One Wrong Item Spoils the Whole Bin

You may think that putting one wrong item in the recycling bin condemns the whole load to the landfill. In reality, though, your local recycling provider may be effectively sorting out the contents of the bins at the disposal facility. But all the same, don’t slack off: Putting items in the wrong containers “can impact the safety of haulers, processors, and other citizens; contaminate other recyclable items; harm existing recycling infrastructure; and add more costs to local programs,” according to an EPA spokesperson.

All Plastics Are Recyclable

To figure out if that soda bottle or yogurt tub can get a new life, you need to know its resin content. This information can be found on the bottom of plastic containers, where it’s displayed as a number in a triangle. Check out the EPA’s handy guide that breaks down the different types of plastic, then consult your local recycling provider to see which it accepts.

Aluminum Foil Can’t Be Recycled

In the past, local providers wouldn’t recycle aluminum foil, because the cooking essential is often covered with dried-on food particles. Nowadays, however, most aluminum foil can be recycled if it’s scrunched into a ball and doesn’t have too much residue on it. Check with your local provider first, or consider washing and reusing it at home.

Pizza Boxes Go in the Paper Bin

If your pizza box is coated with drippings and grease, it generally can’t be recycled alongside your other cardboard and paper goods. But, depending on the regulations in your area, it may be compostable; check with your local provider to be sure.

Wire Hangers Go in the Trash

With their sinewy shape and pesky hook, wire hangers can get caught in recycling equipment, which makes them a hazard to recycle. But you don’t have to throw them out! Instead, take them to your local dry cleaner; many will accept and reuse them.

Milk Cartons Are Not Recyclable

Milk cartons are composed of a mix of materials—like paperboard, plastic, and, in some types of containers, aluminum that keep their contents shelf stable. Though their composition makes them challenging to recycle, many municipalities will now take them if they’ve been emptied and rinsed. Check your local guidelines for the exact requirements.

You Can Recycle Paper Eating Products

Paper napkins, paper plates, and paper towels often have quite a bit of food debris on them, so they can’t typically go in the bin alongside your cardboard boxes. But look into other options: Increasing numbers of recycling programs will take these paper products as part of a composting program. As usual, check with your local provider for details.

Your Broken Mug Goes into the Glass Recycling Bin

Most people sip coffee and tea out of ceramic or stoneware mugs. But because broken pieces of stoneware or ceramic can contaminate the recycling system, these materials aren’t readily recyclable. Check with your local provider to learn the best way to dispose of them.

Take-Out Containers Go in the Trash

Don’t toss that take-out container! Most non-Styrofoam containers can be recycled with the rest of your plastics; simply check the symbol on the bottom to find out. The containers can also be washed and reused, so rather than just throwing them away, try to recycle them in your own home.

You Can Recycle Styrofoam

Styrofoam, which is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, can’t be recycled. There are a few reasons for this, but it’s primarily because recycling companies can’t profit from the lightweight material, which is expensive to transport and difficult to sell. If you want to get rid of egg cartons, disposable cups, take-out containers, packing peanuts, or other Styrofoam products, check with your local provider to learn your options.

1. DIY Apartment Door Numbers

If you live in an apartment building, you can turn an old cardboard box into these amazing numbers for your door. I don’t recommend this for houses, since the cardboard won’t hold up well to the elements. Making them for an apartment door is really easy and they look so elegant when they’re finished. Just print off the numbers that you want to use, or freehand them if you’re really talented.

Tutorial/Source: lovelyindeed

2. Repurposed Cardboard Belted Storage Tote

You can turn those old cardboard boxes into these amazing storage totes with just a little time and a few supplies. You just cover the boxes with fabric and then add an old belt for a handle. These are great for all sorts of organizing from craft supplies and kids’ toys to magazines and anything else you can think of. When they’re finished, no one will ever know that they used to be empty cardboard boxes.

Tutorial/Source: brit

3. Upcycled Cardboard Photo Frame

Cardboard photo frames are so easy to make and they’re perfect when you want something you can really customize. Not only are these great for decorating your own house, but they also make perfect gifts for others. And, since they’re made from recycled cardboard, they’re really cheap and they’re made in a folding design so they’re great for displaying pictures on the table or mantel.

Tutorial/Source: ohoh-blog

4. Upcycled Cardboard Sunburst Mirror

This cardboard mirror frame is made with upcycled toilet paper rolls, but if you have cardboard boxes on hand, you can use those as well. You’ll just have to cut and then roll your cardboard to create the circles. Then you arrange them in a pattern, glue on some sequins or other decorative elements, and add your mirror. This is a really easy project and gives you a beautiful new mirror when you’re finished.

Tutorial/Source: meijosjoy

5. DIY Decoupage Cardboard Trays

Turn that cardboard into a beautiful decoupage tray! You can use these trays for everything from jewelry to any number of other things that you want to store and they’re super easy to make. You don’t even have to have a tray – you make it completely with upcycled cardboard. Just shape and then form the tray and cover with scrapbook paper, fabric, or anything else you want to decorate it.

Tutorial/Source: karenkavett

6. Cardboard City – Kid Fun!

This cardboard city will be as fun for kids to make as it is for them to play in. You can take a number of empty cardboard boxes and build all sorts of shops and buildings for them. And, the kids can help to decorate their city. A small-scale city would be great for playing with dolls and toy cars or you could go all out and take several larger boxes to build them an actual playhouse size city.

