There are many things in your home which can be used many times, or recycled, or up-cycled to get more use out of them. This will reduce the need to buy new things, thus conserving raw material. Reusing and recycling things can save you a lot of money as well. You can make utility things or items of decor and teach your children to do the same too. In this way, the next generation will also learn the value of recycling, thus benefiting the environment. Here are some tips to recycle everyday items:
Reuse plastics
We all have tons of plastic stuff lying around in our homes, and you wouldn’t be an exception. Empty plastic bags can be reused as grocery bags till the time they are completely overworn. Or use plastic bags as garbage bags, instead of buying garbage bags separately. Empty plastic bottles can be used over and over again, or cut up to make planters. Different sized plastic bottles can be used to make differently sized planters, from big to small. Use your imagination to turn other plastic things like plates and bowls into decor items by painting them or bedazzling them.
Glass bottle decorations
Beautiful empty wine glass bottles etc, which come in many different shapes, sizes and colors can be used as flower vases. Mason jars are used as vases and to create beautiful hanging lights or lanterns. Jam, jelly, pickle bottles can be reused to store candies, or candied fruit, or homemade jams, jellies, sauces and pickles etc. Glass is one material which can last for years, if you’re careful with it. Unlike plastic, glass bottles do not leach any chemicals into food, which is why glass jars and bottles are becoming the favourite packaging material these days.
Recycle electronics
When your cellphone finally stops working, don’t throw it into the trashcan. There are many cellphone manufacturers who recycle cellphones, and you can find the nearest electronics/cellphone recycling depot with a quick Google search. In fact, you can make one trip and deposit any old laptops, computers, phones etc and help the planet by recycling your electronic goods.
Ladle Candle Holder
You might have quite a few ladles lying around, especially the ones to ladle soup. Let these ladles be hung from nails or from a wooden plank to make wonderful candle holders.
Use rechargeable batteries
Like plastics, batteries too are ubiquitous items which we all use, and just like plastics, batteries are very difficult to degrade in the landfills, thus leading to greenhouse gas emissions. Using rechargeable batteries is an eco friendly choice as these need not be thrown out after just one use.
Compost all compostables
The best way to recycle your food and organic, degradable waste is to compost them. You will get organic fertilizer for your plants, or give it to friends and family if you don’t have plants. There are many ways of composting and you can choose the one which you are comfortable with. You can give your waste to commercial composters, so that the waste from your home is put to use and does not end up in landfills.
Make craft items
If you’re the arty type, you probably already create stunning crafts out of household items. If you’re not, you can go online and read blogs and article or watch many videos which show how to make different crafts from almost any household item. Glass jars, bottles, spoons, plastic bottles, old clothing or cloth – almost anything can be repurposed into gorgeous decor items.
Reuse paper
Use every bit of paper, as thousands of trees are destroyed to make paper. You can print on both sides, and let your children use the back of used paper to draw/ color etc. When both sides are used up, learn papier mache craft from YouTube to make your own delightful papier mache crafts. You can involve your children in this too, and turn into a fun, recycling activity.
Replacing paper with cloth, including diapers and napkins, whenever possible, buying/exchanging used things, donating and shopping at thrift shops will support your local community’s economy and you will save money and raw material too.
