Do you have any old sweaters tucked away in your closet that you’re never going to wear again?

Regift them!

But not as the original sweater. There are all kinds of fun things you can transform a sweater into!

Here are a few (okay, maybe more than a few) ideas that I found on Pinterest! Just click on each photo to go to that page on Pinterest and repin it to one of your boards if it’s something you are interested in. You can also click on the picture again once you see it on Pinterest to go to the original blog for more directions!

1. Make a Sweater Dress

2. Make a Scarflette

3. Make a TODDLER Scarflette

4. Make Wine Bottle Covers

5. Make No-Sew Pumpkins

6. Make Socks

7. Make Mittens

8. Make Coffee Cup Wraps

9. Make a Scarf

10. Make a Headband

11. Make Vase Covers

12. Make a Lamp

13. Make Baby Pants

14. Make Open Mittens

15. Make Leg Warmers

16. Make Drink Cozies

17. Make A Sweater Purse

18. Make a Sweater Pillow

19. Make A Dress

20. Make Christmas Stockings

Plastic grocery bags have a number of properties that make them ideal for a variety of reuses. They’re free and disposable. They’re strong, and more or less waterproof. They collapse small enough to fit into a side compartment in my pocketbook, or in my back pocket. When I use multiple bags for storage, the bag collapses down to accommodate the bag contents with no air space, making them space efficient. They have loop handles that are easy to tie. Loops can also be used to hang the bag from a nail. Here are a few ideas.

1. Sock-box sorter. I keep all unmatched socks that come through the laundry in one box. To save time finding matches, I have grouped the socks by type (white athletic, colored etc.) and keep them in individual bags. This helps me find matches quicker. 

2. Short-term freezer bags. Because grocery bags sometimes have small holes in the bottom, I used them to store food for a month or less. Usually this will be surplus pies I want to freeze. I bag them and twist-tie the bag to one side, then I repeat with a second bag, with the twist-tie on the opposite side, thus making a more air-tight storage.

3. Snack carrier. If a kid needs to take a snack to school for his class, I usually send it on a sturdy paper plate, resting in the bottom of a grocery bag. I tie the bag off so that the snack balances if held by the bag loops. Kids can take these on the bus, and nothing needs to be returned home. If I’m taking a pie to a friend, I carry it the same way.

4. Packing material.

5. Small trash can liners (this one is obvious). I also use them for a car trash bags.

6. Quilt-project container. Sometimes I have more than one quilt in progress. Finished squares and the fabric that goes with this project get stored together in a bag.

7. Vacuum-cleaner attachments holder. These items were scattered on the floor in the corner of my back hall until one day I pounded a nail, put the attachments in a bag, and hung them up. I also store things in my attic the same way. 

8. Personal CD player carrier. If I’m doing light housework, and don’t want to annoy other family members with my music, I put the CD in a portable player, put the player in a grocery bag, then tuck the top of the bag inside the waistband of my pants, far enough down so that the CD player is close to my hip, and so it doesn’t slip out. If I’m hiking and want something more secure, I might tie it to a belt loop.

9. Deposit-can carrier. If I go for a walk, I stick a couple plastic bags in my pocket. If I see deposit cans and bottles, I pick them up as I walk. If my bag is full and I am a long way from home, I stash the bag in the brush (I live on a rural road) and pick it up when I drive by in my car sometime. 

10. Tote bag. If I’m going out I toss some fruit, snacks and a bottle of water in a bag. Another bag might have my CD player, some CDs, and spare batteries. I also have some in my car for yard-saling, to keep together the small items I find. 

(Source: tiphero.com)

Shopping Bag: The popular reusable bag is getting yet another new source: your old T-shirts. Not a job for the weaker of the bunch, a strong cotton blend may be the best foundation for this fresh, fun and useful accessory. Good news is this project is great for beginners and only takes a few steps.

• Martha Stewart (it’s like she always says…)
• Wild Onion Studio (one boy turns this craft into cash)

Pillowcase: This reuse idea is one of our favorites since it allows the DIY’er to opt for sewing. To make it as simple as can be, slide a T-shirt over a pillow and voila!

If you’re looking for a more polished look or have a little skill to throw around, a T-shirt can be the perfect creative jumpstart you need to really finish a look with a throw pillow, seat cushion or good ol’ fashion head-rester!

• To sew – Cut Out and Keep (looking good)
• Or not to sew – Instructables (keep this one under covers)

Quilts: The beauty and pure comfort of a quilt is something that almost everyone enjoys. The joy with a T-shirt quilt lies in the memories that can be added by including shirts from events, concerts, vacations and more.  This reuse project lends itself perfectly to the gift category, especially for those friends who “have everything.”

The basics of quilting apply for this project as they would to any other quilting, though the material leads to a more causal outcome than that of a more “classic” quilt. It may seem intimidating at first, but make it a summer project that you, your friends and your family can all contribute to.

