reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose

daisyvaseSome of the best green ideas are coming from the repurposing field. What is repurposing? Take something you already have, look at it from a new angle, think of a totally new use for it, and make modifications to make it work. Zipper-lock bags hold yarn for knitting projects. Glass jars display photos. Outgrown children’s rain boots become planters or umbrella-holders. Sounds simple, right?

Sometimes repurposing is nothing more complex than using a chipped mug as a pencil cup. Some of the most stunning ideas require a bit of work. In any case, the original item stays out of the landfill and fulfills an new purpose, reducing the need for a new product. Repurposing loves the earth, and it is the hip thing to do!

Here’s some of our favorites of the latest repurposed trends.

1) A pen for your posy! The Daisy Vase by giffin termeer at Design Boom is made from clear ballpoint stick-pen tubes. Small enough to fit on your cluttered desk, large enough to house one pretty bloom.
tray
2) Have you recently updated your kitchen? The overhaul has left you tired, so take a load off on the couch and snack from one of these nifty cupboard door trays, which just happen to be made from the old kitchen cabinetry. Tutorial included at Craftynest; dress them up to match the new decor!

circuit board pendantcircuit board pendant3) Ever wonder what happens to circuit boards when electronics die? I don’t either, but if I did, I’d hope the boards were used to make these cute pendants. Beadwork by Amanda offers a variety of shapes and colors of handmade pendants, created by embedding a computer circuit board piece into resin. Does not give you additional speed or memory, but you’ll look stylin’ while you compute!

4)Lifehacker comes through with a DIY video on how to Repurpose Your Empty CD Spindle four ways. Few tools or skills needed, and you probably wont have to spend much on additional materials.

ecoist accessories5) You remember folding wrappers into zigzags as a kid, right? Then these should look familiar. Ecoist’s original, one-of-a-kind handbags are made from repurposed candy wrappers, soda labels, and other food packages that have been discarded by manufacturers due to misprints, overages, or discontinued candy lines. Instead of having the wrappers end up in landfills, they are used as raw material for handbags, housewares and jewelry. Sweet!

6) A while ago,Timberland launched the Earthkeepers line of boots, made mostly with organic and recycled materials. To promote these rugged, durable eco-friendly boots, Timberland erected billboards in Boston and Providence. At the end of the campaign, the billboard graphic sheets were repurposed into durable, lightweight tote bags. Since different sections of the huge signs are used for each, there are a variety of colors/designs available. Available in Timberland stores; read their statement on Environmental Stewardship.recycle symbol

7) Another easy DIY project from creativelydomestic.com repurposes empty disinfectant wipe containers as dispensers for plastic grocery bags (and we know many of you have a closet stuffed with ‘em!). Decorate, stuff and use! throw one in the car and you will never be without a bag to reuse.

8) If you run out of repurposing/recycling ideas before you run out of stuff to reuse, visit How can I Recycle This? for ideas and suggestions.

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