Upcycling: saving things from the trash and turning them into very useful items
Upcycling is nothing more than creative reuse of recovered waste products. It is a practice that consists in reusing waste materials or objects considered useless to transform them into new itms, perceived as better or with greater usefulness that the original object. Creative reuse has a great value for the methodology linked to recycling and protecting the environment. It also has great artistic value because it is synonymous with creativity and transformation. It represents, as they say, a combination of business with pleasure.
Looking at the ideas below, you will be amazed to see how many very useful or basic objects can be created through the reuse of others that, at first glance, you would not give a second thought.
An old metal colander (or cheese grater), for example, with a little patience and dexterity, could become a beautiful lamp stand.
And the same can be done with an old, metal teapot. The lamp so created will be truly unique and original.
But what you can do with a throwaway guitar neck is unbelievable. Hanging on a wall, it can be set up to become a wonderful coat or key hanger. Music lovers will find this a brilliant idea.
And how about combining a bland wall clock with an old drum or a drum kit? The clock will no longer be so boring and will give the environment a rock 'n' roll feel.
Also using a drum or the frame of a drum, you can make a lamp shade. This is also a gem that will be loved by musicians and percussion connoisseurs.
An old, throwaway chair could be used to create a raised bowl. Raised bowls are very useful for those with medium or large dogs or perhaps those in their old age. By bending over often, dogs can develop neck conditions (cervical osteoarthritis, for example) that cause pain and prevent them from eating and drinking easily. A raised bowl could really improve your pet's quality of life.
A wooden stand and sink on a cleaned up, old bike will make it a very special design that will give the bathroom a truly unique style.
Restoring old chairs or armchairs is probably the most practiced and widespread form of reuse. And it always gives great results.
To reuse an old alarm clock, simply change the face.
The raised bowls mentioned above can also be made from stools or longer benches into which two or more bowls can be fitted. It will then be usable by several dogs - or become useful for containing both water and food.
A fun project to do, perhaps during the holidays, is to create gnomes, dolls and Santas by recycling old floor mops. First make sure you clean and sanitize them perfectly and then proceed with the creation process. It could also be a fun activity to do with the kids.
Have you ever carried out any such original, creative, recycling projects?
