Create Craft
12 Creative Upcycling Ideas to Reduce Waste
Have you ever been about to throw out a few used items when you suddenly wondered if you might think of a creative method to repurpose them instead to help keep them out of our natural environment? There are so many household items that I always think about in terms of their “upcycling” possibilities, from used wine bottles and coffee cans to empty mint containers and pill bottles. If you’re not familiar with the term “upcycling,” it refers to the process of creatively repurposing previously abandoned materials and products to create something else useful that is frequently even more valuable or high-quality than the original product.
I went on Pinterest this month to do some research since I was intrigued about what upcycling prospects I might be missing out on. and I found several project ideas that made me wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Without further ado, here are 12 incredibly inventive ideas that you may do at home while you explore the world of upcycling. By the time you finish reading this blog, your only question will be which project you’ll start.
1. Store headphones in empty mint containers.
Storing headphones in empty mint containers can be a clever and practical way to keep them organized and tangle-free. Here are the steps to do it:
Select a Mint Container: Choose an empty mint or gum container that is big enough to accommodate your headphones without excessive bending or coiling. Make sure it’s clean and free from any lingering mint or gum residue.
Wrap the Headphones: Carefully coil your headphones into a neat loop, making sure there are no knots or tangles in the cable. You can use your fingers or a cable organizer to help with this step.
Place in the Container: Once your headphones are neatly coiled, place them inside the mint container. You may need to adjust the position of the headphones to ensure they fit comfortably.
Secure the Lid: Close the lid of the mint container securely. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent the headphones from accidentally falling out.
Label (Optional): If you have multiple mint containers or want to easily identify the headphones inside, you can create a label and affix it to the container. This label can include information like the type of headphones or their purpose.
Store Safely: Store the mint container with your headphones in a safe and easily accessible place. You can keep it in your bag, backpack, desk drawer, or wherever is most convenient for you.
By using an empty mint container, you not only keep your headphones organized but also protect them from potential damage and extend their lifespan. It’s a simple and cost-effective storage solution.
Also Like:- 7 Homes Made From Recycled Materials
2. Turn old t-shirts into scrunchies.
It might be very tempting to see what interesting colours, styles, and designs are now available at your favourite stores online. Take it from someone who LOVES scrunchies. However, I’ve discovered something that could potentially help me (and you!) save some money as these hair accessories continue to gain popularity. You can create your own scrunchies from old t-shirts, did you know that? Consider turning an outdated blouse whose fabric you haven’t worn in several months or years into new hair accessories. When it comes to colour and texture, the possibilities are absolutely unlimited!
3. Cut up old sweaters to curate festive home decor.
Repurposing old sweaters to create festive home decor is a wonderful way to add a cozy and unique touch to your living space. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:
1. Sweater Pillow Covers:
• Cut out square or rectangular pieces from old sweaters.
• Sew or glue the sweater pieces together to create pillow covers.
• Slip these covers over your existing throw pillows for a cozy, seasonal update.
2. Sweater Ornaments:
• Cut small sweater scraps into various holiday shapes like stars, trees, or mittens.
• Decorate these shapes with buttons, beads, or embroidery.
• Attach a string or ribbon for hanging, and use them as ornaments on your Christmas tree or around the house.
3. Sweater Wreath:
• Cut the sleeves off an old sweater and then cut it into strips.
• Wrap the strips around a wreath form, securing with glue or pins.
• Add embellishments like pinecones, bows, or ornaments to complete your wreath.
4. Sweater Stockings:
• Use an old sweater to create personalized Christmas stockings.
• Cut out stocking shapes from the sweater, making sure to include enough material for the cuff.
• Sew the stocking pieces together and add a loop for hanging.
5. Sweater Garland:
• Cut sweater pieces into small triangles or squares.
• String these pieces together with twine or ribbon to create a cozy sweater garland.
6. Sweater Table Runner:
• Cut a sweater into long strips.
• Sew or glue the strips together to create a table runner.
• This adds warmth and texture to your holiday table settings.
