Most of us finish a toilet roll and think nothing of throwing it away, or recycling it (I hope). After all, why should we keep a small tube of cardboard?
Well it may surprise you to know that there is a growing trend for re-using these seemingly unimportant items.
With a little imagination, it is possible to turn an empty toilet toll into something that serves a purpose in your home – and it requires no advanced creative skills or a lot of your time.
Just check out these 7 very smart tips from people who have thought of ingenious ways of reusing old toilet rolls – and don’t forget to share these handy hints to help inspire others.
1. Flowerpot
Because toilet rolls are made of cardboard, they are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than, say, plastic. So why not use them as small flower pots for your seeds and plants?
Just fold in the ends so they are sealed and have a stable foundation, and then fill with seeds and soil. It’s fun too!
2. Hair curlers
The hair curlers are a must among every girl’s styling tools, especially for that special occasion.
But did you know that toilet rolls make excellent curlers? Just curl your wet or dry hair around them and secure with a bobby pin. So smart!
3. Cord storage
Loose wires in drawers look so messy. They are always tangled and get caught up in everything else you have stored. It seems impossible to keep anything tidy where there are loose cords nearby.
Did you know a toilet roll can provide the perfect solution to this? As you can see in the picture below, they provide the perfect storage for your cables and cords and keep them neatly in place.
Packing Tip: Use toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. https://t.co/ZUhg358W5C #moving #movingtips #packingtips #organization pic.twitter.com/dUZuPCCKhE
— ABC Movers (@ABCMoversUS) September 11, 2017
4. Gift wrap
I always have a problem with storing wrapping paper and find that after I’ve used it, it’s difficult to roll back up neatly.
But by putting a toilet roll over the paper, you can keep it securely in place without any fear that it will become unraveled again.
Empty toilet paper rolls are a great way to keep gift wrap tightly rolled & free from damage! #SimplySolved #becreative #lifehacks pic.twitter.com/OE3Nh9nrfH
— Marcy McKenna | Founder & CEO (@marcymckenna) August 21, 2017
5. Bird feeder
These circular pieces of cardboard also come in handy in your yards, by using them as bird feeders.
Cover a toilet roll in peanut butter and then roll it in bird seeds. The seeds will then attach to the roll, which you can hang up on the balcony or in the garden so that the birds can enjoy a whole smorgasbord of goodies!
Feed the bird with toilet paper rolls#DIY #birds #house #bathroom #toilet #paper #recycling pic.twitter.com/aXkNmQMUo6
— Just'a Drop (@_JustaDrop) May 19, 2015
6. Beautiful decorations
What hangs on the walls can change your feeling about an entire room, but unfortunately fancy paintings and decorations can be expensive.
So why not just do it yourself? This trick for making your own wall decoration is both simple and effective – and all you need is toilet rolls, scissors and a little glue!
7. Phone holder / speaker
Last but not least: this tip is something that we could all use.
Decorate your roll with any paper or painting that you like. Then cut a slit in the top big enough to hold your phone securely. Make sure it’s not too big.
Attach colorful push pins in the bottom to create the perfect stand and enjoy a secure place for your phone.
I find this comes in very handy when I’m following a recipe on my phone and my hands are messy. It also works well when I’m playing music!
Re-purposing is all about creativity! Easy DIY Phone Holder, a fun way to #recycle toilet paper rolls #Crafting4Good https://t.co/v1pYxdJtyD pic.twitter.com/MdMOPxjnJp
— Crafting4Good CIC (@Crafting4Good) July 15, 2017