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Who says eco-friendly decorating can't be stylish. We have some funky ideas that are both easy on the environment and the budget.

Perk Up Those Dining Room Chairs!

One of the easiest changes you can make to your dining room that ranks high on the "wow" factor, is to re-upholster your chairs. Check out your closet for coordinating sweaters you no longer wear, or visit your local thrift store.

1. Trim off the sleeves and neck until the fabric is slightly larger than the chair cushion.

2. Unscrew the seat cushions.

3. Cover with sweater and attach with a staple gun or upholstery tacks. Trim any excess fabric and reattach the cushion.

This is a great idea for those who like to change up their decorating for the seasons. In the spring you may want to replace the sweaters with a sunny floral motif.

Use Sustainable Wood

More and more wood products are becoming available created from bamboo. One of the fastest growing grasses in the world, items such as wood flooring, salad utensils and cutting boards are made by harvesting its outer green layer, weaving the strands and drying them in a kiln. It doesn't kill the plant, and will continue to grow well after harvesting.

Recycled Glass

Why not enjoy the fruits of your recycling efforts by purchasing dishes made from reused glass. Resembling tinted depression era crystal, these unique bowls and glasses have a slight green hue and are reasonably priced.

Hang Onto Your Candle Stubs!

That bag full of half burned candles you've been saving for a power outage can finally be put to good use. Get some old clay flower pots – the older and more rustic looking the better. Clean out the inside and cover the hole with a coin. Tie a wick made of cotton twine (or a ready made, store bought version) around a pencil, and hold it in place by laying it across the top of the pot. Melt all those candle stubs in a pot on low heat or in a double boiler. If you have trouble getting the wax out of the old containers, slip them in the freezer for a couple hours and then pop the candle out with a butter knife. Pour the melted wax into the flower pot, let set overnight and trim your wick to size. Add some essential oil to the melted wax to make a scented version.

Funky Tiered Tray

Don't throw out all those mismatched plates and cups you've got hidden away in your closet – instead, use them to make a tiered dessert or hors d'oeuvre tray.

Choose three plates, one a little smaller than the other and two teacups. Start with the largest plate, and epoxy a teacup in the middle, applying glue to the rim at the top and bottom of the cup. Glue the next smallest plate on top of the teacup and so on – you get the idea. You may even top it off with an old glass ornament. Give your creation 24 hours for the epoxy to dry and then rinse.

This is so unique, your friends will be talking about it for weeks. Tsunami threat abates with the tide
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