In the modern world, people are more environmentally conscious than ever before - and for good reason. Trash, for example, is extremely damaging to the environment not only because it takes a long time to decompose (especially plastics) but because it can destroy animal habitats as landfills take up a lot of space, and if it's consumed by animals, can lead to slow and painful deaths.
That's why it's so important to recycle as much as possible, and although most people simply opt for recycling bins, if you're crafty, there are limitless ways you can cut out the middle man and put your trash to good use yourself. And one recyclable item which people have in abundance is soda cans, which, with their easily malleable metal are perfect for upcycling.
So without further ado, here's an incredible hack which will allow you to turn them into your own little herb garden!
Credit: grillo-designs.com
So, what will I need to make my DIY herb garden? I hear you ask. The following:
- Soda cans
- Can opener
- Scissors
- Spray paint
- Black contact paper
- Posca pen
Once you've got these materials, your first task will be carefully removing the top of the soda cans with the can opener, as shown in the picture above. After you've done this, thoroughly wash and dry your cans before spray painting them.
Credit: grillo-designs.com
Then cut a piece of the contact paper and write the name of your chose herb on the front with the white pen. Repeat for each can. Your next step will be simply peeling off the back of the decoration plastic and sticking it to your cans. Voilà!
Credit: grillo-designs.com
Herbs require very light watering, but if you wish, you can make your holders even more efficient by drilling holes in the bottom of them. However, if you do this, it's recommended that you place them in another container to prevent leakage.
Credit: grillo-designs.com
This DIY, however, is far from the only thing that you can do with these materials. If you're looking for something a little more decorative than a humble herb garden, why not invest in some metallic paint and create your own upcycled vase?
Credit: Muslin & Merlot
For an even craftier look, you can carefully bend and dent your soda cans before spray painting them to create the effect shown below.
Credit: Instagram / @mrkate
And even if you happen to run out of spray paint, no worries. Once you've cut off the lid of your soda can it can still be used for a number of other purposes like holding your stationary - because, let's face it, no one wants to have a messy desk.
Credit: instructables.com
Do you know of any other brilliant ways of upcycling soda cans? Let us know int he comments section - oh, and happy crafting!