Upcycling

Being more at home during these past few months has made us look at the things around us differently. We have had to be more observant, get creative with summer plans, and pinch our pennies a little more as we navigate through this new ‘normal’. As you look around your home, we invite you to look at your everyday items in a new normal as well, and how to give new beauty and value to things that you would normally throw away!

What is upcycling vs recycling?

Upcycling is an entirely different concept than recycling (where items are turned back into their raw form, such as pop cans back into aluminum). Upcycling is when we take an item that we no longer need, and give it a second life! The finished product of this is often more practical and beautiful than what it previously was (such as turning plastic milk bags into a rug) or a cute dollhouse out of an old suitcase!

Benefits of Upcycling

Upcycling is great for the environment, but it is also a way to respect the value of what we have in our own home. Instead of rushing out to buy expensive art for your wall, upcycle those shoe box lids that you might throw out! Change your perspective on everyday things, and discover the benefits of more upcycling!

Water Bottles

The cases of water are flying off the shelf , but as we load up our blue bins you might be surprised to know that not as many of these bottles get recycled in the way we might expect. So try some of these upcycling ideas and save the bottles!

• Have an old sock lying around? That’s all you need to make this super cool bubble snake!
• Show kids how to make their own cute piggy bank out of a water bottle, so they can save their own money!
• These beautiful wind spirals made from water bottles look like you bought them from a gift store!
• Baking just got cleaner and more fun! Watch this video to see how to separate an egg yolk with just a water bottle! So cool!

Disinfectant Wipe Containers

If you are lucky enough to have stocked up on these cleaners, then you will have an abundance of containers that can be used in so many ways! Getting kids involved in these upcycling ideas can be a creative summer activity to fill an afternoon.

• Did you know there is a clever way to fold plastic bags to fit in the container, so that only one comes out at a time? If you prefer video instructions, check out the YouTube tutorial!
• If you are a knitter, you know how frustrating it is to have your yarn getting tangled as you use it, or have your pets use it as a play toy! Try using containers to organize your yarn!
• Wrap the containers in scrapbook paper or even construction paper decorated by kids, and they are instant organizers for everything from markers to pasta or even kid’s toys! Check out this craft room organization using only Clorox containers cut in half!
• Lysol even has their own YouTube video about how to use their empty wipe containers for easy, educational games for kids!

Egg Cartons

Go get those egg cartons out of your recycling bin! There are so many uses for these sturdy little containers, even beyond the multitude of fun crafts for kids.

• Egg cartons are the perfect organizers for jewelry or hardware, or even your junk drawer!
• Did you know you could make your own stand for your phone or tablet out of an egg carton?
• Need to keep your cupcakes secure? Egg cartons are the perfect holders, it even comes with a top to protect them!
• Check out more creative ways to reuse egg Cartons, the possibilities are endless!

Check out more Upcycling ideas from the Brantford Public Library

From our Catalogue:

• Upcycle! Turn Everyday Objects Into Home Decor: 50 Easy DIY Projects
• Rag Rugs, Pillows and More: How to upcycle fabric
• Remake, Restyle, Reuse

Upcycling Websites

• Upcycle Magazine Website: Ideas for upcycling everything from furniture, clothing, jewelry and more!
• How to use other everyday items in new ways!
• How to use old books in new ways: (not library books please!)

We hope that we have given you a new way to think of and use your everyday items which are usually destined for the recycling truck. When the days are too hot to venture outside, get the family to try some of these ideas for an afternoon of fun! Don’t forget to make time for the Summer Reading Club, as you watch your water bottle pinwheel spinning in the wind!