Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- Make Garbage Great: The Terracycle Family Guide to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

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Enter to win a copy of:

Make Garbage Great: The Terracycle Family Guide to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

by

Tom Szaky and Albe Zakes

Leave a comment in today’s post by July 24th, 2015 and you are in the running for this awesome book on materials and products, their history and how to recycle it. There are tons of tips, facts and craft projects!

Open to U.S. Residents only please.

Make Garbage Great

Stan Amineko and I love the writing on the spine of this book!

More about the book from the publisher;

In this fun, pop culture exploration, two ecological entrepreneurs examine the materials we use in our daily lives, show how they impact the environment, and provide project ideas—from recycling to upcycling and more—to lessen our impact and protect our world.

Jam-packed with information, more than 200 photographs and illustrations, and approximately twenty DIY projects, this engaging, graphic volume shows us how we all can cut down, reuse, and repurpose the garbage we produce. With its easy hands-on design, Garbage Is Great contains information, little known facts, compelling graphics, and colorful illustrations and photos on a variety of common household waste-stream materials: Plastics, Glass and Ceramics, Paper, Wood, Textiles, Metal, Rubber, and Organics.

Tom Szaky, the founder of the award-winning nonprofit, environmental company TerraCycle, introduces each and explains what he’s learned about it in his personal life and with TerraCycle. He and Albe Zakes then provide a graphic historical timeline of each material’s use in commercial goods—from how it’s manufactured to what happens when it’s throw out—an analysis of its impact on the environment now and tomorrow; suggestions for DIY projects to save it from the trash bin, and lists of helpful resources. They also include sidebars and definitions, fun and quirky facts, lists of reuse ideas, quotes, and illuminating interviews that add depth and insight.

All of us have a responsibility to protect our environment. Informative and inspirational, Garbage Is Great shows us how to be creative custodians today—and for the rest of our lives.

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Comments

  1. WoW, another must-have book! This belongs in every crafting collection … we all have to do our part. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  2. I am all about recycling, repurposing and making old things new again. I am always baffled by people who think nothing of throwing everything into the trash and not recycling. We must all do our part! I will and may as well be creative while doing it!

  6. I use a lot of recycling crafts in the work I do with adults who have disabilities, helping them to realize that they can have beautiful things for their apartment or room with little or no money spent!

  8. looks like a great book. I work with magazines to make beads and bowls. Love to recycle things into something new.

  10. I’m really, really interested in this book. Our summer cabin has no town garbage collection, so everything we don’t use up has to be packed up and driven out to the dump. When you actually see how much trash people create, instead of just having your bags magically whisked away before you even wake up, it’s jarring. I’d love ideas for reducing our garbage footprint.

  11. I always try to recycle everything. Send it to Terra Cycle when possible and then repurpose things into useable goods. Right now making kitty beds and condos out of old dresser parts we have found out for trash.

  12. So excited to read this book. I know there will be lots of ideas I can and will use to do my part. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  13. It can become a natural thing, to see what others think of as trash, as items of beauty that have a secondary purpose.

  17. What a great, timely book this looks to be! I’m SO in my element when recycling, upcycling, repurposing & I learned from the best: my mom (though it was out of necessity as we were poor). I’d be blessed beyond belief to win this book, & thanks for the giveaway! God bless! 🙂

  19. wow anyone be so happy to get this book if iwas to win it i want look at it then i like to give to my sister to use she works in a old person day care the alway need new crafts tomake and the are need of other shareing with them i love to share so if i win it have great home ty

  20. I love recycling and re-purposing things. This book looks like it has great ideas and would be very inspirational. Good luck everyone!

  21. Wow. This book would be great. We recycle, but this would move us up a notch on the “green” scale

  22. Absolutely brilliant! Could you subtitle it “Saving the Planet One Creation at a Time”?

  26. Love it! I would love to get some ideas about how to better re-use and recycle things.

  27. I would love to win this book. I need to get some ideas to make new and interesting things out of stuff that would normally be thrown out! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  32. My husband calls me a recycling “Nazi”and I guess I am. I am becoming more and more adamant about not adding to landfills whatever can avoid sending there. Looking forward go your book to see what else we can do.

  34. Our family loves to find multiple uses for items rather than putting them in the trash. This books looks like it would be great for additional idea and projects. I hope we win this book.

  35. I need to get this book so I can show it to the elementary kids. The pictures will drive home the point that recycling is good.

  37. Amazing book! In my opinion, one should stay motivated daily If they want to keep going to a zero waste lifestyle. And that’s what this book do – simply gives you motivation to strive for a healthier and waste free environment and society!

Have you read?

Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets

There’s something special about a cubby house. For kids, it’s more than just a backyard structure—it becomes a pirate ship, a secret hideaway, a miniature home, or a quiet spot to read and imagine. And for parents or grandparents, it’s a chance to create something meaningful that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

I recently came across a fantastic step-by-step guide from the team over at Bunnings Workshop that shows exactly how to build a DIY cubby house using recycled pallet timber. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding project that turns discarded timber into a charming play space your kids will absolutely love.

What I really appreciate about this project is how accessible it is. It doesn’t require a big budget or expensive materials. By using pallet timber, you not only save money but also help reduce waste—making it a great example of sustainable DIY. The cubby design is solid and safe, with a layout that leaves room for personal touches like paint, planters, or even a chalkboard wall.

This is the kind of project that can grow with your children. You might start with a basic structure and then add onto it as their play evolves—maybe a little deck area, a set of stairs, or some creative decor like a mini letterbox or curtains. It’s also a great opportunity for families to work together. Even young children can help with painting or handing over tools, making it a fun and collaborative experience.

The Bunnings Workshop tutorial provides a clear guide with a materials list, tool requirements, and helpful photos throughout. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a DIY beginner, the instructions are easy to follow and adaptable to different backyard sizes.

If you’ve been looking for a weekend project that adds charm to your outdoor space and creates long-lasting memories, this might be just the thing. Building a cubby house is a wonderful way to connect with your kids, encourage imagination, and spend time outdoors—without needing to buy another plastic playhouse.

You can explore the full project and instructions here:
DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallet Timber – Bunnings Workshop

If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your cubby house photos and ideas—I know many readers would be inspired to see how each one takes on its own unique personality.

Book Review – DIY Wood Pallet Projects: 35 Rustic Modern Upcycling Ideas to Personalize Your Space

Painted pallets make an arena

Winner-DIY Wood Pallet Projects book