By Lottie Dalziel
Being stuck at home has its downsides, a limited supply of coffee, a stable view and a fading snack cupboard but the biggest positive (in my eyes) the endless sustainable opportunities. Now is the time to tackle your DIY goals, here are 11 ideas to get you started.
1\ Coffee scrub
If like me, coffee is a major part of your working from home regimen then chances are you will have plenty of old coffee grounds spare. Whilst there are at least seven ways you can use old coffee grounds around the house (read here), my favourite use for them is a fragrant coffee scrub. You can read the detailed instructions here or watch the video below.
2\ Repurpose clothes
You know what you also probably have plenty of? Time! It’s time to go through your cupboards and declutter. For me, my general rule is if I don’t wear something in a season then it is time to go. Before donating them to charity try repurposing your clothes. I love the idea (below) of turning business shirts into kids clothes. You can also make your jeans into shorts and old t-shirts into bags.
https://www.facebook.com/IdeasAndFun/posts/234952367878864
RELATED: 3 ways to reuse your old t-shirts
3\ Upcycle furniture
Do you have a piece of furniture that you can’t bear the sight of? Or a chair that has seen better days? Bring some creativity and give your furniture a new lease on life with our simple guide, or if you’re looking for extra inspiration, check out these repurposed furniture ideas.
4\ Pickling
If you’re looking for a simple and easy way to use up extra vegetables (and save them from going to waste) look no further than pickling! It is super simple, it extends the shelf-life of your veg and preserved veg make great gifts. My favourites are cabbage, carrots and cucumbers!
5\ Dye something
We’re back to repurposing here! But if you’ve got an old top or set of sheets why not give them a funky twist by dyeing them a different colour. You can use vegetables like beetroots as natural colourings or pick up some dye from your local craft store (most of them deliver too!).
6\ Mending your clothes and darning socks
Take some time to mend and repair what you’ve got! Sadly our favourite pieces are often the first ones to need care as they are the most worn! Grab a needle and thread and stitch up any holes and mend any seams that are coming loose. Check out mindful mending for lots of tips!
7\ Upcycled jars
There are so many different uses for jars that they should never go in the bin! From pickling (above), to candles and storage there are so many uses for them (see here). One of my favourite looks is using chalk paint, choose a colour scheme that matches your home and get cracking.
8\ Baking
The original DIY activity - baking is not only fun but very rewarding. Spread the love and good food and give your baking to your neighbours. It's a guaranteed way to brighten their day.
9\ Making scrunchies from old fabric
If you’ve got a piece of clothing that is beyond repairing you could chop it up into rags but if it is a fun print why not make it into a scrunchie! They’re back baby and there’s no better scrunchie than one you’ve made yourself.
10\ Making your own cleaner
The kids might not love this one but if you wait it out you’ll reap the rewards. Collect all of your old citrus in a glass jar of vinegar - allow them to sit for a couple of weeks, strain and add in equal parts water to create your own all-purpose cleaner. You can see the full instructions here.
11\ Make your own beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are the bee's knees and they are easier to make than you think. They are colourful, cute and help slash plastic waste in your kitchen! Check out here for the full instructions on how to make them in the oven and using an iron (or watch the video below.) We also stock kits to make your own, shop here.
About the author
Lottie Dalziel is the founder and editor in chief of Banish. She has a passion for the environment and wants to help educate and inspire individuals to make small changes towards a more sustainable future. Stay up to date with her latest challenges on Instagram @banish.au.