Hobby Saves Money and Environment - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

It's quickly becoming a favorite hobby of many. Repurposing furniture can not only save the environment, but it can also save you a lot of cash.

Eco Chic Boutique Owner, Maria Bosak, says, "Something like this you might have even had a look more like in the beginning just an old wood look."

When Eco Chic Boutique in South Fargo opened a few years ago, furniture wasn't for sale.

Maria says, "People kept asking if they could buy our display fixtures."

That quickly changed and repurposed furniture now accounts for about 50% of their sales. It's also become a popular hobby. It's eco friendly because it uses old pieces that would otherwise be thrown. It's also friendly for your wallet.

Maria says a table like this would run you about 40 bucks at a thrifts store and then only 20 more to repurpose it.

"Just by painting it and throwing some new handles on you can have something that looks stylish and new for pennies on the dollar," says Maria.

On top of that, Maria says the vintage look with a quick coat of paint can do more than spruce up your house.

"If people's houses feel good, then they feel good. So the opportunity to give your house some new life gives you some happiness without spending a ton of money," says Maria.

Eco Chic Boutique has started holding classes on how to repurpose your own furniture. You can find that information on their Facebook page and website.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/beingecochic

http://beingecochic.com/