Upcycling is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to repurpose items that would possibly end up in the trash. Here are some easy and creative ways to turn common household waste into useful items for your garden and home.
Plastic bottle bird feeders
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Plastic bottles can be turned into efficient and creative bird feeders. You will need paper pins, scissors, soldering iron and string, and an empty plastic bottle to make an upcycled bird feeder.
Egg carton seed starter
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Empty egg cartons are useful biodegradable trays that can be used as seed starters. Fill the egg tray with damp coconut peat or potting soil. Put a seed in every egg hole and place your egg carton seed tray in a sunny spot near the window. Water with a spray bottle everyday.
Plastic bottle plant pots
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Make drainage holes at the top and bottom of the bottle. Cut the plastic bottles in half. Fill the inside of the bottles with potting soil. Make two additional holes on two adjacent holes at the top of the part of the bottle t
hat has the lid to make it a hanging pot plant. Put seedlings, a plant or sprinkle seedlings onto your upcycled plant pot.
Glass jars and bottles as herb propagation jars
Reuse glass jars that you already have in your home to propagate your favourite herbs.
Reuse glass jars for gherkins
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Do not throw away glass jars that have lids. Wash them and reuse them as jars for pickled items. Sterilise the jar by heating the jar for about 20 minutes in an oven and add your pickling solution and veggies. These jars are perfect for storing homemade gherkins, jams, or sauces, making them both practical and eco-friendly.
Use these ideas to turn everyday waste into something useful, saving you money and reducing your environmental footprint. Reduce your household’s carbon footprint by embracing upcycling and making the resources you already have at home useful for multiple purposes.
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A version of this article was first written by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs for Food&Home