Tutorial/Source: crayola

7. Indoor Dog House

Build your little dog his own little house inside the house with a repurposed cardboard box. Your dog will love having his own space and you can decorate these so cute with cardboard shingles. Note, this is not going to work for an outdoor dog house obviously because of the cardboard but it’s great for giving your little pooch a little place of his own inside the house.

Tutorial/Source: designdazzle

8. Repurposed Cardboard Drawer Dividers

Keep your dresser drawers perfectly organized with dividers…that you can make from an empty cardboard box. This is one of the easiest projects ever and one that is so useful. You can use pieces of cardboard to separate socks and all sorts of other items and keep those drawers perfectly organized. You just mark and cut your cardboard so that it perfectly fits inside the drawers and stays tight enough to not fall over.

Tutorial/Source: instructables

9. Rustic Cardboard Christmas Trees

Turn your Christmas decorating a bit rustic with these adorable little cardboard Christmas trees. You can make several of these from just one large cardboard box and they’re perfect for setting up a rustic winter scene. These are so easy to make and the kids will love helping with them. Plus, you have plenty of time to make several before the holidays – you could even give some away as gifts.

Tutorial/Source: theproperpinwheel

10. Repurposed Cardboard Guitar

If the little ones love making music, you can make them this adorable cardboard guitar that looks just like the real thing. These things also actually play music so they can strum their little hearts out. This is actually a great tool for little ones that want to learn how to play guitar. The size is perfect for their little hands and it gives them the opportunity to learn how to hold and strum the guitar before they practice with the real thing.

Tutorial/Source: makeit-loveit

11. Upcycled Cardboard Lantern

I love old lanterns and these cardboard versions are just great. You make them from upcycled cardboard boxes and they look just like real lanterns when you’re finished. You can even add LED lights to them to give them a nice little glow – although I would avoid candles since it is cardboard. These would make a great display for the holidays or anytime you want to add a bit of style.

Tutorial/Source: etsy

12. DIY Cardboard Christmas Star

Take those cardboard boxes and make a number of these great Christmas stars to hang or decorate for the holidays. These have such a great rustic look and are really easy to make. When you’re finished making your stars, just paint them – you can use spray paint for this – any colors that you want and hang them on your Christmas tree, on the mantel, or you could even make a great garland from them.

Tutorial/Source: pepperbuttons

13. DIY Recycled Cardboard Vase

To make a beautiful recycled cardboard vase, you’ll need corrugated cardboard as well as a cardboard tube, an old CD, and a few other supplies. You cut the cardboard into small strips and then layer it around the tube. The CD serves as a base and helps the vase to stand up. When it’s finished, this is a lovely vase that you can paint or just leave plain. It will beautifully display silk flowers or real ones – just slip a small glass or vase down into the tube.

Tutorial/Source: madebylakshmi

14. Cardboard Cat Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch – those of us who own them know that all too well. If you have a cat, you really need a scratching post of some sort. Otherwise, they’ll scratch walls and furniture. So, why not take those empty cardboard boxes and make a scratching post to save your furnishings? You can make one out of corrugated cardboard and it will rival those that you see in pet shops for over $100. Your cat will love it and your furniture will love you.

Tutorial/Source: maisonkuotidien

15. Recycled Cardboard Craft Storage

You’re crafty right? Then why not turn your cardboard box craft into something that will help you with all your craftiness? I love this recycled cardboard storage. It’s the perfect way to keep all of your craft supplies organized and it’s so very easy to make. You just cut around the boxes to give them a nice shelf look and then string them all together with twine. This is great for storing all sorts of things and won’t cost you anything but a little time.

Tutorial/Source: paigebphotography

16. Creative Cardboard Cars

Kids love playing with cardboard boxes, and why wouldn’t they when those boxes are turned into these creative little cars? You can make these so easily and they take very little time. If your little ones have grown tired of their toys, these little cards are sure to make them happy. They’ll spend hours playing with them and if you have a few boxes on hand, you could make so many different versions of cars for creative play.

Tutorial/Source: aughpaintcreate

17. Rolled Cardboard Owl Ornament

This little owl is a hoot and so easy to make. You start by rolling cardboard for the body and when that’s finished you just do the same for the head and eyes. He’s such a little cutie and perfect for adding a little homemade décor to your home. You can add feathers – or make feathers from leaf shapes – and he’s all finished. Paint him if you want but I think the natural look is so much better.

Tutorial/Source: foxyfawni

18. Decorative Recycled Cardboard Box

You would never believe that this beautiful decorative box was once a plain cardboard box. It’s so gorgeous and such a lovely thing to display. It’s also pretty easy to make and won’t take you long at all. This would be a great gift box or you can just use it to dress up the bedroom or bathroom. Just cover a box in burlap and then add “legs” and any other decorations that you want.

Tutorial/Source: lookiewhatidid

19. Decorative Cardboard Letters

You’ve seen those great decorative letters adorning people’s mantels and tables, right? Well, those things can be pretty expensive depending on where you buy them. A better way to get that look is to create the letters yourself from recycled cardboard. Just cut out your letters and then shape cardboard around them. Then paint and decorate however you want.

