For those looking for a good way to reduce the amount of waste they’re sending to landfills, Louisa County Conservation is hosting an event that will turn some of that waste into inexpensive gifts for the holidays. Naturalist Lana Artz-McComb says the word “upcycling” might not be familiar, but it means turning something with little or no value into something of great value. With upcycling in mind, they are inviting people of all ages to the conservation offices in Wapello Thursday for a workshop on how to turn everyday household items into holiday gifts. They will have materials at the event to work with, but people can bring items from home, including buttons, wire coat hangers, bottle caps, egg cartons, and old t-shirts.

The idea for the event comes from Louisa County Conservation’s partnership with Louisa County Solid Waste Agency. Artz-McComb says it’s the first in a series of educational workshops designed to teach people about reducing, reusing, and recycling. The workshop runs from 6-8 p.m., and Artz-McComb encourages people to come for just a few minutes or stay the whole time if they want. For more information about the event, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Artz-McComb at KCIIRadio.com.