The waste that humans produce is a huge problem. Every year, humans create billions of tonnes of waste, which is sent to landfills, where it causes pollution. Statistics show that the world produces 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste every year, and 33% of that is not correctly managed, causing significant environmental impact. It also shows that the daily waste generated per person ranges from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms.
That said, people need to find ways to reduce the amount of waste they produce, and one way to do that is to re-purpose old and outdated things. Here are some ways you can do that:
Use old clothes as cleaning rags
If you have old clothes, perhaps those that are too stained or tattered to be donated, you can use them as cleaning rags. Simply cut them into smaller pieces, and you’re good to go. You can use them to clean the floors, dust, or even the windows.
Have your old sweatshirts quilted
A nice and comfortable quilt is perfect for snuggling during the cold winter. If you have some old sweatshirts that you don’t wear anymore, you can have them quilted together to make a blanket. Look for a company in your area that offers sweatshirt quilting so you can sleep with a nice and cozy sweatshirt quilted blanket.
Make a memory bear
If you have some old clothes that belonged to a loved one who has passed away, you can have them made into a memory bear. There are companies that will take your old clothes and turn them into stuffed animals. This is a great way to keep the memories of your loved ones alive.
Turn old bottles into vases.
Old bottles can make for beautiful vases. You can re-purpose them by painting them or adding some embellishments and then use them to display fresh flowers or even faux flowers. What is great about this idea is that you can design the vases to match your home decor.
Use mason jars as light fixtures.
Mason jars are very versatile and can be used for many different things. One way you can re-purpose them is by turning them into light fixtures. You can either hang them from the ceiling or place them on a table or shelf. Simply add a light bulb and a cord, and you’re all set.
Make a pillow out of an old shirt.
An old shirt can easily be turned into a pillowcase. Just cut the shirt in half, sew the sides together, and stuff it with pillow filling. You can then use it as a decoration or travel pillow. Doing is a great way to upcycle an old shirt.
Turn an old dresser into a bookshelf.
An old dresser can be given new life by turning it into a bookshelf. Just remove the drawers, and you’re good to go. You can either keep it or paint it to match your home decor. This is a great way to add extra storage to your home without spending a lot of money. Plus, you get to test your DIY skills.
Use old jeans as a plant holder.
Do you have old jeans that you don’t wear anymore? If so, you can turn them into plant holders. Just cut the legs off, which you will use as the planters. Then, add some dirt and plants. You can then use them to hold pots or even plants. They make for great decoration and are also very practical.
Make a tote bag out of an old t-shirt.
A tote bag is a great way to carry around your things. If you have an old t-shirt that doesn’t fit you anymore, you can turn it into a tote bag. Cut the shirt in half, sew the sides together, and then add some handles. You can use it as a grocery or beach bag- a fashionable and functional piece that was once just taking up space in your closet.
Turn an old dress into a skirt.
When dresses get outdated, they can easily be turned into skirts. All you need to do is cut the dress in half, sew the sides together, and add a waistband. You can then wear it as a skirt, partner it with a blazer for a more professional look, or even wear it as a beach cover-up.
The bottom line
As you can see, many ways to re-purpose old and outdated thing exists. So, the next time you’re about to throw something away, think about how you can give it new life. By doing so, you’re not only helping the environment but also saving money. So, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
