Every household has that one piece of furniture that stands out amongst the rest. Whether a vintage find or a random piece that came with the home, everyone faces the dilemma of wanting to get out the old to make room for the new. But before you throw it away, consider the many ways to refresh and transform your furniture. Instead of discarding it, think about different techniques and styles you can use to turn it into something new and great! This is called upcycling – the process of taking old, discarded items and repurposing them into something fresh and functional!
Every day, couches, chairs, tables, and even wooden dressers are abandoned along highways or dumped near waterways, which can clog storm drains and contribute to storm water pollution and flooding. Many people want to avoid paying disposal fees at recycling centers, so instead, they leave their furniture in public spaces, harming the environment and contributing to unsustainable waste. But upcycling offers a great alternative to discarding old furniture by giving them a second life!
Here are some fun ways to upcycle your furniture:
- Find new purposes for discarded items!
- Want to get rid of the old wooden nightstand in your bedroom? Look no further! Nightstands can be transformed into stylish shelves for outdoor plants, which maximize space, provide proper air circulation, and even add fun elements to your garden. This is just one of the many ways to upcycle your old furniture and there are countless ideas for you and your family! By repurposing old items, you can ensure they don’t become discarded relics polluting our ocean .
- Revamp old furniture with new elements!
- Whether it is an old dresser, table, couch, or even door, you can breathe new life into furniture with simple updates! By adding a refinishing or fresh coat of paint, repairing minor damage, replacing the upholstery, and updating hardware, you can transform pieces into something new. Upcycling furniture promotes sustainability and lets you customize furniture to suit your style and needs.
Not a fan of DIY? No problem!
If upcycling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of community resources that can help. Many organizations specialize in refurbishing discarded furniture to benefit others. The City and County of Honolulu Refuse Division provides resources to locate the best option for your situation. These different organizations ensure that unwanted furniture is put to good use. From helping families in need or giving pieces a new home in the community, these resources will point you in the right direction.
Check out all the resources here! Honolulu Furniture Reuse and Donation Organizations
As they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” Instead of discarding your old furniture, take the time to explore sustainable upcycling options that benefit the community and the environment. Upcycling is a vital part of living sustainably, so let’s all do our part to be mindful and kind to the Earth!
