Earth Day may have just passed, but that doesn’t mean we should stop celebrating the planet we live on! The spirit of Earth Day is something we can carry with us throughout the year in our daily actions and decisions. Here’s how you can continue to protect our planet and integrate sustainable living practices into your routine with some fun DIY recycling projects.

Regrow Your Lettuce

Did you know that you can regrow lettuce with just a lettuce stem? Just cut off the bottom of a romaine lettuce heart and place it in a shallow container of water, and, with some patience, watch as your lettuce grows. (Plus, you can do this with other vegetables too—like celery or potatoes!)

Instructions:

https://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-regrow-romaine-lettuce-from-the-stem/

Altoid Wallets

You may have seen the Altoid wallet trend on TikTok, but it really is such a cute way to reuse old Altoids tins! Decorate your tin with paper, ribbon, or stickers, and use it to store small items like credit cards or IDs, or just to keep in your bag.

Instructions:

https://www.instructables.com/Altoids-Tin-Wallet/

Quilt

If you have some free time on your hands and any old fabric or clothing lying around, try cutting them into squares to be made into a quilt! Not only is this a chance for you to use up otherwise forgotten fabric, but you’ll be left with a practical and one-of-a-kind quilt to snuggle up with.

Instructions:

https://www.fiskars.com/en-us/crafting-and-sewing/ideas-and-how-tos/quilting/how-to-quilt

Recycled Crayons

I remember getting marbled crayons in goodie bags as a kid, but these recycled crayons are still just as fun as they were back in elementary school. Using any old crayon scraps you have, just melt them down and make new crayons with whatever shapes or color combinations you want!

Instructions:

https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/kids-craft-how-to-make-recycled-crayons

Teacup Candles

If you have any half-used candles around your house, try melting them down to make teacup candles! All you need is a new candle wick, but you can reuse leftover candle wax to make candles in other containers too, like glass or ceramic jars.

Instructions:

https://www.thecraftpatchblog.com/tea-cup-candles/

Paper Towel Roll Jewelry Holder

If you are always losing your jewelry, trying making a jewelry holder with toilet paper rolls! Paint your toilet paper rolls or just leave them plain, and with some simple cutting and gluing you’ll have a perfect way to organize your jewelry.

Instructions:

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/organizing/diy-paper-towel-roll-jewelry-holder-8145199

Light Bulb Flower Vases

An estimated 600 million light bulbs are disposed of in U.S. landfills each year, or about 30,000 pounds of mercury waste. To reduce the environmental harm these light bulbs cause, use them to make super cute vases instead, perfect for growing flowers this spring.

Instructions:

https://www.instructables.com/how-to-make-Light-Bulb-Vase/

Glass Bottle Lights

These light fixtures made of used glass bottles make a perfect light fixture or centerpiece. All you need are any fairy lights, and just put them inside your bottles for perfect lighting and ambiance.

Instructions:

https://www.instructables.com/Wine-Bottle-Accent-Light/

 Tin Can Planters

Gardening is the perfect Earth Day activity, and these tin can planters make it much easier. With some old cans, you can grow your own succulents or small house plants, and even decorate the outside with some paint!

Instructions:

https://kippiathome.com/tin-can-planters-diy/

T-shirt Tote Bag

We should all be using reusable grocery bags by now, but if you don’t have any, here’s an easy way to make them at home! All you need is an old T-shirt and scissors—no sewing required—and you’ll have a cute tote bag to use for your shopping and errands.

Instructions:

https://mommypotamus.com/no-sew-t-shirt-tote-bag-tutorial/

These sustainable craft ideas make perfect gifts or activities, so be sure to give them a try when you have free time, not to mention the positive contribution you make to environmental conservation. Remember, every action counts when it comes to saving our planet and keeping the spirit of Earth Day alive. Happy Earth Day!