If we’re being honest, we rely on the Earth a lot more than it relies on us. Earth Day is nearly here, and a great way to show our appreciation for all that Mother Nature does is by preventing more junk from ending up in the waste piles on her land.
One fun way to do this is by upcycling. Upcycling is all about taking something you already have and giving it a fresh twist by reusing it in a new and unique way. Using what you already have instead of buying something new is a great way to be sustainable! Read on for five fun ideas for reusing things around the house that you usually toss out in a creative way to give your living space a boost without breaking the bank.
Glasses and Mugs
If your cupboard is getting a bit crowded or you’re thinking about tossing out those old coffee mugs, why not turn them into some awesome candles instead? Just grab some melting wax and a few drops of incense, and you can whip up your own DIY candle that’ll have your friends wondering where you found it!
Egg Cartons
Now that you’re spending more money on eggs, you might as well make the most of them! Egg cartons really don’t get the credit they deserve as storage bins. If you’re diving into a new craft project, you can totally use them to separate paint instead of purchasing a new paint palette. They’re also great for keeping small items like buttons, beads or jewelry sorted and organized.
Fabric
If you’ve ever experienced the unfortunate instance of wanting to give a gift to someone but realizing you don’t have anything to wrap the gift in, know you’re not alone. But if you’re getting rid of an old shirt or anything else made of cloth, think about how it could be used to wrap a present! There are numerous tutorials for cutting fabric and even tying it off into a bow. You will undoubtedly be applauded for your innovative thinking!
Dresser Drawers
Spring and summer are ideal times to recycle an old dresser into a flower planter. Paint the dresser a bright spring color, such as pale yellow, blue or pink, then fill the drawers with soil and sprouting flowers rather than clothing. You can pull out the lowest drawer the furthest, then the drawer above it somewhat less, and so on. Then, you can place flower pots on top of the dresser to add to the garden!
Glass Bottles and Jars
The aesthetic possibilities for wine bottles, or any glass bottles or jars, are limitless. If you want a good table centerpiece, look into getting a long candle and placing it into the top of a wine bottle where the cork would normally be. The wax will seep down the bottle as the candle burns, lending it a crafty appearance. You can also use smaller glass bottles or jars to make warm illumination. If you have enough space in the bottle or jar, a small tealight or string of fairy lights will brighten the area without creating a dripping waxy mess.
Written By Emily Rutkowski G’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications