Earth Day is an important reminder to celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds us and learn more about how we can protect it. This day, celebrated on April 22, highlights the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling and respecting the natural world. You can make a difference by reusing and recycling your unwanted textiles and clothes. Old clothes, curtains, drapes, bed sheets, and pillowcases can be given a second life.
When fabrics and clothing are re-used rather than trashed, it reduces landfill waste. Below are some fun and easy projects to make from household items this Earth Day.
Dinner Napkins
Say goodbye to disposable paper napkins and hello to stylish reusable fabric dinner napkins. Wash and tumble dry an old bedsheet, then cut it into 16-inch squares. Next, finish around the edges by turning the edges over quarter-inch and then finish by hand stitching or a sewing machine. Personalize each napkin with embroidery in one corner such as your initials or a flower design. If you have patterned or floral sheets, your new cloth napkins will give an endearing touch to every meal. You can also make table runners and shelf liners for your kitchen cupboards from bed sheets.
Braided Friendship Bracelets
These bracelets are constructed from pre-loved t-shirts; they make lovely gifts for your friends and are very easy to make. Cut long half-inch wide strips from t-shirts. The more colourful the better. Then, tie three lengths of the strips into a knot at one end and begin tightly braiding together until you achieve the desired length to go around your wrist. Add beads for extra pizzazz. Knot around your wrist or ankle when finished.
Decorative Denim Coasters
Don’t throw away your old denim jeans or denim skirts. Instead, make these coasters which are ideal for placing hot cups of cocoa or tea. Cut out five-inch diametre circles or squares from the denim fabric for the front and back of each coaster. Then, insert a piece of flannel or interfacing as padding for the middle section. Stack the three coasters together with the flannel in the middle. Sew a quarter-inch seam around the edge of the coaster. Make as many coasters as you want. If you would like, you can fray the edges of each coaster. This is done by using a hairbrush or a piece of sandpaper to distress the raw edges and create a small fringe. Embroider each circle or sew on small beads along the edges. Make several for your friends too.
Cowl Neck Scarf
Create new life out of a pre-loved pullover and make a fashionable neck warmer. Find a wool or wool blend pullover sweater and wash and tumble dry. Next, cut the sweater with scissors in a straight line from armpit to armpit to form the cowl. Finish the cut edge with a whip stitch or a zig-zag stitch on the sewing machine. Slip over your head and around your neck to keep warm on a cold day.