7. Sweater Coasters:
• Cut sweater scraps into coaster-sized squares or circles.
• Back them with felt or cork for stability.
• These cozy coasters are perfect for protecting your surfaces during holiday gatherings.
8. Sweater Vases or Candle Holders:
• Wrap old sweaters around vases or glass candle holders.
• Secure with twine or glue.
• Place candles or festive flowers inside for a charming centerpiece.
9. Sweater Gift Wrap:
• Cut out squares of sweater fabric to use as unique gift wrap for presents.
• Add a ribbon or twine to secure the fabric in place.
Remember to wash and clean the old sweaters before starting your DIY projects. By upcycling old sweaters into festive home decor, you not only reduce waste but also infuse your home with a cozy and personalized holiday atmosphere. Enjoy the creative process!
4. Turn candy wrappers into a coin purse.
Did you know that during the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup, food wrappers were the most often discovered item? Even while it would appear like there are very few “repurposing” choices for things like candy wrappers, you can actually try a lot of adorable creative projects to update and reuse these objects that would otherwise be thrown away. Just one outrageously clever notion: making a coin purse out of the wrappers. Really lovely, huh?
5. Transform used wine bottles into rustic vases.
Transforming used wine bottles into rustic vases is a fantastic way to repurpose and add a rustic touch to your home decor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these charming vases:
Materials You’ll Need:
• Used wine bottles
• Goo Gone or similar adhesive remover
• Soap and water
• Sandpaper or a sanding block (medium-grit)
• Jute twine or burlap ribbon
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Paintbrush (optional)
• Decorative embellishments (e.g., buttons, charms, or small pinecones, also optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wine Bottles:
• Remove the labels from the wine bottles. You can use Goo Gone or a similar adhesive remover to help with this process.
• Wash the bottles thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue.
2. Create a Rough Surface:
• To achieve a rustic look, you’ll want to give the bottles a slightly weathered appearance. You can do this by lightly sanding the surface with medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block. Focus on areas like the neck and bottom of the bottle.
3. Paint (Optional):
• If you want to add a splash of color to your rustic vases, you can paint the bottles with acrylic paint. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint evenly and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
4. Wrap with Jute Twine or Burlap:
• Start at the base of the bottle and use a hot glue gun to secure the end of the jute twine or burlap ribbon.
• Wrap the twine or ribbon tightly around the bottle, adding small dabs of hot glue as you go to keep it in place.
• Continue wrapping until you reach the neck of the bottle, then secure the end with hot glue.
5. Embellish (Optional):
• To enhance the rustic charm, you can add decorative embellishments like buttons, charms, or small pinecones. Simply use hot glue to attach them to the wrapped portion of the bottle.
6. Trim and Finish:
• Trim any excess twine or ribbon, and make sure everything is securely attached.
• Clean up any stray hot glue strings or residue.
7. Display Your Rustic Vases:
• Fill your newly transformed wine bottle vases with fresh or artificial flowers, branches, or decorative stems.
• Arrange them on your dining table, mantle, or any other area of your home to add a rustic and charming touch to your decor.
These rustic wine bottle vases make for lovely centerpieces or decorative accents, especially in settings with farmhouse, rustic, or vintage decor themes. Enjoy creating your unique rustic vases and adding a touch of creativity to your home!
6. Flip an old cheese grater into a one-of-a-kind pencil holder.
Speaking of useful… Have you ever seen a pen and pencil holder in such a hidden location that is so blatantly useful? I’ll be the first to admit that I adore organising supplies, especially when it comes to my desk, and I’ve probably spent money on them in the past that wasn’t required. However, why spend money on a new writing tool organiser when a perfectly good kitchen item will work just as well (if not better than one promoted as an office organiser)? The picture below also gives me a rustic farmhouse vibe, which I like. Only you?
