Before you toss away your next piece of trash, think about turning it into something new and useful instead.  We are a world surrounded by products, but there are so many ways that you can reduce their impact while adding a creative, one of a kind piece to your collection that you can be proud of.  America Recycles Day is coming up on November 15^th, so there’s no better time to start making use of your trash and items that haven’t gotten much love lately, and start getting creative! We’re sharing a few ideas involving some common foodservice products to get you started.  These DIY projects take your empty bottles and cans, or your excess tea and wine glasses and give them a second life.  What are you waiting for?

Torani birdfeeder. Photo courtesy of Torani.

Plastic Bottle Birdfeeder

Wondering what to do with those empty plastic bottles once all of that tasty syrup is used up?  Torani has come up with an easy way to feed the birds.  You’ll need an empty and clean 750ml Torani plastic bottle, a drill, a wooden dowel, a blade, twine, and of course birdseed.

Start by using the drill to make two holes, on opposite sides of each other, towards the bottom of the bottle.  Do the same through the neck towards the top of the bottle.  Then use the blade to cut openings above each of the bottom holes.  This will be where the birds will access the seeds, so make them an appropriate size.  Put the wooden dowel through the two smaller bottom holes for a perch.  Next feed the twine through the two holes at the top of the bottle and knot the ends together to make a hanger.  Finally, fill the bottle with birdseed, hang it outside, and enjoy watching all of the birds that will come!

See more about this project here: Torani Bottle Birdfeeder

Wine Glass Candle Holders

Sometimes you have more glasses than you’re going to use at once.  Or maybe you’ve gotten new glassware and haven’t quite figured out what you will be doing with the old yet.  In any case, those glasses can be turned into great centerpieces and decorations in the snap of a finger.  Libbey wine glasses can turn your dull tables into elegant works of art.  Simply flip the glass over and place a tea light or votive on top.  Also try filling the bowl with your favorite décor such as bulb ornaments or a sprig of holly for the holidays.

Tea Dyeing and Staining

Tea is great on its own, but did you know that it can also be used for dyeing and staining?  Anything from table linens and cloth napkins, to shirts, curtains, and eggs can be dyed!  One of the great things about using tea is that it’s all natural.  Bigelow Tea provides a few great tips to help with the process.  It’s as simple as soaking your item in brewed tea, rinsing, then setting the dye with a mixture of vinegar, water, and salt.  Try experimenting with different flavors of tea to produce different colors.   Or bring new life to your wood tables with a light tea stain.  A few bits of steel in the form of steel wool, nails, etc., along with vinegar, and brewed tea will get you started.  Learn more with these easy instructions: Tea Staining.

Tin can vase. Photo courtesy of Dole Packaged Foods.

Tin Can Vase

Those tin cans from your canned goods?  Don’t toss them just yet.  Dole Packaged Foods has come up with a great and simple way to put them to use.  Once they are cleaned and label removed, use them as a vase or as part of a center piece.  It’s an easy way to add in a trendy metal element to your décor and leave your guests impressed.

Jar Lamp     

If you’ve been serving up plenty of Bloody Marys and antipasto platters, you likely have at least a few empty Borges USA/Pacific Choice green bean or olive glass jars laying around.  Luckily, these jars can be made into a beautiful lamp that can add great character to your space.  For inspiration, check out these jar lights here. Grab your jars and a few Edison bulbs and let the light shine through!

What are some of your creative ideas for recycling and upcycling? We’d love to hear!