Every year, over 1.5 million tons of waste is created from aluminum containers and cans being thrown into landfills rather than into recycling. However, aluminum cans are 100% recyclable, and there is no limit to how many times it can be repurposed. While recycling your cans and containers is a great option, there are also tons of creative ways to extend the life of your tin cans. Check out these fun DIYs for sprucing up your living or work space sustainably.
Tin Can lanterns
Materials:
- Graph paper
- A hammer
- Assorted nails
- Markers
- Tape
- Candles (LED or traditional)
- Tin can
Fill the tin can with water and freeze, which will help the can to retain its shape while it is being punctured. Then, mark out your desired design on graph paper that is cut to the size of the can. Tape the design onto the can and using the hammer and nails, punch out the design into the can. Finally, place candles into the cans and light them. Check out some patterns for tin can lanterns here.
Tin can planters
Materials:
- Twine or rope
- Hammer and nail
- Paint and markers
Fill the tin can with water and freeze to help it retain its shape. Use the hammer and nail to make two holes on opposite sides of the top of the can Use the rope or twine to make a handle of the desired length. Decorate however you want! There are many different ways to make beautiful planters with your own flair and style. If you want to go the slightly more challenging route, here is a tutorial for macrame planters.
Office + desk organization
Materials
- Tin cans of different sizes
- Piece of scrap wood
- Paint and brushes
- Hot glue gun and glue
First, find your tin cans and scrap wood. If you don’t have any wood lying around the house, you can buy inexpensive pieces of scrap wood at most hardware stores. Paint the piece of wood and the tin cans however you would like. Finally, glue the cans to the wood using a generous amount of hot glue. This simple and chic organizer works for offices, the kitchen, makeup organization, and much more! Follow this straightforward tutorial.
Wind Chimes
Materials:
- Paint
- Tin cans of different sizes
- Heavy string, such as cotton
- Nail
- Weighted object
Tin can wind chimes are an awesome way to spruce up a garden or outdoor space in a sustainable way. Start with several different tin cans that fit inside one another. Paint them and decorate however you would like. Next, poke a hole in the bottom of each of the cans. Thread the string inside of them, and make knots where you want each of the cans to hang. Then, attach a weighted object to the end, and make a loop at the top for hanging. Here is a step by step video guide to help.