Stop throwing out toilet paper rolls. Here are 10 brilliant hacks to use them around the house
It’s definitely a great idea to think about how we can use things we normally throw away! You’re right, in today’s world, being mindful of what we consume and discard is becoming increasingly important. It’s all about finding ways to be more sustainable and cut down on waste. Even something as simple as a toilet paper roll can have a second life! Instead of just tossing them in the bin, we can actually transform them into all sorts of useful and even decorative things. By giving these humble cardboard tubes a new purpose, we’re not only helping the environment by reducing waste, but we’re also tapping into our creative side.
This article is going to explore ten really clever and practical ways you can reuse toilet paper rolls around your house. These ideas will show you how you can organize your belongings, add some unique touches to your home decor, and generally make your living space a little bit better, all thanks to these simple cardboard tubes.
Why Bother Repurposing Household Items?
Thinking about repurposing items like toilet paper rolls actually comes with a whole bunch of good reasons. For starters, it’s a fantastic way to cut down on the amount of waste we produce, which is a big win for the environment. When we reuse things, we’re also helping to minimize the need for new resources to be used in making more stuff. This promotes a more sustainable way of living, where we’re not constantly taking and throwing away.
Plus, let’s be honest, repurposing can also save you some money! Instead of buying new organizers or decorations, you’re using what you already have. And it’s not just about being practical; it can also be a really fun and rewarding creative outlet for both adults and kids. When you find a new use for something that was destined for the trash, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and encourages you to think outside the box. By embracing this idea of giving things a second life, we’re all contributing to what’s called a “circular economy,” where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and making the most of our resources.
1. Making a Handy Desk Organizer from Toilet Paper Rolls
Is your desk looking a bit chaotic? You can easily create a fantastic desk organizer using those empty toilet paper rolls. Just gather up a few of them and find a sturdy base, like a piece of cardboard or even a small box. Stand the rolls up vertically on your base and use some glue to stick them down securely. Now comes the fun part – you can paint the rolls or decorate them with colorful paper or fabric to match the style of your workspace. Once they’re dry, you’ll have individual compartments perfect for holding pens, pencils, scissors, and all those other bits and pieces that tend to clutter your desk. This is a simple way to keep everything tidy and looking good.
2. Building a Sweet Bird Feeder for Your Garden Friends
If you enjoy having birds visit your garden, here’s a simple way to attract them: make a bird feeder out of a toilet paper roll! All you need to do is spread some peanut butter or honey all over the outside of the cardboard tube. Then, roll the sticky roll in birdseed until it’s completely covered. Take a piece of string and thread it through the roll so you can hang it from a tree branch or anywhere in your garden. This is not only an eco-friendly way to feed the birds, but it also gives you a lovely opportunity to watch them up close from your window.
3. Designing a Clever Cable Organizer to Declutter Your Space
Let’s face it, cables and cords can quickly turn into a tangled nightmare behind your TV or on your desk. But toilet paper rolls can come to the rescue! To keep your cables organized and easy to find, simply wrap each cable neatly and then slide it inside a toilet paper roll. For extra convenience, you can even label each roll with the type of cable it holds. Store these organized rolls in a box or a drawer, and you’ll say goodbye to tangled cords for good!
4. Building Seed Starters for Your Home Garden
If you’re a keen gardener, here’s a neat trick for getting a head start on your planting. You can use toilet paper rolls as biodegradable seed starters. Just cut each roll in half and stand them upright in a tray. Fill each little cardboard pot with potting soil and plant your seeds inside. When the seedlings are big enough to be planted in your garden, you can plant the entire roll directly into the ground. The cardboard will naturally break down over time, which is great for the environment and super convenient for you.
5. Making Unique Decorative Wall Art
Want to add a personal and artistic touch to your walls without spending a lot of money? Toilet paper rolls can be transformed into really interesting wall art. Start by flattening the rolls and then cutting them into rings of the same width. Now, let your creativity flow! Arrange these rings into any pattern or design you like – think flowers, geometric shapes, or abstract designs. Once you’re happy with your arrangement, glue the rings together. When the glue is dry, you can paint your creation in any colors you choose to match your home decor. Hang it on the wall, and you’ll have a unique piece of art that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
6. Constructing a Simple and Handy Phone Stand
Need a quick and easy way to prop up your phone for watching videos or keeping it upright on your desk? A toilet paper roll can be transformed into a functional phone stand in just a few simple steps. Use a pair of scissors to cut a slot in the roll that’s wide enough to hold your phone securely. If you want to get creative, you can decorate the roll with paint, colorful washi tape, or anything else you like to give it a personal touch. This simple stand is surprisingly useful!
7. Assembling Cute Gift Boxes for Small Presents
Looking for a charming and eco-friendly way to wrap small gifts? Toilet paper rolls can be easily turned into adorable gift boxes. Just flatten a roll and then fold in the two ends to create what’s called a pillow box shape. You can decorate the outside of the box with wrapping paper, fun stickers, or pretty ribbons to make it extra special. These little boxes are perfect for presenting jewelry, small toys, or other little trinkets, adding a lovely handmade touch to your gifts.
8. Developing Fun Kids’ Craft Projects for Rainy Days
When the weather keeps the kids indoors, toilet paper rolls can be a source of endless entertainment. Gather up some paints, markers, googly eyes, and other craft supplies and let their imaginations run wild! They can transform the rolls into all sorts of animals, funny characters, or any imaginative creatures they can think of. This is a fantastic activity that encourages creativity, helps develop their fine motor skills, and provides hours of fun without costing a fortune.
9. Designing Elegant Napkin Rings for Special Occasions
Want to add a special touch to your dining table for a party or a holiday meal? You can create custom napkin rings using toilet paper rolls. Simply cut the rolls into rings of whatever width you prefer. Then, get creative with decorating them! You can paint them, wrap them in fabric scraps, or add ribbon to match your tablecloth and dishes. These personalized napkin rings will elevate your table setting and can be reused for many occasions to come.
10. Crafting a Practical Cord Holder for Travel
Traveling with lots of gadgets often means dealing with a jumble of tangled cords in your bag. A simple solution? Use toilet paper rolls as individual cord holders. Just wrap each cord neatly and slide it into its own roll. You can even label each roll so you know exactly which cord is which. Storing your cords this way in your luggage will keep them neat, prevent tangling, and make it much easier to find the one you need when you arrive at your destination.