7. Use old plastic bags you’ve been dreading throwing away to crochet a basket.
Repurposing old plastic bags by crocheting them into a basket is an eco-friendly and creative way to give those bags a new life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a crocheted plastic bag basket
Materials You’ll Need:
• Old plastic bags (about 20-30, depending on the size of your basket)
• Scissors
• Crochet hook (size N/P or 10mm works well)
• Optional: a piece of cardboard or a plastic hoop for the base
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Plastic Bags:
• Start by collecting a pile of clean plastic bags. Ensure they are free of dirt and debris.
• Flatten each plastic bag and fold them into strips. You can do this by folding the bags lengthwise multiple times until you have a long strip.
• Cut off the handles and the bottom seam of each bag, leaving you with a continuous loop of plastic. These loops will be used as your “yarn.”
2. Create a Plarn (Plastic Yarn) Ball:
• Take one of the plastic loops and tie it into a knot to create a small loop.
• Fold the remaining length of plastic in half and begin rolling it into a ball. This ball of plastic “yarn” is known as plarn.
3. Start Crocheting the Base:
• To create the base of your basket, you can either crochet in a continuous spiral or create a flat circle with a slip stitch.
• If you’re crocheting in a spiral, make a slipknot with your plarn, insert the hook into the center, and crochet single crochet stitches around, increasing as needed to form a circle. If you prefer a flat circle, make a chain of 4 and join it into a ring with a slip stitch, then work single crochet stitches into the ring.
4. Crochet the Sides:
• Once you have your base, begin crocheting up the sides of the basket. You can use single crochet, half-double crochet, or double crochet stitches, depending on your preference and the thickness of your plarn.
• Continue crocheting in a spiral or rows until the basket reaches your desired height.
5. Handle (Optional):
• If you’d like to add handles to your basket, leave two openings at opposite sides of the top edge.
• To create the handles, make a chain of desired length and attach it to the opposite side of the opening with slip stitches.
6. Finish Off:
• Once you’ve reached the desired height and added handles if desired, cut the plarn, leaving a tail.
• Thread the tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the last round of stitches to secure it.
7. Trim and Shape:
• Trim any excess plarn tails and give your basket a final shape by gently stretching and molding it.
Your crocheted plastic bag basket is now ready to use. It’s perfect for storing items around your home or as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional baskets. Enjoy your creative and sustainable project!
8. Love to knit? Grab an old pill bottle and make a center-pull for your yarn.
Another tip for the knitters and crocheters out there: don’t assume that throwing away used prescription bottles is your only option. Before beginning work on your most recent masterpiece, you should wind your yarn using these little containers. I also have a suggestion for those of you who don’t frequently use yarn: these bottles also make convenient travel containers for lotions and other toiletry goods.
9. Flip old coffee cans into house planters.
Repurposing old coffee cans into house planters is a wonderful way to give these containers a new life while adding a touch of greenery to your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transform coffee cans into stylish planters:
Materials You’ll Need:
• Old coffee cans (cleaned and with labels removed)
• Sandpaper
• Spray paint (optional)
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Paintbrush (optional)
• Potting soil
• Houseplants or seeds
• Decorative elements (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coffee Cans:
• Start by ensuring the coffee cans are clean and free of any residue.
• Remove any remaining labels or adhesive. You can use a mixture of warm water and dish soap or a commercial adhesive remover to help with this.
2. Smooth the Edges (Optional):
• If the edges of the can are sharp, carefully use sandpaper to smooth them out. This will help prevent any accidental cuts when handling the planters.
3. Paint the Coffee Cans (Optional):
• If you’d like to give your planters a fresh look, consider painting them. You can use spray paint for a smooth finish or acrylic paint for a more hand-painted look.
• Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
4. Add Drainage Holes:
• To ensure proper drainage for your plants, use a nail and hammer or a drill to create small drainage holes in the bottom of each coffee can. This will prevent water from pooling at the bottom and potentially causing root rot.
5. Fill with Potting Soil:
• Fill each coffee can with a suitable potting mix for your chosen plants. Ensure you leave enough space at the top for your plants to sit comfortably.
