This week for Sustainable Saturday, I wanted to focus on some awesome ways to up-cycle different items around your house. We’ve talked about 3 out of 4 R’s so far: Refusing disposables, reducing waste, and reusing items.
I’m going to preface this with the fact that I’m not very crafty or handy. I really try to be, but others are way more imaginative than me. In that spirit, I’d like to make this post somewhat of a gallery of ideas from Pinterest that I really love!
I love these projects because they’re totally do-able, even if you’re not crafty, so it makes them easy for anyone. Another aspect I like is that they’re useful, not just decorative (not that decorative is bad, but I love things that are cute and useful).
First up: A upcycled mint tin.
Thanks to Giggles Galore for this one! Not only can you store your earphones and keep from getting tangled, but I could definitely use this for hair ties/pins, loose change, or a phone charger (sans wall adapter).
There are also a ton of other ways to up-cycle them, both plastic and metal. I’ve seen everything from travel spa kits, mini first aid kits, kids activity boxes, and much more!
Next: rope-wrapped cans/tins
This one comes to us from Artison, and it awesome because it’s so versatile. You could apply this to a coffee can, sauce jar, even a kitty litter container. They can be made into wastebaskets, storage, planters, or even a reusable gift container (or a gift itself!).
You do have to get a bit of rope or twine to make this one, but luckily it’s not too expensive. You could experiment with ribbon, colored or marine rope, or t-shirt yarn(yet another upcycle!).
Also: Planters
This is actually two pins, but the same purpose: plants! Pots can be expensive so these are great options for seed starters and more long-term planters.
Thanks to Thrifty Fun for this adorable kitty planter. These planters are best for larger, more established plants. You could really make them any animal you want. Don’t forget drainage holes at the bottom!
If you’re starting seeds, try this one:
Over at Shareably, not only can you find directions on how to turn paper rolls into seed starters, but other cool upcycles as well!
This post is pretty short and sweet, but I hope it gives you some inspiration on how you can re-purpose all kinds of things that would normally end up in the bin!
Got any other great ideas? Post in the comments!
Melissa Pegley 