Repurposing is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to recycle, since it takes little or no new energy or products to simply rework your old stuff. You just have to be willing to let your creative side out. And anybody can do it.
It doesn’t have to be fancy; repurposing just means giving new purpose to old objects, whatever or however that turns out to be. It can be as simple as turning old cracked tea cups into votive candle holders or as complex as sewing a quilt from scrap clothing. However new you are to the idea of repurposing, there is a project out there for you. Here are a few easy ideas to transform some of your household junk and get you started thinking green.
Repurposing Countertop Wine Racks
If there is an old countertop wine rack lying around that you just never got rid of after upgrading to a wine fridge, here’s a simple way to reuse it: make it into a wall-mounted magazine rack or facecloth/hand towel storage for your bathroom. Simply screw some small hooks in the wall – use wall anchors to make sure they are good and stable – and then just hang the rack up within easy reach of the sink or toilet.
Repurposing Books, Magazines and Newspapers
No need to throw them out or even recycle these materials in the traditional way; think outside the (recycling) box and consider using the pages from old books, magazines and newspapers as gift wrap instead. Decorate the pages with rubber stamps, bingo dabbers, stickers, ribbon and even make “found paper” origami bows! The recipients of your handmade wrap will appreciate the time you invested, and you'll feel good about helping the environment at the same time!
Tip: This is a fun and easy way to share repurposing with your kids - let them help decorate the paper!
Repurposing Costume Jewelry
Every woman has at least a small pile of costume jewelry taking up space in her jewelry box; things that are out of style, damaged or just don't suit her tastes anymore. Instead of tossing it out or dropping it at the thrift store, why not get some more use out of these pieces of bling?
Old costume jewelry can be used to jazz up a plain light fixture - necklaces can be glued to lampshades, and large earrings attached to lamp pulls for a glamorous touch.
Shephard's hook earrings can be hung from wineglass stems to mark out whose glass is whose at your next gathering - just gently twist the hook into a curly-q shape and clip on!
And for a seasonal use of that old costume jewelry, why not get a small 2 or 3 foot Christmas tree and decorate with necklace garland and earring baubles? This would look very chic in the bathroom, bedroom or hallway at Christmas time!
Repurposing Board Games
Board games and playing pieces are great repurposing items. Use the pieces to create magnets, thumbtacks or decorate picture frames. But don’t neglect the actual game board: slice a few squares out of the board using a craft knife, and attach photos to the back side of each hole to create a fun and funky background for your favorite pictures. Mount in a frame, or use the board’s center fold to stand it on a desk or shelf!
Tip: Hot-glue some of the playing pieces onto the board as well for a bit of added fun.
Repurposing Old Fabric and Quilts
Got some old fabric or quilts (or even wallpaper) piled up that you love but just haven’t found the time to put to use? This wall art project will get it on display faster than you could sew it! Take a simple wooden frame - like one you would find an artist’s canvas on – and position your fabric or quilt however you like best. Use a staple gun to carefully attach the fabric to the frame. Then mount on your wall and enjoy your new wall art!
Repurposing a Bookshelf
That cheap department store bookshelf you’ve had since college doesn’t have to head to the dumpster now that you’re all grown up; turn it on its side and make it into storage for a children’s playroom or bedroom.
Many of the department store units come with removeable shelves that are not fixed down, so simply screw these shelves into place so that they’re not falling out, then insert baskets for toys, stack books or blocks, or display favorite stuffed animals in these vertical cubbyholes that are now at the perfect level for little ones to access!
Tip: Add castors for easy mobility, and some throw cushions for seating or impromptu afternoon naps!
Repurposing is a great way to do your part for the environment and squelch that shopping bug at the same time; who needs to shop when you can design and create your own "new" stuff at home for a fraction of the price! So next time you're purging your closets and shelves, instead of just tossing out your old junk or making a trip to the thrift store, think about how an item could be repurposed before you get rid of it. There are tons of ideas out there, so don’t be afraid to give repurposing a try!
Trina Doane - Trina is a university college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree (English major). In addition to writing, she works in the pet ...