Tutorial/Source: christylovespaper

20. Upcycled Cardboard Decorative Storage

Here’s another great way to get some storage from those cardboard boxes. These decorative boxes are so easy to make and really spruce up closets where you might otherwise just have plain boxes stacked up. Just cut the lid and flaps away from the boxes and then cover them with wrapping paper.

Tutorial/Source: thekolbcorner

Here are awesome ideas you should know:

Coffee

Old coffee grounds have innumerable uses. From personal hygiene to gardening, we’ll present various uses in this article to give your coffee grounds a second life.

Coffee grounds are an excellent air freshener to remove bad odors. If you scrub your hands with them, you’ll eliminate dead skin cells. Plus, if you use them to clean the fridge and kitchen surfaces, they’ll end up shining. They’re also good for degreasing pots and, mixed with hot water, they help to keep your sink unclogged.

Give any of these uses a try!

Reusable materials: The toothbrush

Who hasn’t thrown out their old toothbrush when they feel like it’s no longer effective for brushing your teeth?

This utensil is still useful for cleaning long after you stop brushing your teeth with it. For example, you can use your toothbrush to clean those tough-to-clean areas of the bathroom. Plus, it’s also great for cleaning your shoes.

Cans for different purposes

After enjoying a delicious soda or a tasty snack we normally throw out the drink cans. In doing so, we lose a valuable resource that we could use to make many functional objects for the house.

How can you use these cans?

Vases, pencil holders, or decorative planters are all fun ideas for things to make with that pile of cans you have. The tabs from the lids are very useful for jewelry making. If you connect them with ribbon, string, or staples, you can make decorative bangles and bracelets.

Toilet paper tubes

Throwing out toilet paper tubes is more a loss than a benefit.

Toilet paper tubes have many uses in your home once they’ve finished their original purpose. From funny dolls to containers to store small objects, you can make many things with this reusable material.

Magazines, newspapers, and reusable materials

They’re normally in a corner, on a table, or in some closet. Magazines, newspapers, and pamphlets only accumulate dust while they turn into a nuisance.

However, you can use them to make crafts with your little ones. Christmas decorations, flowers, wrapping paper, confetti, or garlands, can all be made with these reusable materials that tend to build up in your house.

Newspapers are great for wrapping fragile objects, ripening vegetables and fruits, and even for drying and widening your shoes. It’s an interesting material with a wide variety of uses.

Stale bread

Among the many uses of stale bread, it’s important to highlight its usefulness in making delicious meals. As long as it isn’t wet, stale bread can be reused for different meals, such as soups, salads, or as a base for delicious canapés.

It’s also useful to get rid of bad smells from the refrigerator. After cleaning the fridge well, if it still has a bad smell, put a piece of stale bread in it to absorb the odors.

Teabags: Aesthetic, medicinal, and disinfectant uses

There are many things you can use tea bags for after you make a delicious pot of tea. For example, you can use their anti-inflammatory properties to apply them topically on a rash or breakout or to reduce eye inflammation.

Another of its uses is to dye your gray hairs or reinforce vegetable dyes. In the refrigerator, they’re powerful odor-absorbers. Without the bag, the leaves can fertilize plants.

Recycling: An excellent option

In practice, if you want to get rid of all of the reusable materials that tend to accumulate in your house, you can also choose to recycle. Once you identify your local recycling facility, you just have to throw them into the correct receptacles.

• The blue boxes are used for paper and cardboard, as long as they don’t have any food residues or other substances.
• In the green one, you can put glass objects, and food waste goes in the brown one.
• Yellow containers are for plastic and cans and biodegradable material goes in the gray ones.

(Note: these colors and instructions may vary by country or region, please consult your local recycling plant and follow their rules for recycling.)

Overall, these eight reusable materials that normally build up in your house can turn into savings for you. With creativity and patience, you’ll be able to make useful objects without making big investments.

1. Vintage Window Bathroom Towel Holder

All bathrooms need a towel holder, right? Well, with a vintage window, you can elevate that into something that’s both rustic and charming. Depending on the size of your window, you can add a handful of hooks to hang towels for the whole family. Consider adding some extra accessories to it like a wreath to give it a pop of color.

2. Cool Rustic Window Framed Map

If you’re a travel buff or simply love maps, it’s always fun to show off your adoration by hanging maps on the wall in your home. With an old window, you can create a more unique frame for your favorite maps. Vintage maps are especially a good idea as they blend in effortlessly with an old-fashioned window.

3. Unique Old Fashioned Viewing Window

Whether you’ve traveled to this location or simply dream of it one day, there’s always that one photograph that can capture everything you love about a particular place. You can wake up every day to this sight by incorporating it into various sections of an old window. This fun project lets you transform any part of a wall in your home into a relaxing viewing window.

4. Upcycled Window Mini Greenhouse and Plant Holder

Who says a plant holder has to be large? You can make your own little “greenhouse” of sorts with a few pieces of an old window. Placed in the right way, these pieces can allow you to build a rather convincing miniature greenhouse. It’s the perfect place to hold a few potted plants and add a bit more character to your greenery setup.

5. Charming Picture and Clock Window Holder

Do you have an office environment that needs a bit of an upgrade? A simple, yet beautiful way to do that is with this amazing window transformation. In the various panes, you can add cool images, artwork, etc. that can fit into the theme of your room. The center can be a wonderful area to house a clock so that this isn’t just appealing décor, but functional as well.

