Five original uses for used coffee cans

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One of the problems facing the coffee industry is, of course, its environmental footprint and the waste it produces. As far as the final consumer is concerned, the waste mainly concerns the packaging of the coffee, since there are various ways of utilizing their used, ground coffee. One of the coffee packaging materials that we can use more easily, reducing our waste, is the aluminum coffee cans, which are usually used in 250 gram packages.

Many of the coffee boxes have very beautiful designs, which can be used in various ways to decorate our home. Most constructions do not require much DIY craftsmanship or specialized tools. With just a few empty coffee boxes, a taste and appetite for construction, we can make unique items, completely personal, both for our home, garden or terrace, as well as to make original, absolutely unique gifts for our friends.

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Plant pots: Many coffee companies employ wonderful retro designs for the cans they use, which makes the used cans ideal for decoration. Used cans can be turned into excellent pots, which can either be placed on windowsills or balconies, or (as they are usually very light) create small, "hanging" gardens. In any case, we have to open small holes in the base for the drainage of water, while the lids of the packages can become "plates" for the pots. Ideally, we plant plants that do not require much water or indoor plants.

Storage boxes: Used coffee boxes can be converted into excellent storage boxes for small items such as sewing, buttons, needles and threads, even for mobile chargers or coins, and can also be used to make excellent pencil cases. In this case, we check that the edge of the box is not sharp, and if necessary we grind it with special paper. If we do not like the designs of the box, we can paint it with paint, or decorate it with designs or even small objects, stating its contents.

Bird Feeder: If we have a garden or balcony, a used coffee box can be turned into an excellent bird feeder. All you need to do is drill the right holes so that the box can be fastened and hung horizontally. It would be good to keep the lid of the package, cut in half, to hold the seeds and give the birds to nibble easily, without entering the feeder.

Ice Cream Machine: Perhaps the most incredible and original use of used coffee cans is this "primitive" but fully functional ice cream machine. We need two boxes of different sizes, and place the small box in the larger one, filling the gap with ice. Place the ice cream ingredients in the small box, and close each box with its own lid. Beating for 25-30 minutes, we have a handmade, homemade ice cream, very similar to what our grandmother would make.

Library: Probably the most difficult of the proposed constructions, a small tile made of coffee boxes. The boxes, placed on top of each other and glued together, play the role of the frame, while the shelves can be made of any other material or can be purchased ready-made. Experience in the use of tools and in the manufacture of small furniture is required, as there are various factors that must be calculated with relative accuracy (weight, shelf area, etc.). For added security, it is a good idea to attach your bookcase to the wall when it is ready.



The next time you go throwing away a coffee can, think again. Maybe you are holding a flower pot, a piece of your future library or an ice cream machine!