RECYCLING LIGHT BULBS!

To help preserve the environment, we can equip our homes with energy-saving light bulbs. Here is an opportunity to recycle old light bulbs into trendy hanging vases or salt and pepper shakers. These airy glass spheres can be poetically transformed in a thousand and one ways...

Here's how: Saw off the bottom of the light bulb screw base using a hacksaw, turning the light bulb evenly. Bulbs with a bayonet base can also be used - in this case, saw off the bottom of the base along the apparent line. Once the base has been cut, insert a thin screwdriver and break the protruding tip of the glass mount, or stem, that holds the filament (be sure to protect your eyes). Then, using a bigger screwdriver, insert it into the glass socket, and give a quick, hard tap to break off the remainder of the mount. Using a rounded file, enlarge the hole and remove the filament. Your light bulb is now empty.

To make a hanging vase, use a gimlet or hole punch to pierce a hole on either side of the light bulb base. Aluminum is very easy to pierce. With a thin piece of wire, create a hanger. Pour in a little water and place a flower in its new home.

To make a pair of salt and pepper shakers, hollow out two light bulbs. Protect the light bulb with a piece of cloth and, using a small hammer, lightly flatten the top of the screw base. This will ensure that the caps fit securely. Find two old plastic soda bottle caps and use a knife to remove the plastic disc lining the cap. Then, pierce several holes into the cap using a large nail. A circle of thick felt or wooden rings glued to the bottom of the shakers will stabilize them. Fill with salt and pepper, and then screw the caps on.

Here are some links to official websites of Canadian and US Departments of Energy who explain how to save energy at home. Visit this website where you will find a technical subject about various kinds of light bulbs, including assembly method and history: wikipedia.

Tips on living green: eco-tips.