Freshen up your home just in time for spring by repurposing household items into colorful planters. Design your own pot to match any household décor.
The importance behind reusing items: Think about all the trash you and your family have thrown away in the past day alone. All the wrappers, packaging, and even food waste adds up quickly. Now think about every other American family that threw away just as much trash. Americans only represent 5% of the world’s population but generate 30% of the world’s waste.
We can help reduce that number by recycling and repurposing items. Repurposing items is a great way to show off your creative side and save money. If you can’t find a way to repurpose it, recycle it! Half of the waste we generate can actually be recycled into new items. Try something new and create a recycling bin for your house.
Today we are going to save waste from going to a landfill through repurposing!
Step 1: Gathering Materials
- While you are cooking, cleaning, or organizing your home, look for any containers that catch your eye. Use your imagination and find shapes and sizes that are interesting. Soup cans, glass jars, and plastic bottles are a great place to start.
Step 2: Remove the Label
- Peel off the label on your container. If the label does not easily peel off, try soaking the container in hot water with dish soap and a few cups of white vinegar for 10-30 minutes.
Step 3: Create Holes in Bottom of Container
- Use a hammer and nail to add 2-3 small holes in the bottom of your container if it is plastic, steel, or aluminum. The holes will allow any extra water to drain and keep your plant from becoming waterlogged. If your container is glass, skip this step and just be careful you don’t overwater.
Step 4: Use Your Imagination
- Now’s the time to get creative. Plan out what you want your planter to look like. Do you want a modern, simple, or fun and colorful design? Based on your plan, gather the craft supplies you will need. Some supplies you may need are paint and paintbrushes, glue, colored paper, twine or ribbon. Once you have your supplies, start crafting your new pots.
- Decorating Tips:
- For nice clean lines when painting, try using masking tape.
- Using google eyes, chenille sticks, and stickers is a great way to engage the young crafters in your family.
- Create cute polka dots by dipping the end of your paint brush in the paint instead of the bristles.
Step 5: Time to Plant
- After your pot is finished and dry, you can begin the planting process. Start from seeds or transplant a plant you already have. For optimal growth, use the soil type recommended for your chosen plant. Finally, show off your new potted décor in an area where it can receive sunlight, such as a windowsill or hanging above a kitchen window. Remember to water according to the recommendations for your specific plant.