Who would’ve guessed these colorful peony-like flowers are really throw-away plastic shopping bags? Start with a colorful plastic bag and scrunch it up lengthwise into a long strip. Fold strip in half lengthwise, and then again. Tightly secure the middle with a piece of tape or a rubber band. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut 1/2 inch off each end (as shown). Fluff out and display. Set the blooms in interesting antique teacups and line them up along a sunny windowsill.

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Green Tip
IKEA is campaigning to reduce their disposable plastic bag usage from 70 million to 35 million. To encourage the use of their reusable "Big Blue Bag," Ikea has dropped its price to 59 cents and will charge shoppers for plastic bags (with proceeds going to American Forests). For more information, visit www.ikea.com.