One Man's Trash Can Be Your Treasure: 12 Affordable Repurposed Objects

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure
One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

Everywhere we look, there are items that could be repurposed and made anew into different objects

- but it's hard to figure out what to do with all that stuff on your own.


That's why there are tons of awesome, creative people who make a living designing attractive, useful, often one-of-a-kind items out of things that no one else wants, from beat-up board games to soda cans to truck siding. This Earth Day, say thanks by supporting these upcyclers who prove time and time again that one person's trash is another person's treasure.

Check out 7 of the coolest repurposed items you can buy:

Burlap Coffee Bag
Burlap Coffee Bag




1. Burlap Coffee Bag, $65


If only your everyday plasticy coffee bags could be transformed into a chic bag like this one, made from an old burlap coffee sack. Turning the material into a cute hobo-style bag with a magnetic closure makes this product chic and eco-friendly.
Get this bag










Related: 10 simple changes you can make to go green this year

Pencil Holder
Pencil Holder





2. Pencil Holder, $15


Looking for something to complement your colored pencil collection? A multicolored pencil holder! This product is part of a project that aims to reduce the amount of non-recyclable ethyl-vinyl-acetate that ends up in landfills by reusing the material in unique ways. We think that means it deserves a spot on our desk!
Get this pencil holder

License Plate Bangle
License Plate Bangle









3. License Plate Bangle, $30


Make a statement with these wrist-toppers, made from old car plates. Pay respects to your home state, or one you've always wanted to travel to - you're officially a licensed upcycler!
Get one of these bangles












Related: 25 ways to repurpose items you find while cleaning

Scrabble Notebook
Scrabble Notebook






4. Scrabble Notebook, $11.95


This repurposed game board has several layers of chic: it's the classic word-nerd game of Scrabble, a French edition, and vintage to boot! Use it to write letters to yourself about how awesome you are.
Get this notebook

Antique Letterpress Necklace
Antique Letterpress Necklace













5. Antique Letterpress Necklace, $37


For carrying your printing press supplies on the go. Just kidding - but rocking one of these letters salvaged from old letterpresses would be an awesome homage to the written word - and the beauty of reusing!
Get this necklace







Related: 10 eco-friendly ways to decorate your home

Bike Chain Tea Light Holders
Bike Chain Tea Light Holders





6. Bike Chain Tea Light Holders, $24


Unchain yourself from boring home decor - or brighten up a bike lover's living room - with these unique tea light holders, made from 100% post-consumer recycled bike chain.
Get these tea light holders

Silver Spoon Money Clip
Silver Spoon Money Clip










7. Silver Spoon Money Clip, $65


Some people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths - and some just wrap it around their hard earned cash. This money clip is actually an old spoon (with New Jersey pride!) ... talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
Get this money clip










- By Jillian Capewell

For 5 more unique, repurposed items to buy, visit Babble!

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