Did you know that the aluminum can your soda comes in can be recycled over and over? Recycling cans doesn’t just save resources, it uses less energy than creating a new can from virgin resources.
But before you pop those cans in the recycling, are you ready for a reuse project? We’ve assembled a list of projects — from easy and practical to challenging and downright adventurous — that reuse your aluminum cans.
Before you get started, note that aluminum is sharp and can cut you, so please exercise caution. These projects are not intended for children. And please recycle any aluminum scraps from your projects!
1. Light Redecorating
If you’re looking for a unique piece of décor, check out this pop-top lampshade from Sean in the Make Community. All you’ll need for this project is soda can tabs, a few basic tools, and lampshade top and bottom hoops. So, once you’ve snagged the tabs, please recycle the cans. With a little bit of effort and a lot of patience and time, you’ll end up with a distinctly stylish “chain mail” lampshade.
What you’ll need: soda can tabs (100 or more), pliers, flat blade screwdriver, needle nose pliers, side cutters, top and bottom lampshade hoops
2. Take It to the Bank
Instructables explains how to create an RFID-proof soda can wallet out of two cans and some packing tape. Don’t forget to wash the sticky residue off your cans and watch out for sharp edges.
What you’ll need: aluminum cans (2), hobby knife/scissors, packing tape/duct tape, felt-tip pen, sandpaper
A wallet chain may not be your style, but it’s a super-easy and creative idea using soda can tabs. You’ll need to drink a lot of pop for this one — at least 132 cans, depending on the length of your chain. Instructables suggests visiting a local recycling center if you want to skip the obscene amount of soda ingestion.
What you’ll need: soda can tabs (132-152), heavy-duty wire cutters, key ring (1-2)
3. The Heat is On
Those attempting this project should use extreme caution. Instructables offers step-by-step instructions for making a fully functional stove from two aluminum cans. While the project may sound complicated, the materials needed are basic and can be found in the average household.
Bonus: The stove’s portability makes it ideal for your next camping trip. And forget that hot plate — this stove is small enough for the tiniest of studio apartments.
What you’ll need: aluminum cans (2), utility knife or single-edged razor blade, flue tape or heavy gage aluminum foil, thumbtacks or push pins and nail or drill, marking pen, ruler, a thick book, denatured alcohol for fuel
Optional: hammer and scissors
4. Holiday Ornaments
So, you’ve finally climbed up to the attic and dusted off the box of holiday decorations, only to find that your ceramic Santa smashed some of your favorite glass ornaments. Instead of spending time and money shopping for new ornaments, simply make a trip to your recycling bin. Daisy at Little House in the Suburbs suggests creating original ornaments from aluminum cans.
What you’ll need: aluminum cans, scissors, sandpaper, pen or pencil, a nail, ribbon, or cord
5. A Girl’s Best Friend
Although we didn’t find how-to guide for making your own diamonds (we wish!), this tutorial from Rena Klingenberg shows you have to make stylish earrings from an aluminum can. While the construction is straightforward, an artistic eye will come in handy. Use acrylic paint to customize your earrings for that hard-to-match purple cardigan.
What you’ll need: aluminum can, kitchen shears, safety goggles and protective gloves, decorative paper punches, small-hole paper punch or jewelry punch, earring hooks, jump rings, chain nose/flat nose pliers, super-fine Sharpie marker, small charms
Optional: acrylic paints, finish varnish
6. Tote Bag With Flair
You might have sustainable reusable bags made from recycled plastics, hemp, or recycled fabric, but do you have a pop can tab purse? Add some fun to your shopping trips with this project from Craftster. You’ll need to do some sewing and crocheting, so if you don’t have experience, it may be helpful to pick up a how-to book.
Instructables offers a variation of this bag that incorporates T-shirts for the lining and bamboo for the handles.
7. This Little Light of Mine
Tea light candles create a cozy ambiance for any occasion, from dinner parties to cuddling up with your favorite novel. Lighting can completely transform the ambiance of a room, adding warmth and creating a cozy atmosphere. If you’re looking to add a special touch to your lighting, consider making a lantern and tea light holder from aluminum cans. While the design may look intricate, this DIY project is actually quite simple with just a few craft tools and a steady hand.
To get started, gather the following materials: aluminum cans, a can opener, pumice stone or sandpaper, an exacto knife, wire (30 cm), wire cutters, and a votive candle. The process involves carefully slicing the cans with sharpened blades, so it’s important to wear protective gloves to avoid any accidents.
If you’re looking to get organized and add a pop of color to your workspace, consider repurposing a colorful soda can into a pen holder. Simply cover the can with construction paper and decorate it with markers, paints, or other craft materials to personalize it. For added stability, consider adding a magnet or a flat piece of wood to keep the holder upright when filled with pens.
For a more adventurous recycling project, try melting down aluminum cans to reuse the aluminum yourself. With the right equipment such as a kiln, crucible, heat resistant gloves, tongs, and molds, you can turn old aluminum cans into new drink holders or other creative projects.
If you’re feeling inspired by recycling, take a cue from John Milkovisch, who covered his entire house in an estimated 50,000 beer cans turned into aluminum siding, garlands, and curtains. His unique landscaping efforts not only transformed his home but also reduced his energy bills. Today, you can visit the famous Beer Can House in Houston to see the incredible results of his years of dedication.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of creativity to your lighting, get organized with a DIY pen holder, or take recycling to a whole new level, there are plenty of ways to repurpose aluminum cans in unique and innovative ways. So grab your craft tools, get creative, and see what amazing projects you can create with aluminum cans. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. This technology has the potential to revolutionize many industries and change the way we live and work.
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