Turn Trash into Treasure With 18 Eco-Friendly DIYs
We love reducing, reusing and recycling everything we possibly can, including yoga mats and lunch bags. But when we can take it one step further and create a treasure out of would-be trash, that’s a resounding “Heck yeah.” We’ve put together 18 of our favorite eco-friendly DIYs that are perfect for Earth Day (April 22, folks!), or any day really… because every day is Earth Day, remember?
1. Color Block Wall Hook: Branches aren’t just good for games of fetch — they also make fetching wall hooks. (via Brit + Co)
2. Popsicle Stick Wooden Vase: If you were ever a kid, you’re probably already a popsicle-stick pro. Now go ahead and try a grown-up take on this recycled medium. (via Design Love Fest)
3. T-Shirt Produce Bags: Keep your precious avocados and apples bruise-free with these handy DIY bags made from forgotten t-shirts. (via Delia Creates)
4. Eggshell Planters: Composting is great and all, but you get extra eco-friendly points for reusing eggshells. Be sure to whip up a delicious scramble beforehand. (via Brit + Co)
5. DIY Sachets and Dryer Sheets: Are you hoarding fabric remnants or vintage sheets and pillowcases? Put those pretty prints to work by making reusable fabric dryer sheets that double as sachets. No sewing machine required! (via Hello Natural)
6. Birch-Bark Paper: Birch-bark print is naturally pretty, and this DIY paper gets it from the real deal. (via Sylvie Liv)
7. Ombre Wood Slice Coasters: They’re outdoorsy, recycled and functional, not to mention practically free. (via Brit + Co)
8. Pallet Living Wall: It’s an Earth Day twofer! Bring some green indoors and rescue a dumpster-bound pallet. (via The Brew)
9. Gift Wrap Photo Backdrop: Don’t throw away that beautiful wrapping paper! Instead, give it a new life as a fun photo backdrop for your next party. (via Brit + Co)
10. Plantable Heart Confetti ($35): This adorable confetti would make the perfect planting project for you and your little one. (via Etsy)
11. Beer Bottle Bud Vases: We know you already recycle your beer bottles (at least we hope you do!), but upcycling them with the help of some paint gives them a permanent new life as a pretty bud vase. (via Brit + Co)
12. T-Shirt Beach Cover-Up: Everyone’s got a section of their closet devoted to old, ill-fitting t-shirts. Add scissors and a few simple stitches, and you’ve got a stylin’ beach cover-up. (via Brit + Co)
13. Plastic Bottle Party Lights: Finally, your sparkling-water addiction translates into outdoor decor. (via Easy Paper Crafts)
14. Homemade Paper: Newsprint, collage scraps, herbs and flowers can all be made into stationery-ready paper with the help of a blender. (via Kiss the Groom)
15. Coffee Can Wine Rack: Coffee cans are the perfect size for storing your wine bounty. We have tons more crafty ideas for using aluminum cans of all sizes. (via Brit + Co)
16. Color Block Crayon Candles: Broken crayons don’t have to be a sad occasion. Melt ’em down and enjoy Atomic Tangerine and Robin’s Egg Blue in DIY candle form. We’re gonna go ahead and coin the term “crayondles” for this one. (via Brit + Co)
17. DIY Fabric Coasters: Grab your extra scraps scraps of fabric to make these cool, reusable coasters. (via Brit + Co)
18. DIY Metal Filing Cabinet Planter: Rescue an old filing cabinet from the office reject pile and go to town with some potting soil. (Get even more recycled and DIY planter ideas here.) (via Full Mooning)
What are your favorite recycled crafts? Are you going to be making any fun ones for Earth Day this year? Let us know in the comments below!