6. Farmhouse Style Distressed Window Décor

An easy and effective way to decorate with an old window is to use it alongside other decorations. Consider livening up your porch with a cool distressed window that can help it fit in with a farmhouse layout. This gives you the freedom to add numerous items to further decorate the window and everything around it from plants to wreaths.

7. Creative Vintage Table Shelf Design

With this project, it takes repurposing vintage windows to a new level. This is a fun task to take on if you enjoy building completely new items to use around your home. Not only do you get a shelf table out of this, but you get something that’s simply appealing to look at thanks to how the windows are used to accent either side of the shelf.

8. Repurposed Dollies and Window Frame

There are plenty of things you can do with the window panes inside an old window frame. Have you ever thought about how intricate dollies can look? They can come in various designs and patterns, and you can use a handful of different ones to create an attractive look that winds up looking both vintage and chic.

9. Functional Hallway Hanging Window Storage

It’s always fun to create something new that can look good and have functionality so that you can use it on an everyday basis. That is what this window storage setup accomplishes. Feel free to give it a paint job so that it may match your room. Otherwise, a few hooks go a long way into giving you space to free up some clutter in your entryway as you can hang coats, hats, bags, etc. out of the way.

10. Upcycled Vertical Succulent Window Garden

Old windows don’t have to be used just for holding items or to act as storage for pictures in the panes. Instead of adding images, you can use all those sections to act as a beautiful succulent garden. Depending on the window size, you can add several succulent plants and bring fresh greenery to your home décor.

11. Farmhouse Chic Framed Kitchen Island

Do you have an island in your kitchen that may be in desperate need of an upgrade? Thankfully, some old windows can go a long way into making a typical island stand out more. Just a few window frames are all it takes to add a pleasant framed-like touch to the island, and it can be a good way to see through if there are shelves inside that you can access from the other side.

12. Distressed Window Beautiful Mirror Makeover

A great way you can save some of those old windows and make good use of them is by upgrading them into mirrors instead. These mirrors are, of course, functional, but they can also do well at adding some reflective light throughout a small room. It can make the area appear more open and welcoming, and all of this is done by using vintage items.

13. Gorgeous Window Frame Jewelry Display

There are several cool ways people come up with to store their jewelry, but using an old window can allow them to stand out more on their own display. Also, a window may give you far more space to store countless amounts of jewelry. This further ensures that whatever you need is immediately accessible thanks to the open hanging layout.

14. Multidimensional Stencil Window Frame Art

If you are looking for a way to add some unique décor to your walls, consider this attractive window stencil artwork. You can use whatever stencils you’d like that will suit your personal taste and feel free to make them multidimensional so that they stand out more on the window panes. Giving the window itself an updated paint job whether distressed or otherwise can only add to the overall decorative theme.

15. Inspiring Indoors Decorative Spanish Window

Spanish windows can be absolutely stunning, and what’s even better about them is that when repurposed, they don’t have to actually be windows. Rather, you can get the same effect of looking at a beautiful Spanish window inside your home against the wall. You can always add something inside the panes like chicken wire or something similar to give it some more texture.

16. Four Pane Vintage Window Mirror

If you happen to have an old four-pane window, each of those panes can readily be transformed into mirrors instead. This can bring plenty of light into a room, and it can offer a unique and decorative touch to a vintage window. You can always add a paint job to the frame as well if you feel it needs some additional sprucing up.

17. Spray Painted Window Mirror Transformation

You don’t have to replace window panes with mirrors to get the effect you want. Instead, with a little glass spray paint, you can achieve similar results in no time. Of course, this will lead to a reflective surface that isn’t as clear and smooth as standard mirrors. However, in terms of old-fashioned windows, it’s fitting for the overall décor theme.

18. Gallery Wall of Rustic Windows

Do you have a large section of the wall and no idea what to do to fill it up? Consider using an assortment of old windows to create an art gallery. These windows don’t have to be the same size or color. In fact, each individual has a better chance of standing out more if they’re different. At the same time, they should still blend well enough with one another so that the area doesn’t appear too busy.

19. Cute Distressed Window See-Through Table

An interesting way to add a distinctive coffee table to your home is using an old window. This can be done to make any type of table, of course, but it can work out great for one that will be in your living room or family room. The window gives it that glass, see-through top while the sectioned panes make it more attention-grabbing. Consider distressing the table itself to stick with the farmhouse-like vibe.

20. Antiqued Farmhouse Rustic Window Frame

This old, painted wooden window frame can be the perfect decorative piece to hang anywhere in your home. It may look especially well over a fireplace mantle whether you use it with or without any additional decorations on it like a wreath. It comes in a single size that’s 39in. high and 26in. wide.

1. Build A Fort

Keep a stash of old bedsheets in a closet for building forts! Challenge your kids to make the best blanket fort they can use a couple of those old sheets. Your little ones can also use those sheets as curtains for puppet shows.

2. Protect Your Garden

You can keep your garden growing longer in the fall by covering it up on nights that are supposed to be especially chilly. An old bedsheet would work perfectly to insulate your plants from the cold!

3. Keep One In Your Car

Keep a spare bed sheet in your car for emergencies! If you have to change a flat tire, you can spread it out on the ground to keep yourself clean while you work. You can also use it to absorb those unavoidable spills that only seem to happen when you don’t have any napkins handy.

