So, you purged things you don’t need from your space. Now, what can you do with things that aren’t in a condition to be donated?
Here is some Earth-friendly recycling and upcycling information I shared with Good Day PA a few weeks back! But first, let’s talk about what it means to recycle something and what it means to upcycle something – there is a difference!
Recycling vs. Upcycling
For the most part, we all have an intuitive idea of what recycling is. However, ask the average person what it means to recycle, and you’ll likely get this response or something similar: “It’s when we can use an item again so it doesn’t need to go in a landfill.”
Recycling is when we convert waste products into reusable material. For example, most communities can recycle our empty, used plastic bottles. The plastic is sold to companies who shred it, melt it, and use it to create a variety of products, from park benches to t-shirts. Upcycling is a little bit different. Upcycling involves reusing an object for a totally different purpose than it was intended.
Recycle only the Recyclables
Not everything can be recycled. I recently heard the term ‘wish-cycled’ and love it. It means that just because we hope or think something can be recyclable, doesn’t mean it really can be.
A great example of this is styrofoam. Not ALL styrofoam, or plastics are made the same. First check the foam for a recycle symbol and the number, as not all numbers may be processed together.
On the show, I spoke about the black plastic that vegetables come in – this is one of those items that is NOT recyclable with our curbside recycling. However, it could be reused by a local orchard or nursery for growing their spring plants next season.
Upcycle What You Can No Longer Use
As stated earlier, we upcycle by reusing an object for a purpose it wasn’t originally intended for. On the show, I took a few common household objects, then spoke about repurposing them for gardening – a great way to avoid throwing them away!
Old Footwear and Kitchen Supplies as Plant Storage
On the show, I had a few objects that I could no longer use at home. Well, I could use them but not for the reason I purchased them.
I had a pair of boots that had holes in them. The host also talked about a pair his daughter has outgrown. For me, I used the boots as a planter for flowers.
The holes in them were a bonus, as it allowed water to drain, just like a flower pot. Speaking of holes, I also saw the same potential in an old broken colander, which is great for mossy plant arrangements.
Other Plant Pot Alternatives—Old Paint Cans, Chipped Mugs, and Wooden Drawers
It’s all about using your imagination. Old paint cans and wooden drawers can serve as additional storage for plants. Wooden drawers are an excellent alternative to veggie pots given their size.
See the Potential in Broken Tools and Containers
I noticed the host’s look of amazement when he saw what I did to an old, broken rake. I used the head of the rake as a hanger for garden tools. In addition, when a few pieces of plastic broke off the bottom of the silverware holder from my dishwasher, our spoons kept falling through. Instead of throwing it out, I upcycled it to carry around my garden tools.
My point is simple: If you think you can store something in or on something, you probably can! And this is where the upcycling mindset begins!
Final Thoughts
We recycle and upcycle not just to create better spaces for ourselves. By creating alternative storage areas for our garden plants and tools, we can also reduce clutter in our homes and the environment. Follow the tips here, and together, we can declutter our spaces and the planet by extension!
Watch the Segment Here: https://fb.watch/5ZYpnpW63L/
About the Founder
Laura Souders has been at the forefront of home organization for nearly a decade. In that time, she has helped numerous clients, homes, and businesses towards organization and efficiency.
With each client, she aims to be a trustworthy guide and companion towards creating a healthy space. Her belief is that healthy spaces are well-organized and free from clutter. And these types of spaces and environments go a long way in improving the mental health of homeowners and business owners.
She is the founder of Healthier Spaces and its main resource speaker and consultant. Get in touch with her by calling us. You may also send her a message on social media or by email.
