Institute some of these DIY ideas and reduce waste from your home!
In more recent years we have all become more aware of how our lives can have an effect on the environment. As a result many of us have started to look for more sustainable products or alternatives that can reduce waste. I have put together a list of 10 of the best DIY reusable products that can help you protect the world around you.
Reusable shopping bag
With the new legislation that came in about plastic bags many of us now pay for a reusable bag on a regular basis. We vouch to reuse the bags but then forget to take them with us. Fear not have a look at this how to for a reusable shopping bag. You could make one and leave in in the car ready for the next time you go shopping. You are far more likely to use the bag if you have made it yourself and if you have chosen your fabrics.
This how to guide over on Good Air Geeks gives you a lot of information on the benefits of using a reusable bag. In addition there are detailed instructions and a video of how to create a reusable bag of your very own. https://www.goodairgeeks.com/how-to-make-your-own-reusable-cloth-shopping-bag/
Bee Wax Food Wraps
If you have a sweet tooth you are more than likely acquainted with the sweet honey produced by bees. However did you know that the by-product of honey, bees wax is also a very useful item as well.
In order to reduce the amount of plastic cling film you are using in your home you should consider making some of these food wraps. They can be reused and are great at keeping your food fresh. They are really simple to make however have a multitude of uses.
Craft Invaders have created this guide on how to make your beeswax food wraps. They have used handkerchiefs in their guide however you could choose some alternative fabrics. https://craftinvaders.co.uk/how-to-make-easy-reusable-beeswax-food-wraps/
Sandwich Wrap Bags
A similar idea to the beeswax food wraps mentioned above these sandwich bags can be used in lunchboxes for children. They can be washed and reused in the next lunchbox. I am sure children would love to choose their fabrics to reflect their individual tastes.
I have also seen patterns similar to this that were used to create snack bags to store other items in the lunch box. So you could make a whole matching set of snack and sandwich bags to brighten up a lunch box.
Jennifer and Sean over at One Acre Vintage Home have a helpful walkthrough on how to create your sandwich wrap bags. http://www.oneacrevintagehome.com/zero-kitchen-waste-sandwich-bags/
Face Scrubbies
For those of us that wear make up or use cleansers and toners on our faces on a daily basis, cotton pads are probably our most wasteful item. Well fear not there is a reusable solution that you will only need to invest in once and then you can reuse over and over. You will have beautiful skin and will feel like you are making a contribution to saving the planet.
There are a few variations of these Face Scrubbies that you can find, or if you are not confident in your abilities you can always purchase my Crocheted Cotton Face Pads over at https://www.claireyatfairycrafters.com/product/face-scrubbies-reusable-face-pads-makeup-remover-washable-cleanser-toner-facial-pamper-gift-for-her-treatment-face-beauty/
If you are raring to go with creating your own fabric versions can be made by following this by Emme Nord over at http://chirchfieldnyc.1ideas.live/post-327fd5
Tissues
Years ago you would never leave the house without your handkerchief however nowadays we have become far more wasteful using tissues. However we could take a step back in time and revert to having reusable tissues. These are often gentler on your skin so if you are suffering from a cold you may appreciate them.
Have a look at this guide over on Sew Like my Mom which will give you instructions on how to create these very simple but environmentally friendly solution to a runny nose.
Unpaper Towels
Many of us use kitchen roll in the kitchen to clean up spills however we could quite easily make a switch and save a lot on paper and reduce waste. This would also make a saving to your purse as well. These unpaper towels could be made absorbent using towelling as one side of the towels, a simple cotton or flannel could then be used on the reverse.
You can also reuse your kitchen roll holder as the towels can be wrapped around the holder ready for use. By using poppers the towels can be detached and then reattached after washing. Head over to Homevolution to see their guide on making these towels.
http://homevolution.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-reusable-paper-towels.html
Christmas Crackers
At Christmas time we are all very wasteful with so many aspects of the festive period. One way to reduce waste at the dinner table is to create this simple Christmas crackers. Not only will you be helping reduce waste. But you will also be able to get a more thoughtful gift for the recipient that they will actually use. A huge improvement on the rubbish plastic items that are contained in the majority of Christmas Crackers.
Have a look at Thoroughly Modern Grandma for some ideas. I have also seen these done using fabric which could be used on the Christmas table every year. https://thoroughlymoderngrandma.com/how-to-make-plastic-free-christmas-crackers/
Bowl covers
Another plastic cling film villain is left overs in the fridge. However this can be remedied by using elasticated bowl covers. The items inside are covered and can be put in the fridge without the need to use cling film. It looks a lot more colourful when you open the fridge as well.
Over at Sadie Season Goods they go a step further and actually recycle bandanas to make the bowl covers so also cutting down on waste in other areas as well.
Dryer Balls
Many of us, particularly with children, could not live without our tumble dryer but it is not very good for the environment. To try and reduce the amount of energy that the dryer uses the addition of dryer balls to the drum when drying a load can cut down on drying time. In addition essential oils can be added to the dryer ball which can remove the need to use dryer sheets.
Happy Mothering have a brilliant tutorial on how to make your own dryer balls over at https://www.happy-mothering.com/how-to-make-wool-dryer-balls/
Tin can planter
Although tin cans can be recycled you can also reuse them yourself. This guide over on Girl Just DIY shows you how to upcycle your tin cans into garden planters that can add interest to your garden. However this idea could also be used inside the home to perhaps plant herbs in the kitchen.
See what inspiration you can gather from this post https://www.girljustdiy.com/recycled-tin-can-lantern-planter/
Let me know if there are any other reusable or recycled products that you swear by. Even just a simple swap or two in your home can make a real difference and reduce waste that is generated from our homes.
