Trash to Treasure: Repurpose instead of Toss!
Ever since they had us plant trees for Arbor Tree in the elementary school parking lot when I was in second grade, I have been interested in conserving. I will not tell you long ago that was, but I will just mention those little saplings are now beautiful mighty oaks! Yes, I confess that I am a tree hugger. I just feel that there is so much more we can do to conserve the limited natural resources that we have on this planet and that every can or bottle recycled helps.
I recently discovered Pinterest, and I have been thrilled with some of the cool recycled and repurposed projects on the site. Rather than toss things in the trash that they no longer use, people have found some of the niftiest ways to reuse things creatively.
Pallets
Instead of busting these up and throwing them in a bonfire, use them to make all sorts of stuff. Check out these cute ideas.
This first one is a little accent fence—nothing but a pallet and a coat of paint, but simply adorable. You can adorn it as you see fit to mix or match the décor in your yard.
Another twist is to use it as a vertical garden, like this. For this project, the pallet is used as is, with all of dings and scratches. In fact, that is what gives it character.
Check out this cool and trendy mobile coffee table made of a pallet, with sturdy wheels to move it wherever you want or need it.
Cute Recycled Outdoor Accents
Now let’s take a peek at some outdoor accents you can make with castoff materials.
First, a pretty planter that is made out of a broken floor lamp. Just add flowers and bedding material that you like best.
How about a nice white arbor made with materials that you would otherwise put on the curb? This creative way to use castoff doors would make a pretty accent in your yard.
In need of some candles for your deck or patio? Why not use some Mason jars, a little sand, and some tealights to fashion these whimsical candle lamps?
Adorable Repurposed Indoor Pieces
If you have a faux fireplace that is rarely used, transform it into something that gives you more use, like this bookshelf.
Simple and whimsical storage for your kitchen. This kitchen trellis can hold any sort of things you’d like; just add pegboard hooks, baskets, and small shelves.
Here is another awesome way to use a repurposed Mason jar. Just put up a hook next to your kitchen window and add flowers!
As you can see, just being a little creative can turn your trash into a new treasure. Look at everything with an eye toward repurposing it and you will amaze even yourself with things that you come up with.
This guest post was written by Denise Gabbard, a blogger who writes for Tomorrow Finance about home loans.
