Coffee Cans: The DIY You Didn’t Ask For
REUSING YOUR STEEL COFFEE CANS
Chances are if you’re a coffee lover, you end up with a lot of leftover coffee cans. Did you know that all Chock full o’Nuts coffee cans are made of steel? Which are infinitely recyclable! (Can’t say that for those other plastic coffee containers). So instead of hoarding all your Chock cans after you finish drinking their delicious contents, why not give them a new lease on life? Whether it’s caffeinated or decaf, steel yourself, these cans aren’t done yet!
Our steel cans are tough, but easy to reuse. Save the planet (and your local landfill). While recycling empty products is great, reusing and repurposing them is even better. Reusing products contributes to waste stream reduction, conserves resources, and decreases pollution rather than making brand new products.
With this in mind, here are some ways you can get creative and make functional items from your empty steel coffee cans.
KITCHEN COMPOST
If you’re not looking to create anything fancy and want to start with an easy idea, then something as simple as kitchen compost storage is an ideal way to upcycle your coffee can.
I know you are tired of constantly making trips to your compost bin outside and scraping the plates in the pouring rain. Try using your empty coffee can to collect food scraps will help between runs to the compost heap. Gather your compost until the can is full and then take it out to your compost bin, like you would with your general waste.
Even better, you can pop your coffee grounds in here too, which act as a beneficial source of nitrogen (fun fact!). This is a dream for coffee lovers who like to garden.
PLANT HOLDERS AND VASES
If you have a green thumb, then save money on vases and plant holders by upcycling your empty coffee cans into something more personal. Design them to your liking, something bright and vibrant with spray paint, or maybe wrap them with twine for a more natural look. Whatever your vibe, give it your own flair.
BIRD FEEDERS
While we’re helping the environment, let’s look after our beloved wildlife too. Repurposing your steel coffee cans into bird feeders is a friendly way to feed the birds and encourage wildlife into your yard (if you like that kinda thing).
The easiest way to create a bird feeder is by opening the top of the can halfway. Then do the same for the bottom of the coffee can. Make sure to bend the sharp edges inside to prevent cutting yourself. From here, punch a hole in either side of the can at both ends, and thread through some wire to form a horizontal hanger. Now, add in some bird feed and watch the birds gather in your garden.
ART SUPPLY HOLDER
For the creative folk out there, how about something for your art supplies? Create a personal storage container to hold your paintbrushes, pens, and pencils. You could even use it as a water pot for your paintbrush when you’re painting your next masterpiece. And if you’re doing some DIY painting, then why not soak your paintbrush in paint thinner using the coffee can? Keep it simple or paint the pot to make your own unique design.
CANDLE HOLDERS
No need to keep researching “candles on a budget”. Let’s create some ambiance in the home with candle holders. Paint the coffee can to suit your interior, and poke holes through it using a hammer and nail. These can be simple dots or more intricate designs. Either way, they look great, letting the light shine through for a cozy setting at home or even at a wedding! Simply pop in the candle or tea light and voilà, the mood is set.
Why not take it one step further and make your very own hanging light fixture? Leave it silver for a rustic effect, or paint them for something more chic.
GENERAL STORAGE
Even if you’re not creative (or just a lazy DIYer), you can still upcycle and reuse your cans with no effort at all. Coffee cans are ideal for storing the bits and bobs around the house that don’t seem to have a home. From storing tools in your workshop or garage to collecting sewing buttons or kitchen utensils, the possibilities are endless.
No doubt you have a collection of empty coffee cans already stacked up, so you’ll probably find a use for one in every room of your home.
GETTING CREATIVE
There are so many other ways to reuse your empty steel coffee cans or build on these fun and functional ideas. Let the light bulb go off in your head and let your imagination take over! Don’t forget to upload a photo of your creations and tag us on Facebook or Instagram.
