Weekly alternative uses - SXSW

Creativity abounds at this year's South by Southwest music, film and interactive festival, which runs March 12 through 21 in Austin, Texas.

"It's often the funniest things that help us to find our creative side," says Benjamin Goldfarb, CEO of AltUse.com, which offers "alternative uses for everyday products." His suggestions are great for parents looking to amuse their children or adults with a creative side - and will bring music to the ears of those that care about the environment.

Make-at-home AltUses for music

The CD Scarecrow

For people who have free or used CDs cluttering up the house, perhaps they can be used to keep the patio clean? The reflective surfaces scatter light, scaring away birds harmlessly.

http://www.altuse.com/compact-disc-cd-s-/scarecrow/a103.html

Mattress Soundproofing

Mattresses can help provide soundproofing for even the most raucous of garage bands - stack spare ones against a wall to try to keep the neighbors at bay.

http://www.altuse.com/soundproofing/a606.html

Shoe Box Guitar

A great project for young children, shoe boxes can be turned into working guitars with a little bit of time and some extra (throwaway) materials. Afterwards, the guitars can be strummed like the real thing.

http://www.altuse.com/entertainment/guitar/a1099.html

Wine Bottle Instrument

It's an old one, but one of the best. Get children to fill up empty wine bottles with water to different levels before blowing across the rim to create a musical note - first one to play a tune wins!

http://www.altuse.com/musical-instrument/a1322.html

Alternative uses provided by AltUse - find out more at http://www.altuse.com/