“What can I make out of old stuff?” is a thought that crosses the mind of everyone wishing to live a sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle. Thankfully, there are many creative ideas for recycling common household items.
So, let’s look at 5 ways to reuse common household items. These repurpose ideas will not only cut down on waste but also allow you to exercise some creativity and practicality! Plus, if you’re looking for upcycling ideas for beginners, this list will certainly be helpful.
1. Old T-Shirts into Cleaning Rags
Most of us have old t-shirts (or just clothes in general) that we never wear anymore taking up space in our closets. Rather than throwing them away, there is a way to repurpose them into something useful – cleaning rags! In fact, this is one of the most popular repurposing ideas out there — it was a thing even before people started to find out about repurposing and upcycling.
Cleaning rags can be used for a variety of tasks, from dusting furniture to washing windows. They are also more environmentally friendly than disposable paper towels.
To turn an old t-shirt into a cleaning rag, simply cut the shirt into squares or strips and wash it. Once it is dry, it is ready to use. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to the wash for a fresh scent. Of course, remember that you can use any soft clothes — not just t-shirts! — for this repurposing idea.
The next time you want to declutter your closet, don’t forget that you can give new life to old clothes by turning them into cleaning rags.
2. Egg Cartons into Plant Pots
If you’ve ever had to scramble to find extra plant pots for your spring seedlings, you know how frustrating it can be. Thankfully, there’s a quick and easy way to repurpose egg cartons into plant pots.
Cut each individual compartment out of the carton, punch a few drainage holes in the bottom, and fill with potting mix. Once your seedlings have outgrown their egg cartons, simply transplant them into larger pots or the garden bed.
Egg cartons are an excellent way to recycle household items and save money on planting supplies. Plus, they make great homes for seedlings and cuttings.
So next time you need some extra plant pots, don’t run to the store – just head to your kitchen, grab some egg cartons, and start repurposing.
3. Beer Cans into Flower Vases
With a little creativity, you can repurpose even the most mundane objects into something both useful and stylish.
Beer cans make great vases for flowers, for example. Start off by simply giving the beer can a good wash. Then, use a sharp knife or box cutter to remove the top of the can. Be very, very careful, though!
Then, make a few small slits around the top of the can. Once you have made your cuts, bend back the metal to create an opening large enough to fit a small bouquet of flowers. Tiny flowers (such as pansies, dandelions, violets, and frangipanis) work best! You can even add washi tape or colorful paper around the rim to make it prettier and safer.
Add a few pebbles or beads to weigh it down, arrange your small flowers in the can, and enjoy your upcycled vase made out of a beer can! We’re sure your beer can vase will be the topic of conversation when your friends come over — not only will they be interested in the brand of beer you drink but also in your fantastic upcycling skills!
4. Plastic Bottles into Doorstops or Draught Excluders
Every year, billions of plastic bottles are used and discarded, with many ending up in our oceans and landfill. However, there are a number of ways to recycle plastic bottles and give them a new lease of life. One simple but unconventional way is to turn them into doorstops or draught excluders.
To make doorstops, you’ll need to clean and dry the bottles. Then, fill them with sand, rice, or another material that will weigh them down and help them grip the floor. Once the bottles are filled, simply place them under doors or windows to keep draughts out. You can even decorate them to match your home décor!
For draught excluders, fill the bottles with rice or beans and sew a fabric cover around them. These can be easily made at home from repurposed household items and help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.
5. Glass Jars into Candle Holders
With a little creativity, even the most mundane household items can be repurposed into something new and beautiful. For example, empty glass jars can be turned into elegant candle holders.
Now, if you don’t want to deal with hot wax and simply want to use an existing candle for your glass jar, we’ve got just the method for you! Start by removing the labels from the jars and cleaning them thoroughly. Once the jars are clean, use a hot glue gun to attach a length of ribbon around the rim.
Next, fill the bottom of the jar with a layer of sand or pebbles. This will help keep the candle in place and prevent it from tipping. Finally, add a pillar candle to the jar and light it. The soft glow of the candle will create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room and you can feel good about not spending on a new candle and instead using a neat repurposing idea!
You can also fill the glass jar with melted wax, add a wick, allow it to cool, and enjoy your homemade candle and repurposed candle jar.
With a little bit of imagination, even the most ordinary household items can be transformed into something special. We hope you enjoyed these creative ideas for recycling common household items.
Watch this space to discover more repurposing and upcycling ideas!
