creativity

15 ways to turn rubbish into something useful

Think of how much stuff you throw away in a year. Think how much you'll drink next year and how many bottles, corks and cans you'll throw away. Think how many old, tired pieces of furniture you'll bin and how much money you'll spend replacing it.

More to the point you like to save money where you can. I also happen to know that you like to try and be a little alternative where possible and would love it if your friends walked into your room and complimented you on some awesome subtle thing that you created yourself. Well here are 15 small suggestions and ideas to help you live comfortably and tidily. What's more, it's all made from stuff you would probably have thrown away anyway.

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If doilies aren't to hand and a bit '50s' for your liking this works with any webbed material.

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It's simple. All you have to do is wrap that sheet of metal you've got hanging around (everyone has one - right?) and then frame it if you want it to be extra awesome. Simple.

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Crumpled up traditional newspaper is an odor-eater so if something smells just stuff some in there!

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Cutting glass can of course be very dangerous so follow these guidelines carefully if you feel yourself up the task and use appropriate safety equipment. Just to make sure.

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Just throw the lint into a section of an egg carton, tie it up with dental floss, cover it in some old candle wax, and you've got yourself a waterproof fire starter for any occasion.

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Other than something you can place on the floor as an ironic reference to a bygone era when a banana peel fall was considered to be the height of comedic gold, banana peels have many weirdly useful applications for your beauty regimen, the maintenance of your leather couch, the health of your backyard garden, and more.

Banana peels are loaded with potassium, the antioxidant lutein, and loads of other powerful enzymes and nutrients that make them ideal for giving your skin some youthful beauty glow, removing your splinters and warts, and alleviating your bug bites. And if you are ever roasting chicken at home, place a banana peel on top of your chicken breasts before cooking to keep them juicy and moist before you eat them.