Upcycling 101 A Beginner’s Guide to Using Recyclable Materials Around the House

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How do you recycle at home? While some people place recyclable materials in their home recycling bins, others may not have a plan in place. In addition to placing your paper, glass, metal, and other recyclable materials in bins, there are plenty of things you can do around the house to reuse these materials in fun and creative ways. This practice, commonly called upcycling, takes one person’s trash and turns it into another person’s treasure, so to speak.

Want some ideas on how you can reuse recyclable materials and go green at home? Check out these ways to begin recycling around the house:

Paper and cardboard are easy and fun to reuse. There are plenty of simple options that make reusing these materials a breeze. Newspaper is an easy gift wrap or textbook cover. You can also reuse it as a “drop cloth” for painting and other craft projects. If you prefer to line drawers and cabinets, paper is an easy material to use. Drawers can also be divided with cardboard inserts. Finally, if you have leftover wallpaper, try using it on an old table or vanity to give it a new look.

Have any canisters, bottles or jars? Metal containers are the perfect storage solutions for smaller items, like pens or art supplies. You and your children can decorate them with recycled paper and other craft supplies. Aluminum cans of all sizes make perfect gardening containers, from seedlings to large plants. Glass jars and bottles are perfect as candle holders and vases. If you’re feeling especially crafty, you can turn a wine bottle into a lamp with a few simple parts.

Even larger items that would normally head to the curb can be upcycled! If you have any old furniture, you can give it a new look with some paint or reupholstering. You can also give it a new purpose: by using some common household tools, you can turn an old dresser into a unique bath vanity. You can also take an object like a stair or porch railing and use it as a coat rack. It all depends on what you’re capable of DIY-ing. And don’t forget that it’s easy to turn anything into a work of art with a bit of paint.

Want more advice on upcycling your recycled materials? Check out more advice on the web, and leave a comment below with more ideas. Links like this: askhrgreen.org

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