Millennials have grown up hearing the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Although cliche, there also are options to create – rather than throw away – by preserving resources and the ever-shrinking college budget. By repurposing or finding ways to indulge your creative intuition, household items can become brand new. Below are four simple and fairly quick ways to “upcycle” your materials.
Beginning sprouts
Upcycle a used toilet paper roll by creating a mini pot with a seedling of your choice. Once the houseplant or flower blooms it will brighten your day and purify the air in your living space.
Directions: Rid the roll of all toilet paper. Cut the width of the roll into two equal halves with a pair of scissors. Take one of the halves and make four cuts into the end of the roll. Space the cuts evenly apart to create four flaps. Fold any three consecutive flaps over each other and force the fourth flap under the first flap instead of on top. This way, all the flaps will hold together and serve as the base for the seedling starter. Add tape if the folds do not hold on their own. Add dirt, one seed and water. To transfer the plant or flower into a larger pot or space, open the bottom of the mini pot (remove applied tape) and put the container and sprout into the ground. The toilet paper roll is biodegradable and the sprout will continue to grow.
Bonus: Use an egg carton to plant multiple seedlings.
Simple separation
Pens, pencils and sticky tabs tend to get lost in the chaos of our drawers. While various activities on campus will gladly give away freebies, you may find yourself with a collection of cups. From red solo cups to coffee cups, these can all be recycled, or used as simple organizational tools.
Directions: Collect cups of all shapes and sizes. If you need a container for smaller items such as paper clips, trim the cup down with scissors. If you’re feeling creative, paint them. Fill a drawer with cups and additional items so the containers don’t shift when opening and closing.
Paperless transparency
Sticky notes and planners are great for reminders and dates, but that also means more dead trees and unnecessary paper waste. Instead, make a dry erase frame that is easy, unique and efficient for your routine to-do list.
Directions: Find a picture frame with a glass cover at home or at a local store such as Refresh or Goodwill. Substitute a photograph with a piece of paper. On the paper, print or write a list of things you would like to accomplish on a routine basis. Lay the paper behind the glass. Use a dry erase marker to check-off your list or wipe it off to start over.
Growing Space
Maximizing space is a necessity when moving into a temporary, and much smaller, residency. To preserve space, construct your own containers and organizers. Find a wood pallet or an old drawer by the side of the road or at a furniture shop such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
Directions: Rough sand the wooden container, particularly a pallet to avoid splinters. Pallets can be difficult to take apart so plan accordingly and use appropriate work tools. Gloss a fresh coat of paint to freshen the look. Optional: attach small wheels on the base for easy transportation. Many wheels come in packs of four with the required screws that can be twisted in with a screwdriver or penny. While it may seem costly to purchase the paint and wheels, first check stores such as Refresh or ReStore for affordable options.
Upcycled materials, such as the projects above, are opportunities to create a new purpose for spaces and supplies you may already have. Visit Muncie’s local businesses such as Refresh, ReStore or Goodwill to find tools and inspiration. By upcycling your stuff, you are actively practicing sustainability, saving money and influencing your peers.
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This article is part of the Campus Green Guide, a free custom publication of Ball State Unified Media.
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