Every year, landfills across the world are filled up with trash thrown out from homes. The sad part is that most of these items can serve a purpose with just little bit of recycling and re-purposing. Before you throw out that broken computer monitor, dilapidated piano, rusty window shutter, fused bulb or even torn pantyhose, find out how you can re-purpose these items to create some really unique and innovative products.
Handbags
Several designers are opting to go green by introducing accessories like bags and wallets made of recycled stuff. For instance, Keen is a fashion label that has introduced its Harvest Collection of bags and wallets made entirely of leftover or obsolete airbags from the automobile industry.
With a little bit of creativeness, you can opt to create your own handbag from re-purposed materials found in your home.
Radios
A fully functional radio made of cardboard might seem highly impossible. Not so with this design though. The cardboard FM radio is made of recycled cardboard and is powered by 4 AAA batteries. It has an antenna to catch FM signals an comes with a port to also plug in an iPod. Best of all, it can be recycled again once its purpose is served.
Jam Jar Chandeliers
There is no need to throw out all those empty jam jars. You can use them to make a DIY chandelier like the one shown below. Simply cut out a hole in the lid of the jar and run the cord of a light bulb through it. Group together a few of these jars and hang them from the ceiling or a beam to create an instant, rustic effect.
Shutter Vertical Gardens
Have some broken window, door shutters in your home? Instead of throwing them out, consider re-purposing them to be used as vertical gardening spaces. You can hang small plant pots or buckets in the shutters or even plant some herbs in the gaps to create an attractive hanging garden in your home.
Re-purposed Bookshelves
Why throw out an old piano unless you can re-purpose it like in the idea mentioned below. The piano bookshelf is in fact a hollowed out piano that has been fitted with shelves to store books. The keys have been left intact to add to the authenticity of the look that would definitely stand out in your home.
Re-purposed Record Bowls
The advent of iPods has made old records almost non-existent. If you have a couple of them lying around in your home, consider re-purposing them to form attractive bowls of any desired shape. Send the records to a company called Vinylux which would then mould the record into custom made shapes laminate the label and then seal the spindle hole with clear tape. The company also recycles the records to form bookends, mirrors, clocks and even ornaments, etc.
Mac Pet Bed
Have an old Mac monitor that you are thinking of throwing out? Well don’t do that just yet. Consider this design where an old Mac monitor has been recycled to create a super cool pet bed, complete with a custom mattress and wooden leg to keep the monitor prepped up.
Re-purposed Pantyhose
Old, torn and worn out pantyhose can take years to degrade. As such, it is better to recycle them. Send your old pantyhose to a company called NoNonsense, which would then recycle them to be used as anchor ropes, playground equipment and plastic park benches.
Recycled Light Bulbs
A fused light bulb does not necessarily need to end up in the dustbin. Simply pour some oil into and insert a wick. Your electric light bulb can then be used as a traditional oil lamp.
Summary
A lot of items we tend to use on an everyday basis can be recycled to create more innovative and functional products. Take a cue from the products mentioned above and see what you can recycle in your home.
