Get innovative and eco-friendly by turning trash to treasure with some Earth Day upcycling projects.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links below and make a purchase I may receive a small compensation to help me finance this site and keep coming up with awesome tutorials and tips! There’s no cost to you and I only ever include links to companies and products that I trust and work with on a regular basis.
Upcycling objects ticks off a lot of boxes for me.
Getting to use my creativity and keeping things out of the landfill at the same time? Win, win.
And to celebrate Earth Day coming up on Wednesday, April 22 this year, I wanted to share a bunch of upcycling ideas to give you some inspiration to think outside the box and get innovative!
Today I’m sharing 20 ideas from me and some of my blogging pals to get you motivated to do a little Earth Day upcycling project of your own!
How to Repurpose a Piano into a Bar
If you’re lucky enough to come across an old piano that needs some love, think about turning it into a drink station like Unique Creations by Anita.
How to Make a Pet Bed
We don’t have a dog, but if we did, I’d want to make a cozy pet bed from a sweater like Successful Homemakers!
Upcycled Chair Bench
A couple of chairs and some bright paint makes a lovely garden bench with Making Manzanita.
Vintage Wagon Garden Planter
The Soccer Mom Blog has created a super rustic planter from a well-loved wagon. It’s fantastic!
Braided Rag Rug
A while back I braided some discarded t-shirts into a rag rug for my daughter’s room. It took some trial and error, but I’m so happy with how it turned out.
How to Upcycle a Cutie Crate into a Vintage Trunk
Now, this is something I would have never thought of: Pink Fortitude turned a small wooden fruit crate into a trunk with incredible detail!
Vintage Rocking Horse Makeover into a Unicorn
I know the unicorn Vintage Kitty has made would make some lucky kids (and adults) really happy 🙂
DIY Magnetic Board from Upcycled Cookie Sheet
Old metal cookie sheets are everywhere. Why not turn them into bulletin boards with the help of Sustain My Craft Habit? I know I could use one!
Upcycled Holiday Sign
I’ve had a lot of luck finding old wooden cabinet doors at my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They’re perfect for DIYing your own holiday porch signs.
Using Recycled Glass To Make Flowers
I have never seen anything like the glass garden flowers from Thrifty Northwest Mom but they are just lovely!
Photo by Thrifty Northwest Mom
DIY Reusable Hand Warmers
It’s spring now, but I’m going to have to remember how to upcycle these hand warmers from Happiest Camper for next winter!
Recycled T-Shirt Tote for Kids
My kids are still carrying around their t-shirt totes from a year ago. They’ve really held up to some good use and they’re incredibly easy to make.
DIY Cardboard Box Play Sewing Machine
Do you know anyone who likes a little make-believe? Check out this realistic cardboard sewing machine from Little Red Wagon to make one of your own.
How to Upcycle Plastic Bags into Yarn
I’ve made t-shirt yarn, but never plastic bag yarn! Learn how with Kitchen Table Classroom and start weaving!
DIY Lined Denim Jeans Bag
If you have a pair of old jeans lying around, get organized with Needlepointers and their tutorial for a small storage bag.
Upcycled Desk Organizer
Or, keep your favorite pens and pencils in one place with this corrugated cardboard organizer from Little Coffee Fox.
Five Minute Tug-of-War Dog Toy
With just a handful of supplies, you can make this dog toy from Down Red Bud Drive in minutes and be playing before you know it!
Repurposed Necktie Wreath
I’ve never seen old ties turned into a wreath. The pattern and colors would be endless! Great idea, Mission To Save!
DIY Cat Grass Planter
I’ve never heard of cat grass before, but I do know an adorable upcycled planter when I see one! This kitty planter from Drug Store Divas is too cute.
Upcycling doesn’t have to be turning something old into a completely new item, though. I also just completed a trash to treasure rehaul of a small table for my living room. so I wouldn’t have to waste it.
Check out the video below!
With a little imagination and some imperfect or unwanted items, you can turn just about anything into your own Earth Day upcycling project!
Have fun and get crafting!
