Recycling helps keep waste out of landfills, but upcycling takes sustainability further by creating something new. Tips to upcycle:
- Turn t-shirts, jeans or fabrics into bags, pillows, quilts or rag rugs. Give old clothes new life.
- Transform plastic bottles into planters, vases or jars. Shred into filling for bean bags.
- Upcycle wood pallets into furniture like shelves, tables or garden beds. Paint and customize.
- Make jewelry, coasters, frames or clocks using old silverware, plates, pieces of art.
- Convert empty tin cans into desk organizers, containers, scoops or measuring cups. Decorate them.
- Use glass jars from food as decorative storage vessels. Create votive candle holders.
- Turn newspaper, magazines and cardboard into gift wrap, bookmarks, postcards or tabletops.
- Build vertical gardens or hydroponics from leftover piping, gutters, and containers.
With some creativity, discarded materials gain utility and character. Upcycling reduces waste, saves money, and makes unique eco-friendly items. Share your upcycled creations to inspire others.