By Sydney Cohen
There’s a lot of talk these days about being environmentally conscious and the three Rs: reducing, reusing, and recycling. But here is another R: repurposing! Repurposing materials is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also creating something new and unique. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to repurpose common materials into something useful and beautiful!
Repurposing: Examples
There are many ways to be creative using repurposed materials that reduce your carbon footprint and give materials a second life. One way is to use old fabric to make new pillows. Another is to use recycled glass to make new kitchen countertops. You can also use recycled wood to create new furniture.
Old Fire Hoses
It is very possible to repurpose an old fire hose. Because fire hoses are generally not recyclable, using them as repurposed material is a sustainable solution instead of throwing them away. There are various companies, such as Recycled Firefighter, that “reuse the canvas from discarded fire hoses and donate back to the local burn unit at their local hospital,” to make wallets, belts, notebook covers, and more.
Another company, “Hu-Made in the Netherlands is making furniture from reclaimed fire hoses.” You can also buy old fire hoses to repurpose, making them into swings, rugs, hanging light fixtures, and more. Feel free to get creative!
Repurpose Natural Elements
While the primary goal of repurposing by products and waste is to make sustainable use of materials that are harder to recycle, you can also repurpose natural materials, such as those found in nature. Repurpose pine cones by spray painting them, to use as decoration around the house or as ornaments!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing materials! There are many ways to give new life to old objects. From upcycling furniture to turning scraps into art, there is something for everyone. So get inspired and start creating!
‘repurposedMATERIALS’
‘repurposedMATERIALS‘ (rpm) is a company that works to connect people through the repurposing of various materials. They have a newsletter on their website, where they post inquiries of people looking to do specific building projects that use repurposed materials.
‘repurposedMATERIALS’ on Facebook
There has been a recent rise in the ‘repurposedMATERIALS’ Facebook page. Their Facebook posts pictures and captions are of examples of larger-scale projects, built from repurposing materials that are less easily recycled.
A ‘repurposedMATERIALS’ Project
On the ‘repurposedMATERIALS’ newsletter, they posted an inquiry from Gary, saying, “We are constructing a new Elephant exhibit at our Zoo. One of the things we need to construct obviously is an elephant proof fence around their yard…We have heard of other elephant facilities that have built their containment from old oil and gas drilling sleeves or pipes and we were wondering if any of those have come across your way…Any assistance you may be able to offer is appreciated.”
Gary’s project attempted to repurpose materials, such as walls from the oil and gas industry. The ‘repurposedMATERIALS’ newsletter provides a way to email those with inquiries a response, particularly if they are asking for specific products to repurpose.
America’s Largest Industrial Thrift Store
‘repurposedMATERIALS’ is considered America’s largest industrial thrift store for a reason. Their large network of those looking to start repurposing projects and those looking to get rid of old materials proves that this is a growing industry of sustainability.
Repurposing and Religion
While this blog post has been discussing the positive aspects of repurposing to reduce waste, there are also more controversial aspects of repurposing. This is clearly seen in the repurposing of religious centers, as an article in Deseret News presents. Around the world, religious sites that were used by one religion, are taken over by a second, and maybe even a third and fourth.
Repurposing can give new value to the value-less but it can also be a way to violently appropriate the priceless. It is up to us to approach repurposing with reverence and thereby help each item and place achieve its Divine purpose.
The Importance of Repurposing Materials
All in all, repurposing is a great way to reduce waste, help the environment and transform a non-renewable resource into a renewable resource. It can also be a cost-effective way to get more use out of materials you already have. You may be surprised at how many different things you can make from old clothes, magazines, or even plastic bottles.
* Featured image source