4. Make A Crafting Smock

Use an old sheet to make a tunic that will keep you clean while you’re crafting! Just cut a hole for your head somewhere in the middle of the sheet, and wear it while you’re doing messier crafts to keep your clothes clean.

5. Cover A Table

Save your old bedsheets to use as picnic blankets, or just as a barrier between you and the ground for outdoor concerts and sporting events! You can also use them as tablecloths while camping or at the park to cover those picnic tables. Bonus if you have an old fitted sheet! The elastic keeps the sheet from blowing around.

6. Make A Reusable Bag

Turn your old sheets into DIY grocery tote bags. Learn how from CraftStylish.

7. Make Cleaning Rags

Cut an old bed sheet up into smaller squares and use them as cleaning rags. I love to keep a stash of bed-sheet rags in the house for those messes that you know will stain your kitchen towels. I just use my sheet rags to clean it up, and then I don’t have to feel bad if I have to throw them away afterward.

8. Make A Bath Mat

Turn your old sheets into a braided bath mat. Learn how from A Common Thread.

9. Give To A Pet

Give an old bed sheet to your pet! Your dog or cat will love having something to cuddle up on that smells like their favorite human. This can be especially helpful for anxious animals.

10. Use Them For Quilting

If your sheets are a cute color and are still in fairly good condition, you can give them a new life by using them as backing material for a quilt!

11. Make A Heating Pad

Use the fabric of your old bed sheet to make an easy heating pad. Just cut out a rectangle of cloth and sew it closed on two sides. Fill the pouch with dry rice or dry beans, then stitch the open edge closed.

12. Make A Shower Curtain

Turn your old sheets into a striped shower curtain. Learn how from Welcome to Heardmont.

13. Make A Sleeping Bag Liner

Use an old sheet to make a sleeping bag liner. Sleeping bag liners are thin fabric bags that are great take to hotels, hostels, or other places where you may want an extra layer between yourself and the bed. (They’re also good for keeping the inside of your sleeping bag clean if you’re a camper.) To make your own sleeping bag liner, just fold your old bed sheet in half, sew the long edge shut, as well as one of the shorter edges.

14. Make Curtains

Turn your old sheets into inexpensive long curtains. Learn how from The Frugal Homemaker.

15. Use As A Drop Cloth

Use your old bed sheet as a drop cloth for a painting project! It’s easier to manipulate than a plastic sheet and much less likely to tear accidentally.

Worldwide, more than 2 million plastic bags are used every minute. And though the average plastic bag has a useful lifespan of just 15 minutes, according to Plastic Oceans, it doesn’t simply disappear when we toss it in the trash. In fact, petroleum-based plastics can take decades to decompose—if they ever do. Take a minute to care for our planet—and keep your under-sink cabinet clear of plastic bag clutter—by tossing a few reusable bags in the trunk of your car so you’ll always have some on hand when you hit the grocery store. Some reusable shopping bags even fold up small enough to fit in a small purse!

Plastic, heat, and fat are a toxic mix.

Harvard Health Publishing notes that though microwaving plastic may not pose the deadly risk that some alarmists claim, heat and plastic still don’t mix well. Why? Plasticizers like BPA and phthalates may leak into food when heated. To keep your food from becoming contaminated by these additives, never use plastic containers to microwave

food, especially meat, cheese, or other fatty foods, which absorb toxins more readily.

Some plastics may have a negative impact on your health.

BPA (bisphenol A), which has been used in plastic production for decades, has raised concerns among researchers who say that it may increase the risk of some types of cancer and contribute to other health issues. While some countries have already moved to ban BPA, the FDA has ruled that the substance is safe to humans in small amounts. While the health effects are being debated, if you don’t want to risk it, consider switching to BPA-free glass or metal containers. There’s no downside to making the switch, and you’ll secure yourself a little peace of mind.

The feel and smell of plastic affects taste.

Ever notice that water tastes different from a plastic mug than it does from a glass tumbler? It’s not your imagination. When we eat, taste and smell, signals combine to create a complete sensory experience—and strong plastic odors interfere with the enjoyment of food. Even the touch of plastic can negatively affect some people’s enjoyment of their meal or beverage, as research from the University of Michigan suggests. So, for the most pleasant breakfast, lunch, or dinner, stick to ceramic or china plates and metal flatware.

Bacteria love plastic water bottles.

The headlines are certainly colorful: “Water bottles can carry more bacteria than a dog bowl,” USA Today announced in 2017. The lesson is, don’t reuse your plastic water bottles—or better yet, switch to steel water bottles, which are less hospitable to bacteria (but still need to be washed regularly).

Our consumption habits affect others.

Would you be surprised to learn that some of the contents of your recycling bin travel to the other side of the world? The United States exports our plastic waste—50 to 70 percent of it, in fact—to other countries for recycling, according to The Guardian. Unfortunately, not all countries want to keep processing this plastic, which means that we need to figure out what to do with it all. In our quest to cut down on plastic waste, every little bit counts. Even skipping that plastic to-go container can help. Check the contents of your recycling bin and take stock of the types of plastic food containers you’re discarding most frequently. Then, look for alternative ways to bring home the food you love—without the plastic.

Companies respond to consumer choices.

