Even if you try to eat a mainly fresh food diet, it’s inevitable that most of us will end up eating canned food on occasion. While it may not always be the healthiest choice, it’s very convenient on busy days and a better choice than fast food.
So what do you do with the cans once you’ve eaten? Do you throw them away or recycle them?
While recycling food cans can offer a huge benefit for our environment, many people choose to discard them because there often isn’t a cash redemption value. And even if you can recycle them, reusing items is always a more eco-friendly choice.
If you find yourself with empty cans and you’re debating what to do with them, try upcycling them into something new with an easy repurpose project . It’s a step above recycling and you just might have fun stoking your creative juices in the process.
Here are 15 ideas to give your inspiration for your next can repurposing project.
Lighting decorator
There are so many different ways you can create unique lighting fixtures with old cans! You can make a pendant lamp, citronella candle in a can, mood lighting or mini lamp shade. Or, take these ideas and come up with one of your very own.
Pretty planter
Coming up with new ways to display plants can be a fun endeavor. Using old cans, you can make a variety of planters like these tin planters, succulent planters, tiered vases and twine-wrapped can vases.
Party planner
Have a big party or wedding you’re planning? Check out these tin can table numbers. They would work great with a vintage or rustic theme. You could also use this bread in a can idea as a fun party favor or party treat. If it’s a kids party, the kids would love these mini tin can drums.
Master organizer
There are so many ways to use old cans to help organize your things. Try your hand at these general clutter organizers, pencil holders, tin can pin cushions or get fancy with this tin can caddy.
Repurposed old cans can come to life in so many different ways. There’s no need for them to wind up in the landfills. Instead of tossing them in the recycle bin, next time consider re-using them first.
What is your favorite way to repurpose old cans?
Feature image courtesy of Craig Sunter