apples still belong to them because the tree was planted on their property. Unfortunately, in most places, this also applies to trees dropping fruit on the sidewalk. If the tree appears to be planted on private property, it’s best to leave the fruit be — or knock and ask if you can have it! (Note: This gets hilariously complicated when your neighbor’s fruit falls onto your lawn. Now, you can’t legally eat it without permission, but they also can’t take it without permission! To resolve this, sit down with your neighbors and hash out an agreement.) 3. When in Doubt, Thy State Wins Out The laws around picking fruit can be complicated. Some states don’t even follow the first two commandments! For example, in California, you can legally take fruit from branches of a neighbor’s tree that extend into your yard. With this in mind, it’s always wise to research your state’s laws. If you’re still stumped after thorough research, then email a local lawyer or get in touch with a forager (visit RobGreenfield.org/FindaForager to locate one in your state) who will likely know the rules. ‘Can I Pick That?’ THE LEGALITIES OF EATING FOUND FRUIT
In many parts of the U.S. right now, apples are dangling temptingly over fence lines and ripe pears are dropping onto sidewalks. This is the prime season for fall fruit, but if you live in an area where food grows rampant, then you probably think of it as both delicious and confusing. Be honest: How many times have you strolled down the street, spotted something tasty that was potentially on private property, and wondered, “Is it legal to pick that?”
THE 3 COMMANDMENTS OF PICKING FRUIT
1. Thou May Pick From Public Lands In most places, it’s perfectly legal to pick fruit from what the law website Nolo describes as “public trees” — trees that grow on public lands, in state or city parks, or in medians. This doesn’t include sidewalks, which are explained in the next section. 2. Thou Shall Not Pick Thy Neighbor’s Fruit Unfortunately, when it comes to who owns a fruit tree, the trunk is what matters, not the branches! This means that even if your neighbor’s apple tree is bowing temptingly into your yard, the
With These DIY Kitchen Storage Ideas! ACHIEVE MISE EN PLACE
The perfect philosophy for organizing your kitchen is mise en place : Everything needs to have its place. So, it’s time for those lids to stop piling up in a corner of your cabinet and pots to be stored properly! Here are a few DIY ideas that’ll make the tasks even easier:
for pastas, grains, spices, candies, snacks, and much more. Even in different sizes, you won’t run out of uses for these, since they can be potentially used as a gift container too!
when it’s off. It’s annoying how often lids pile up inside your kitchen space — but if you install a single metal bar (yep, just one!), any lid with any type of middle grip can be stored on it. Just slide it on top, and the bar will hold up the lid, thanks to its handle preventing any fall.
NO. 3: HIDDEN MEASURING CUP HOOKS
NO. 1: PEGBOARD UTENSIL AND POT ORGANIZER
Tired of your measuring cups rattling in a drawer? Put small hooks inside a cabinet door, hang your measuring cups, and close. You can use stick-on hooks or drill a small bar of wood inside and attach hooks to the bar. This works great with any small utensils, but it works best if your cabinet’s interior isn’t stacked and overflowing with items.
Add a chic touch to your kitchen and make all your pans and cooking utensils easy to grab with a pegboard! Not only are pegboards constructed rather sturdily, but you can also paint and use metal hook inserts to hold all sorts of kitchen tools, from heavy pans to kitchen scissors.
BONUS — EASY CHALKBOARD MENU/GROCERY LIST
While this isn’t an “item storage” idea per se, it does make it easy to store and update your grocery list! First, use chalkboard paint on the inside (or outside) of one of your cabinets. Then, use chalk markers to create and update your weekly grocery list every time you run out of an ingredient. You can also use it for a menu during parties!
NO. 2: UPCYCLED TIN CAN STORAGE
NO. 4: POT AND PAN LID STORAGE BAR
Don’t throw away tin cans! Instead, keep them, repaint them, and/or label them
Everyone says keep your lid on, but nobody says what to do with your lid
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