Skipping plastic isn’t just about saving the earth—sometimes it’s about saving money! If you’re spending a tidy sum every month on ziplock sandwich bags for school and office lunches, road trips, and post-game power snacks, switch to reusable cloth sandwich and snack wraps. You can even make your own wraps at home with the help of one of many online tutorials, or buy a set like these that will pay for themselves after a few uses.

For your best kitchen, focus on beauty and longevity.

The most beautiful kitchens are built to last. We choose appliances, cabinetry, and countertops with the future in mind. Apply this same care in selecting dishware and accessories. While plastic products degrade, chip, or crack over time, attractive, good-quality plates, glasses, mixing bowls, and serving ware can endure for generations. Whenever possible, stock your kitchen with items that will last and create an atmosphere of love and legacy that will embrace friends and family when they step into your home.

1. Vintage Leather Belt Purse

This vintage leather belt bag is part of a rather expensive collection, but you could easily DIY one for yourself. You’ll need a few different belts, which you can pick up at any thrift store for around a dollar each. Just work your creative magic and make a purse or wallet that would rival anything you see on the runway.

Source/Tutorial: lasanta

2. DIY Belted Chair

If you have an old chair that needs a new seat and you have a handful of leather belts, you have what you need to create this lovely belted seat chair. You just weave the belts through each other and then fasten on the bottom of the chair with staples. How gorgeous is this? I love the vintage look of it and how easy it is to create.

Source/Tutorial: savedbylovecreations

3. Vintage Leather Belt Cuff Bracelet

Those old leather belts can be put to good use as bracelets as you’ll see with this gorgeous cuff bracelet. I love leather and would totally rock this cuff bracelet. It’s got lovely beads and the overall look is very stylish. You can pick this one up on Etsy for just $20 if you don’t feel like making one yourself.

Source/Tutorial: etsy.com

4. Cheap And Durable Leather Belt Camera Strap

A leather belt is the perfect beginning to a sturdy camera strap. You just have to trim the belt down a bit if it’s really long and then use copper wire to hold it to the camera. I love this idea. It has such a rugged rustic look and you can decorate the belt if you want with patches and other design elements.

Source/Tutorial: diyphotography

5. Repurposed Leather Belt Message Board

The look of leather for home décor really speaks to me, which is why I love this message board that you can make from a cork pad and an old leather belt. You use the belt to frame and hang the cork pad and the entire look has a very western feel to it. This would be great in the nursery or even in the barn for keeping vet schedules and such.

Source/Tutorial: comfort

6. Cool Leather Belt Door Mat

I absolutely adore the look of this doormat! It’s made from a collection of old leather belts and it’s just so unique. This project really doesn’t take as much time or skill as you would think and it gives you a lovely door mat that I’m sure is different from anything you’ve ever seen before. Use different sizes and colors of belts to create something really amazing.

Source/Tutorial: lilyshop

7. DIY Leather Belt Crate

You can turn an ordinary crate into something elegant and beautiful with a few old leather belts. The belts give the crate texture and turn it into something really decorative. This would be great for closet storage or you could even put this out in the open so everyone can admire it.

Source/Tutorial: myrepurposedlife

8. DIY Hanging Terrarium

You can use a leather belt to help create a lovely hanging terrarium for the bathroom or anywhere you want to add a bit of lovely. Those old glass milk jars, which you can get at most craft stores, or Italian juice jars work beautifully and all you have to do is add your rocks and plants and then attach the belt.

Source/Tutorial: poppytalk

9. Vintage Belt Wrapped Vase

Turn an ordinary vase into something of beauty with a vintage belt. You just have to wrap the belt around the vase and you’re all done. You could also do this with colorful belts for bridal bouquets or bridesmaids bouquets. Just wrap and that’s it! I love the rustic look of this and it would be perfect for displaying in any room in the house.

Source/Tutorial: crownedphoenix

10. DIY Leather Display Shelf Hanger

If you have a shelf that you want to hang to display something great, why not make it even greater by using a leather strap for the hanger? An old belt can be turned into a great strap that will instantly draw attention to your shelf. Then you will know that whatever you are displaying is sure to be seen.

Source/Tutorial: clonesnclowns

11. Repurposed Leather Belt Dog Collars

If you are all finished with that belt, why not turn it into a stylish collar for your dog? Leather collars for dogs aren’t cheap by any means, which makes this project even better. You get a great, and sturdy, dog collar and you don’t have to pay a fortune for it just because it’s leather. Just measure and then cut the belt and attach the fastening hardware.

Source/Tutorial: hometalk

12. DIY Leather Drawer Pulls

If you really love the look of leather, you can turn those old belts into these amazing drawer pulls. This project is relatively simple and doesn’t take a lot of work or leather working knowhow. You just cut your belt to the size of drawer pulls that you want and then attach them with small nails or rivets.

Source/Tutorial: improvisedlife

13. Elegant Clock Hanger

Turn that leather belt – or a couple of them in this case – into a great clock. Take an ordinary clock and use a couple of thin leather belts to hug it tight and secure it to the wall. This is a gorgeous look and so very easy to recreate. If you’re looking to get that rustic log cabin or western feel to your home, this is a great place to start.

