems like he just wanted to re-home the barrels. I’m cool with that. Together, he and I loaded 4 of the barrels into my tiny car. I had some rope and the man tied some spiffy knots that he had learned courtesy of the US Army to secure the barrels. I suspect his knowledge of knots might be hereditary, ingrained from the Mayflower days. It was decided that I would return shortly to pick up a few more barrels.

After fortifying myself with a cheeseburger and fries from the local Checkers I arrived home, unloaded the barrels, gave the leftovers from Checkers to the chickens (they did not care for the fries), I drove back and started loading more barrels into my tiny car. The man’s sister arrived to offer assistance. Together, she and I loaded 4 barrels into my small car. It was a task and a half. The barrels weigh next to nothing but since they are round, they tried to roll out of the car a few times. All 8 barrels are now safe and sound inside my house and will soon be filled with all sorts of stuff…Perlite, Vermiculite, peat moss, rabbit pellets, chicken food, Timothy hay (that’s the good stuff)…whew, the list goes on. I plan to seal and paint some of these cardboard barrels so they will last a good long time. Note to self: Find out what kind of paint is good for cardboard barrels.

Okay, history lesson. The family giving away the cardboard barrels arrived in America around and about the Mayflower era. A long time ago. The great-grandmother had an idea and…well, her idea has been supporting the family for four generations. Yikes!! If you want to buy some spring clips manufactured and sold by the Gibson company – totally made in America, look them up online. The company has roots in Bristol, Connecticut and the spring clips are shipped to Savannah for packaging and distribution. Just like me. I started out in Connecticut and ended up in Savannah. How cool is that?!

Here is a link to get you started. There are other sizes available.
http://www.gibsongoodtools.com…

Update October 5:

I picked up a gallon of what I call ‘goof paint’ for $9, regular price $36.https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-Premium-1-gal-SC-129-Chocolate-Solid-Color-Waterproofing-Exterior-Wood-Stain-and-Sealer-501301/204166129?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-204166116-_-204166129-_-N

It was easy to work with and easy to wash off my hands, and the wall in the hall, and the light switch…never paint when you are tired! But the barrels are now a lovely chocolate brown color.

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