Zero Waste Inspired DIY Craft Projects

Quick and Easy DIY Dog Toy

This one is for all the dog people out there, or for individuals that have a friend with a dog. The number one thing that we as pet owners enjoy more than our animals, is making our dogs feel loved. One of the best ways to ensure that your doggo is happy and not using your favourite pair of heels as a chew toy is to make them a toy from old or broken jeans.

This practice will save you tons of money on chew toys, along with allowing you to upcycle clothing you would otherwise be throwing away, it is a win-win. It is also a great gift idea for someone with a new puppy or dog.

Step 1: The first thing you are going to make this toy is some old denim jeans or a jacket. For a large dog, it is better to use the seams and hems for the chew toy, because they are usually stronger fabric, and they will be more durable. For smaller dogs, you can use any section of the garment.

Step 2: If you have not already, disassembled your denim clothing, then do so. Just cut along the side of the leg seam, on both sides. You can leave as much or as little amount of excess fabric on either side of the seam. To make this dog toy, you are going to need a few seam pieces. It is important to keep in mind that 1 seam gets you about 2-3 pieces of fabric, depending on how long you wish the toy to be. The ideal size is 12” to 15”.

Step 3: Option a: The next thing you will need to do is lay the seam strips together, try to keep them as even as possible. You can give them a bit of extra fabric at the ends before tying a knot in the middle, then pull the ends until the knot is tight and you have yourself a denim ball-toy for your dog.

Option b: The next method in this DIY project is the braiding method. Instead of tying the knot in the middle of the fabric strips, you tie a knot at the end of them. After that, you braid the fabric to the desired length and tie it off. This way you will end up with rope-chew-toy for your dog, instead of a ball-toy. This version is particularly good because you can wash the toy when it gets mucky. Just throw it in the washer on a gentle cycle and let it rinse.

Plastic Spoon Candle Holder

How many plastic spoons have we used in our life? Too many by far and the constant throwing away of single-use plastic is one of the leading causes of ocean pollution. That is why it is important to look at an object and see its potential uses. Could it be reused to create a fun creative design that you can make, to not only save the planet but to add a touch of Fengshui to your home

A great idea for unwanted plastic spoons is to turn them into candle holders! The best part about them is that they are beautiful, intriguing, and will be the perfect conversation piece to justify your stand against single plastic use and the ways to combat ocean pollution in 2021!

Supplies Needed

• plastic spoons
• tea light holder
• hot glue gun
• spray paint
• box cutter

Step 1: Place your tea light holder upside down on a safe/protected surface. Paint the exterior of your light holder with whichever spray paint colour of your choice and set it aside to dry. Place the plastic spoons in a row on a protected surface and spray paint each utensil.

Step 2: Using the box knife, cut the handles lightly off each utensil and then bend off at the area where the scoreline is located to break them off each spoon. Recycle the handles if possible.

Step 3: Starting at the top of the tea light holder, using the hot glue gun to stick a row of painted spoons around the exterior.

Allow the first row to dry before gluing the second row of spoons below the first, so that the second row is slightly overlapping the first. Repeat this step with a third row of spoons beneath the second row so that each row can be seen peeking out from the subsequent row.

This will make the end result look like a lotus flower and give your house a unique and zero waste decoration that will last forever! Whether it be for you or someone else, it is always nice to give or receive something that has been made by hand.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Figuring out how to reduce your pollution footprint on this planet through up-cycling is one of the best ways to create gifts for people you are close to, no matter the occasion. Instead of looking at conventional objects as waste, try changing your mindset and get into the practice of asking yourself whether those scraps, fabrics, bottles, and so on could be re-used in a different manner by giving them a new purpose or life.

Zero waste and repurposing are all about changing our habits and viewing things a little differently. Plus, who said up-cycling had to be boring! Zero waste craft projects are a great way to let your imagination run wild, save money, and play your part in minimizing waste.