upcycled furniture

10 Everyday Products Made From Recycled Materials

Oil drum upcycled furniture

Credit: dzejdi

Utilizing products made from recycled materials helps to reduce waste by giving old materials a new life, rather than sending them to landfills. This helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing new products. Additionally, using products made from recycled materials can also help to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as the process of recycling materials requires less energy than creating new products from raw materials. 

Overall, using recycled materials in products is a simple, yet effective, way to contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are some examples of everyday products made from recycled materials.

1. Bike Tires

Eco-friendly bike tires are made from recycled rubber and are designed to be environmentally-friendly and sustainable. They are also puncture-resistant and long-lasting, making them a great option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the convenience of a bicycle. These tires are more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring they will last for many miles.

2. Glass Countertops

As per the name, recycled glass countertops are made from recycled glass that has been melted down and formed into a solid surface. This type of countertop is a sustainable and visually appealing alternative to traditional countertop materials such as granite or quartz. Recycled glass countertops are also resistant to stains, heat and scratches, making them a practical choice for any home renovation project.

3. Paper Notebooks

Recycled paper notebooks are a great option for those who want to reduce their impact on the environment. Like any notebook, these come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs, such as spiral-bound notebooks for easy note-taking or hardcover notebooks for added durability. The recycled paper used in these notebooks is also typically acid-free, meaning it will not yellow or become brittle over time.

4. Furniture 

If you’re looking for furniture, upcycled furniture is made from recycled materials and so has been given new life through creative design. These pieces can be unique and one-of-a-kind, making them a great addition to any home. Upcycled furniture is often made from materials that would have otherwise been discarded, such as old wooden pallets or discarded car parts. The result is a piece of furniture that is both stylish and sustainable.

5. Yoga Mats

Yoga mats can be made from all sorts of materials including cork, vinyl, rubber and more. If you want to be a little more eco-friendly when you do your morning (or afternoon or evening) yoga, you can choose a yoga mat made from recycled materials like recycled PET bottles or even recycled wetsuits. These are more sustainable options for your exercise routine.

6. Backpacks and Bags

These days, almost anything you buy can be made from recycled materials. You can find backpacks, for school or hiking, made from recycled plastic. Messenger bags are being made from recycled billboards. Some people are even doing their own DIY by turning gently used jeans into purses and tote bags or t-shirts into produce/grocery bags.

recycled glass vase

Credit: Altinosmanaj

7. Glass Bottle Vases

This type of vase is made from recycled glass bottles and has been transformed into beautiful and functional home decor pieces. The recycled glass used in these vases is melted down and reshaped into a variety of different shapes and sizes, resulting in a unique and eye-catching piece. These vases are often hand-crafted, adding to their unique appeal.

8. Decking

Recycled plastic wood composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, creating a durable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood decking. It is resistant to rot, decay and insect damage, making it a low-maintenance choice for outdoor spaces. Recycled plastic wood composite decking is also available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing you to choose a look to fit your personal style and home renovation project.

9. Recycled Aluminum Jewelry 

If you’re looking for eco-friendly jewelry, this jewelry is made from recycled aluminum cans and has been transformed into stylish and unique pieces. The recycled aluminum used in these pieces is melted down and reshaped into a variety of different shapes and sizes, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. This type of jewelry is often made by artisans who use traditional techniques to create intricate and detailed designs.

upcycled typewriter garden

Credit: Irina274

10. Planters

Planters can be made from almost any recycled materials. They can also be made from upcycled materials. In other words, you can take almost any item in your house and transform it into a unique planter to brighten your garden. One type of recycled planter is made from recycled tires. The recycled tires used in these planters are cut and shaped into a variety of different sizes and styles, creating a unique and eye-catching piece.

Conclusion

While not all of the above products are always made using recycled materials, if you take the time to look, you’ll see more everyday products are being made from recycled materials. This is a good thing. We can’t just continue to generate waste with nowhere to put it. We need to take existing materials and repurpose, reuse and upcycle them into new products. You can either do this yourself or buy products made from recycled materials.

Jennifer Bell

Author Bio: Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey and representing a custom home builder in the Ocean City area.

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