6. Plant Your Houseplants or Seeds:
• Plant your desired houseplants or seeds in the prepared soil. Follow the planting instructions for the specific plants you’re using.
7. Decorate (Optional):
• Get creative with decorating your coffee can planters. You can use acrylic paint to add designs or patterns, or even glue on decorative elements like small stones, mosaic tiles, or ribbons to personalize your planters.
8. Water and Maintain:
• Water your newly potted plants according to their individual needs.
• Place the coffee can planters in an area with appropriate light conditions for the plants you’ve chosen.
9. Enjoy Your Coffee Can Planters:
• Display your upcycled coffee can planters around your home to add a touch of greenery and style to your decor.
• Be sure to care for your plants by watering and providing proper sunlight as needed.
Repurposing coffee cans into planters not only reduces waste but also adds a charming and rustic element to your indoor gardening. It’s a sustainable and creative way to bring nature into your living space.
10. Use tissue boxes and toilet paper tubes to make a functional organizer.
We are all aware of how readily single-use cardboard items like tissue boxes and toilet paper tubes can develop into things we regularly discard, assuming that the wisest course of action is tossing them in the recycling bin. One tissue box, four toilet paper tubes, plus any colourful decorations you desire to add to the outside of the box to beautify it a bit make up one of the easiest and most practical upcycling ideas I’ve come across. This straightforward arrangement will make any room in your house feel a little less chaotic by holding everything from pencils to kitchen tools to cosmetics brushes and more.
11. Use a cookie sleeve to make an adorable pencil pouch.
Materials You’ll Need:
• Clean and empty cookie sleeve (the cardboard tube that holds cookies)
• Fabric or decorative paper (to cover the outside)
• Glue (craft or hot glue)
• Scissors
• Zipper or Velcro strip
• Pencil or pen
• Ruler
• Decorative elements (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Sleeve:
• Make sure your cookie sleeve is clean and free of any cookie crumbs. You can rinse it out and allow it to dry if necessary.
• Remove any remaining labels or stickers from the outside.
2. Measure and Cut Fabric or Decorative Paper:
• Measure the length and circumference of the cookie sleeve. Add a little extra length to account for overlapping.
• Cut a piece of fabric or decorative paper to these dimensions. This will be used to cover the outside of the cookie sleeve.
3. Glue the Fabric or Paper:
• Apply glue evenly to the outside of the cookie sleeve.
• Carefully wrap the fabric or paper around the sleeve, ensuring it’s centered and adhering smoothly.
• Trim any excess fabric or paper if needed.
4. Create a Closure:
• Decide how you want to close your pencil pouch. You can use a zipper or Velcro strip for this purpose.
• Measure and mark the location for your closure on the top of the cookie sleeve. It should be on the side opposite to the open end.
• Attach the closure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using a zipper, you may need to sew or glue it into place.
5. Cut and Shape the Open End:
• Using scissors, carefully cut and shape the open end of the cookie sleeve to create the pouch’s opening. You can round the corners for a softer look.
6. Decorate (Optional):
• Get creative with decorating your pencil pouch. Add stickers, drawings, or any other decorative elements to make it unique and adorable.
7. Allow to Dry:
• Give your pouch some time to dry completely if you’ve used glue for any part of the project.
8. Fill with Pencils and Supplies:
• Your adorable cookie sleeve pencil pouch is now ready to use. Fill it with your favorite pencils, pens, erasers, or other school or art supplies.
This DIY project not only recycles a cookie sleeve but also allows you to customize a cute and functional pencil pouch that reflects your style. Enjoy using your one-of-a-kind creation!
12. Transform empty milk jugs into perfectly practical drip watering cans.
The waste-free (and cost-effective) utility of the watering can constructed from an empty milk or juice bottle is the pinnacle of all the DIY projects I’ve described on this blog. Watering cans can be pricey, so chances are you’re wanting to cut costs on equipment like this unless you’re searching for a really stylish item to showcase on your porch or in your garden. Fear not, plant lover; this very quick and easy DIY is here to the rescue.