Source/Tutorial: poppytalk

14. Repurposed Leather Belt Curtain Ties

I’ll admit, I love the look of dark leather against light fabric, which is why I really adore the idea of using old belts for curtain ties. They’re just so elegant and would look really perfect in a den. You just have to cut your belt to size and then add decorate screws to help them hold your curtains back. These would look beautiful against white curtains!

Source/Tutorial: earnesthomeco

15. DIY Old School Leather Book Strap

Turn that old belt into a vintage leather book strap and relive your youth! I love these old straps and they really do get the job done. For this project, you just have to cut the belt down to size and that’s about it. If it’s a short enough belt, you may not even have to do that. Just put your books inside and tighten the buckle.

Source/Tutorial: hiconsumption

16. DIY Repurposed Leather Belt Floors

Yes, you can create an entire floor from those leather belts. You’ll need quite a few for this project, depending on how much floor you want to create. This would be beautiful in a den or bedroom if you are willing to put that much work in, that is. It does take a while to get it all set, but can you just imagine walking out on these beautiful leather floors?

Source/Tutorial: thesuels

17. Repurposed Leather Belt Liquor Tags

Create these elegant and beautiful liquor tags from those old belts. If you tend to entertain quite a bit, these would be a wonderful addition to your bar. You could also make them for anyone you know who does entertain often. They would make wonderful gifts and there’s not that much work involved in making them.

Source/Tutorial: sadieseasongoods

18. DIY Leather Napkin Rings

What better way to put an old belt to new use than to make beautiful leather napkin rings out of it? You just cut your belt into smaller sections, depending on the size of the ring that you want, and then use rivets to create the ring. These are very easy and would make a wonderful wedding or anniversary gift for someone special. You can get several rings out of one belt, too.

Source/Tutorial: craftaholicsanonymous

19. Repurposed Belt Lawn Chair

I love these old vintage lawn chairs but unfortunately, the seats don’t last as long as their plastic counterparts. A good way to remedy that would be to reseat them with your old leather belts. These chairs are simply gorgeous and will add so much beauty to your outdoor living spaces. I found this chair on Etsy for around $300, but you can totally recreate the look if you want.

Source/Tutorial: etsy.com

20. DIY Belted Storage Totes

Turn ordinary totes into extraordinary storage when you add those old leather belts. You make these with cardboard boxes, fabric, and those leather belts. They’re gorgeous and offer such a wonderful storage solution. The belts make the handles so they’re easy to move about as needed and the fabric gives those ordinary cardboard boxes such style!

Source/Tutorial: brit

Turning a stump into a planter

The stump of a tree can easily be turned into the highlight of a yard, and a perfect way to remember a tree that may hold sentimental value but had to be removed due to hazardous growth. This Old House recommends digging out the center but leaving at least 3 inches for the outer border of the stump. Be sure also to drill drainage holes outward from the hole at a downward slope. Then fill as you would any large planter. Over years, the stump will eventually deteriorate.

Turning a log into a planter box

The trunks and large limbs can also become stunning planters. Kendra of A Proverbs 31 Wife shared how she and her husband turned a log into a beautiful long planter box. The log can be hollowed with an axe and chainsaw, and planted with whatever flowers suit your fancy. When asked about the lifetime of the planter, Kendra writes, “This is the 3rd summer I’ve had it and the underside is beginning to show a little rot, but still very solid and I expect to get another 3 years at least out of it.”

Turn rotting wood into small planters

Gail turned smaller pieces of rotting wood into beautiful succulent planters. She used wire mesh to close off the bottom and in a stroke of genius, lined the inside with a piece of the potting soil bag. Add some plants and sheet moss, et voila! You have a darling planter that is perfect indoors or out. You can see Gail’s full instructions on her blog, My Repurposed Life.

Turn a log into a permanent pot

This chic alternative is a way to turn that log into a permanent indoor pot. Armed with a can of sealant and a few inexpensive legs, Stacy Risenmay turned a short log into a planter that could easily pass for an expensive home decor item. You can see her full walkthrough on her blog, Not Just a Housewife.

Inspired yet?

Whether looking for a polished finish or a more rustic look, stumps, logs, and branches make great planters. Try making smaller planters as outdoor centerpieces or as giveaways at your next gathering.

We love this idea for repurposing wood that would otherwise just get chipped. What do you think? If you are eager to try this DIY project, be sure to share it with your friends.

If you’re in the unfortunate position of having to replace your washing machine, there is a way to get every last dollar of use out of your old model. Before hauling it to the dump, extract the drum and repurpose it into a DIY fire pit for your backyard. With just a few basic materials, you can create a gorgeous, contemporary fire pit that’s ripe for BBQs, s’mores, and storytelling all year round.

Planter Pot

After a coffee maker bites the dust, it’s tempting to toss the pot into the scrap heap along with it. Show that there’s still life left in the pot—literally!—by giving it a deep cleaning and introducing a few garden goodies to create a charming terrarium. Layer the bottom with sand, rocks, and moss before scattering in your favorite succulents for a lush, low-maintenance look that will inject life into any space.

Bright Blender

Whip up an new take on kitchen lighting with this DIY pendant that puts the spotlight on an old pitcher from a discarded blender. Simply invert the pitcher, remove the screw cap, and assemble it into a fixture by using a lamp kit. Not only will this project cost you next to nothing, you’ll also love the rustic glow of the finished product.

