(Image courtesy of saaleha)
We know there have been times when you finish burning a candle and wonder if there’s anything else you could do with the jar it was burning in before you dispose of it. Upcycling- the process of repurposing previously used items from trash into something useful-is becoming a wide-sweeping trend among the environmentally conscious.
With a little creativity and a DIY mentality, it’s easy to turn everyday recyclables into useful household items. This article from renters.apartments.com lists a few great ways to make your apartment a little greener with upcycled items. Keep reading to learn more!
Empty bottle to picture frame, vase or candle holder
If you have an old bottle you don’t know what to do with, save yourself money on picture frames, vases and candle holders by using these upcycling ideas. They are pretty self explanatory, and you can be as creative as you like.
Used candle jar to storage jar
This is one of those upcycling ideas that requires very little effort. Take any empty, lidded candle jar and put it in the freezer. This shrinks any remaining wax for mess-free removal. Toss the wax or, in light of your new upcycling ideas, stockpile the wax until you have enough to melt it down into a new candle!
Clean out the empty jar with soap and water and remove any labels. Finally, fill the jar with whatever you need to store, from cotton balls and swabs in your bathroom to sugar and spices in your kitchen.
Scratched CD to fashion jewelry
Never toss out a scratched CD again. Instead, break it into smaller pieces, file down the edges, drill a small hole in the corner, and attach a chain or earring backings for an upcycled fashion necklace or earrings.
Old necktie to stylish headband
If you’re husband or boyfriend tries to throw out an old tie, don’t let him; upcycle it instead. There are dozens of ways to wear a necktie on your head, from gluing the fabric to an existing head band to sewing elastic onto it for the right amount of cinching to attaching on buttons in just the right place. The method is up to you.
Worn out jeans to trendy tote
It’s a shame when your favorite jeans finally develop a hole in a regrettable location, but you don’t have to toss them out. Cut the legs into strips and sew them together to make a trendy tote that’s all your own.
Ugly sweater to cozy pet bed
Sew a bed using your preferred type of stuffing. You can combine upcycling ideas by using stockpiled lint from your dryer as the pet bed filling. From square to round to oval, your furry friend is bound to love your ugly sweater more than you ever did.
Wooden ladder to playroom shelves
It seems a shame to toss out a perfectly good wooden ladder simply because you replaced it with a fancy metal one. Well, upcycle it into something useful, such as shelving. Open up the ladder all the way and screw or nail planks across every other rung. Fill the shelves with toys, pictures, storage baskets or anything else your heart desires.
These upcycling ideas are perfect for anyone in a small space living on a tight budget. Give them a go!
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