• Straw (a classic approach)
• Craft Stylish (one woman’s take on it)

Rag Rug: This approach to reuse is great for T-shirts or material that has been through the ringer. It is also useful for all the scraps, strips and leftovers that may start to pile up. Surging in popularity in the late 1800s, rag rugs have been a part of many cultures across the world for some time. Not only rich in culture and history, this project is great for people of all age and skill level.

• Crochet.About (covering the basics)
• Vintage Chica (step-by-step with pictures)

Wedding Dress (for real!!): Getting out of the mindset that reuse is only good for some things will allow you to use it more often as well as get better results. Use this tip as a guide to expand your ideas a bit and really get the most bang for 

Though not the most common of reuse projects, this tip is based more on the concept than the actual result. Reusing doesn’t always have to have such a, well, reused look. You can make some quality products out of your leftovers and that’s the point this project makes.

Scarf: Though the summer months don’t usually evoke the urge to create winter wear, this little take on a T-shirt is timeless and can easily be stored for the few months when it doesn’t apply.

Another great gift idea and one of those accessories you can never seem to have enough of, T-shirt scarfs have the great quality of versatility.  Create a thin, light weigh scarf for fall with your worn-in classics while using your more structured shirts to create a heavier item that’s perfect for the upcoming holidays.

• Cut Out and Keep (classic scarf style)
• Punkn’s (a different approach: easy to do, fun to wear)

Bags: If you’re anything like us here at Earth911.com, you might have multiple bags for multiple things. There are travel bags, make-up bags, change purses, MP3 player cases, snack holders…the list goes on. After a while the number of containers can add up, both in volume and cost. That makes this project one to get excited about. There is lots of info out there about taking your old shirts and turning them into the perfect tote, purse or bobble holder. We only listed a few, but you can pretty much slap a zipper or button on any square of piece of material and off you go!

• DIY Fashion
• Associated Content
• Cut Out and Keep

This topic is so vast that we have barely grazed the surface. If you think about it, T-shirts are just material, so anything you can make from material, you can make from a T-shirt. The best part is the idea behind it and the variations that are possible, no matter what your level of skill. Since we only have the opportunity to bring you a few ideas, we wanted to make sure you had what you needed if you wanted more. So, here they are.

Not enough…how about 100 more?

Get started:

• Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt – Megan Nicolay
• 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt -  Justina Blakeney, Anka Livakovic, Ellen Schultz and Faith Blakeney
• Tease: Inspired T-shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft, & Design – Sarah Sockit
• T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions – Sistahs of Harlem (Carmen Webber and Carmia Marshall)

(Source: earth911.com)

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
• Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
• Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
• We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
• Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it’s still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
• When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
• Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Walkways and patios provide space that doesn’t ever need to be watered. These useful “rooms” can also add value to your property.
• Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
• Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
• Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it’s needed.
• Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
• Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
• Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
• Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
• To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
• Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while under watering others.
• Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
• Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.
• Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
• Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
• Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
• Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
• If your toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, replace it.
• Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
• Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.
• Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
• Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
• If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it’s time to water.
• If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
• When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
• When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
• Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
• Bathe your young children together.
• Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
• Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.
• Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
• Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
• Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
• Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.
• Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
• If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
• Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
• Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
• Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
• Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
• Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
• Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
• Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
• Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
• One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.
• Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.
• Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
• Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

• When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
• Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it
• Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
• Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.

(Source: wateruseitwisely.com)

Batteries can’t be tossed in your regular recycling bin because they contain highly toxic chemicals — but they shouldn’t be tossed into the trash, either, for the very same reason. Many batteries contain heavy metals like lead and mercury that can easily contaminate our drinking water if left to deteriorate in a landfill. What to do?

Household batteries (the usual suspects: AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) can be recycled through battery retailers like Batteries Plus. While you save up enough old batteries to make it worth a disposal trip, keep your dead batteries in a dry place that’s out of reach of kids. Put tape over the battery ends (the + and - terminals) to be safe and help prevent battery acid from leaking.

Using rechargeable batteries reduces waste and energy needed for the manufacture and transport of new product… but these types of batteries actually contain even more toxic materials. Therefore, it is extra important that these be recycled and not wind up in landfills. In California, any retailers that sell rechargeable batteries are required to accept used rechargeable batteries for reuse, recycling or disposal.

Car batteries can be recycled at auto shops, and this is normally taken care of for you when you have your battery changed. The average car battery has about 20 pounds of lead acid — fortunately, the lead and the battery’s plastic case are recyclable.

Computer, PDA and cell phone batteries can be returned to the manufacturer for proper disposal, or to your service provider’s store. And if your iPhone’s lithium ion battery is dead, you have to send the whole iPhone back to Apple — and cough up a service fee of $79 plus $6.95 shipping — to get your iPhone up and running again. (Be sure to check out these tips on how to get the most out of your iPhone battery.)