Now that most of us are spending our days quarantined indoors, it’s the perfect time to tackle some simple DIY projects. For these environmentally-friendly and zero-waste crafts, you’ll only need items that you already have at home.
Fabric Napkins
Switching to reusable fabric napkins is an easy way to reduce paper waste and make a sustainable addition to your dining table.
You will need
# cotton fabric scraps
# scissors
# measuring tape
# sewing machine
Instructions
Decide on the napkin size. Measure and cut out as many pieces as you need from your fabric. Fold twice and iron about 2 cm (1“) of fabric on two opposite sides. Pin the folded edges. Repeat with the other two sides, making sure that the corners are neat and tidy. Sew around the napkin, near the inside edge of the hem.
Reusable Cleaning Wipes
These versatile cleaning wipes are a great non-toxic alternative to commercial ones. They are simple to make and will keep your home clean and fresh.
You will need
# a pickle jar or mason jar
# old t-shirts, towels, or scraps of fabric
# 1 cup distilled water or tap water
# 1 tbsp dish soap
# 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
# 20 drops of tea tree oil
# 15 drops essential oil
Instructions
Measure and cut up 20 pieces of fabric, approximately 20×20 cm (8×8”) each. Pour the water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol in the jar and mix well. Add the tea tree oil and essential oils of your choice such as lavender, lemon, or peppermint, and stir again to combine. Press the wipes in the jar to soak up the liquid. Replace the lid, flip the jar upside down, and give it a gentle shake.
Squeeze out the excess liquid before using the wipes. When you are done cleaning, rinse them with hot water and place them back into the jar. The wipes in the liquid solution can be stored in a cool, dark place for about 3-4 weeks.
Color-Coded Keys
No more fumbling to find the right key! With a little nail polish and a few minutes of your spare time, you’ll get a bunch of colorful keys that are easy to tell apart.
You will need
# keys
# nail polish in different colors
Instructions
Protect your work surface. Shake the nail polish well. Paint the wide part of the key while holding the serrated end. You can also paint the whole key if you prefer. Give it two or three coats of nail polish on each side and let it dry completely between coats.
Homemade Weight Set
Instead of recycling your plastic milk jugs and water bottles, give them a new life as hand weights and dumbbells to use for your home workouts.
You will need
# plastic milk jugs with handles
# plastic water/soda bottles
# water or sand
# permanent marker
Instructions
Rinse and dry plastic bottles and milk jugs. Fill them with water or sand. Label the weight using a permanent marker. Use the weights for doing squat presses, bicep curls, and weighted crunches.
Peanut Butter Bird Feeder
Birds will appreciate a little extra food in the spring when they are at their most active. This is a good time to make a new bird feeder for your garden.
You will need
# toilet paper roll
# peanut butter
# birdseed mixture
Instructions
Using a spoon or knife spread a thick layer of peanut butter on the outside of the toilet paper roll. Mix sunflower seeds, steel-cut oats, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, and place them on a shallow plate. Press the toilet paper roll covered in peanut butter into the birdseed mixture. Carefully lift the bird feeder from the plate and slip it onto a tree branch.
Homemade Finger Paint
You will need only a few ingredients from your kitchen cupboard to make this non-toxic, washable finger paint.
You will need
# baby-food jars with lids
# 1/2 cup flour
# 1 cup water
# pinch of salt
# extra water
# food coloring
Instructions
Combine flour, water, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens and turns into a smooth paste. Slowly add cold water until you reach the desired consistency. Let the mixture cool completely and pour it into jars. Add a few drops of food coloring to each jar and stir to combine. Cover the jars and store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Get Creative
We hope that these easy sustainable projects will make social distancing easier and keep you busy and active while you’re homebound.
Happy crafting!
