5 Things to Upcycle at Home

We’re all trying to do our bit to be more eco-friendly, and it can be hard when there are so many single-use plastics and products on the shelves in our supermarkets. However, there are ways to use those things you would usually throw away and, probably, save some money in the process! Here are five of our favourite tips on how you can upcycle household waste and use it to your advantage!

Glass Jars

Glass jars are super versatile and can be used in many different ways. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any labels; you can then use them as vases around the house, candle holders, or storage for things like rice, flour, and sugar. They can also be used to store cooking fat – it’s not a good idea to pour this down the sink, so add your cooking fat to a jar and, when it is full, just throw it away!

Disposable Razors

Disposable razors are a good idea until they go blunt and dull, in which case, they stop doing their job. However, don’t throw them away – you can use these blunt razors to remove bobbles from your knitwear! You can also use them to remove pills from hats, scarves, t-shirts, and more.

Egg Cartons

Egg cartons, despite their unusual shape, are one of the most versatile things of all! The plastic egg cartons can be kept and used as containers for mini cupcakes and bakes should you need to transport them. Paper egg cartons can be used as seed sprouting containers. Simply split them up and once the seedlings get big enough to plant, wet down the egg carton cup and plant it directly in the ground. The soggy paper will break down over time in the dirt! You can also use old egg cartons to sort and protect your Christmas decorations and baubles whilst they are in storage – stops you from finding loads of broken baubles every time you get the decs out of the loft!

Tissue Boxes

Tissue boxes may seem like they cannot be upcycled, but they can! You can use them as storage for your plastic bags, and by sliding the bottom of each bag into the handles of the next bag, you can make them pop up like tissues! No more fighting with the hundreds of plastic bags under your sink!

You can also use them as tiny rubbish bins in places like your desk, bathroom counter or car. Simply put any small bits of rubbish in the box, and when it’s full, either throw it away or empty it and use it again!

Newspaper

Newspaper is surprisingly good at absorbing odours – scrunch up a ball of newspaper and pop it in your shoes, or even fridge, to eliminate gross smells. You can also use newspaper to clean glass and mirrors – it won’t leave any residue, so you’ll have a gorgeous streak-free shine!