Cheap Seat

Here’s another idea for the drum from a old washing machine! If you’re in need of some spare seating, consider transforming the drum into a stylish storage stool. Cut a piece of chipboard to size, then cover it with upholstery foam and heavy-duty fabric for a cozy finish. As a bonus, use the inside of the drum to sneakily stash everyday extras out of sight.

Cool Cooler

Turn a defunct refrigerator into a rustic cooler for the backyard. First, repurpose disassembled pallets to form a chic reclaimed exterior, then install a set of casters underneath to make the large piece easy to move. This revitalized fridge also does double duty as a convenient surface for setting up food or drinks.

Appliance Aquarium

Your broken microwave may not be destined for the landfill after all—turn it into an aquatic mansion for your goldfish instead! Simply fill a cube-shaped fishbowl with your favorite marine life, then insert it into the oven cavity for a fun twist on your standard aquarium.

Airy Display

That broken vintage fan may no longer provide a breeze, but it can serve as a cool display for air plants. First, remove the wire cage from the body of the fan, and then mount it on the wall using a screw or hooks. Complete the look by tucking air plants in between the wires for a quirky addition to your decor.

Deluxe Doghouse

An old fridge may seem useless, but when positioned on its side, the appliance can becomes a deluxe chill spot for your favorite four-legged friends. Form an entrance ramp using one of the doors, then deck out the new digs with food bowls, toys, and cozy cushions for afternoon naps.

Deconstructed Display

Mount a jettisoned refrigerator coil on the wall to create an industrial, vintage-style backdrop for artwork. The textured surface adds visual interest to any room and gives an arrangement of multiple pieces of art a unified and cohesive feel. If you’re a renter, consider leaning the coils against the wall and simply sticking photos in the crevices for a damage-free, temporary solution.

Prime-Time Mini Bar

Mini bars aren’t just for the hotel room! Pep up a bland living room or builder-basic kitchen with this quirky midcentury-inspired bar. To take the look home, you’ll need an old CRT TV, a screwdriver, and a few other basic supplies.

Cool Cooler

Turn a defunct refrigerator into a rustic cooler for the backyard. First, repurpose disassembled pallets to form a chic reclaimed exterior, then install a set of casters underneath to make the large piece easy to move. This revitalized fridge also does double duty as a convenient surface for setting up food or drinks.

If you are planning to toss your old curtains, then after peeking into these amazing re-purposed curtain ideas, you would immediately change your mind. The old curtains can be cropped and used as a shower curtain to separate the bathing and toilet section. They are also the perfect material to use for slip coves of the DIY sofa and chairs, and if they are pretty printed, they can turn out to be awfully gorgeous wall art pieces as well.

1. Old Curtain and Picture Frame Floating Headboard

You can style up your headboard to make it look a bit more classy and fancy at the same time and that too using the old curtains of the house and thus getting a bedroom restyling and that too so cheaply and feasibly.

2. Old Curtain into Shower Curtain

You can make your bathroom look bigger, adding a shower curtain to it and thus enjoying the bathing and toilet area separately. It requires basic supplies and some old curtains.

3. Old Curtain Bed Canopy

Give your bed space an instant royal feel with this lovely and chic bed canopy having been made out of the old net curtains so damn gorgeously.

4. Easy Old Curtain Napkins

Here is another super cool and functional use of the old curtain leading you to make food napkins put with a little cut and sew work. You can further make table clothes and dish clothes to make the most out of them.

5. Beautiful Old Curtain or Fabric Garland

A garland can instantly beautify the decor of any space, and now you can make a unique type of garland with the fabric, and for that, you can use the old curtains and save your money.

6. Old Curtain Market Bag

Old fabric like the curtains offers many recycling methods and techniques for some useful and functional projects like this exquisite shopping bag has been made out of an old curtain, making your shopping easier.

7. Closet Doors Made of Old Curtains

If you have open closets, then the old curtains can help cover them up with a touch of style and elegance, and that too with no cost and no hard efforts.

8. Cushions Made Out of Old Curtains

If you are a crochet person, you must know the value of fabric yarn, and buying it can be expensive, but if you have old curtains at home, you can cut them and make your fabric yarn to use for the future crochet projects.

9. Old Curtains into Fabric Yarn

10. Self-Made Old Curtain Chair Slipcovers

Even the small details add much to the living room decor, and style like these lovely looking sofas has been made to look enchanting with those adorable slipcovers having been cheaply made out of the old curtains.

11. Low-Cost Old Curtain Bulletin Board

If you have a bulletin board in your home office, then an old curtain can really dress it to look really chic, stylish, and decorative, especially those curtains having lovely prints and pretty designs on them.

12. Easy Old Curtain Slipcovers

Old curtains can be used after getting retired for so many fun projects of your home styling like here they have been used as the slipcovers for the chairs and adding so much delight to them.

13. Repurposed Old Curtain Shower Curtain

If you throw an old curtain, look at this amazing idea or create a certain separation in the bathroom between the bathing area and the toilet section.

14. Reclaimed Old Curtain Drop Cloth

If your house is undergoing some wood or paintwork, you can use an old shower curtain as the drop cloth on the floor to save it from any damage and in any section of the house.

15. Recycled Old Curtain Closet Door

If you are looking for new doors for your closet in the bathroom or any other room, you can replace it so nicely with an old curtain as you see in the picture. So now you know what to do with an old curtain, so be clever next time.