🎆 A new project for July 🎆

Summer is here, and with it comes the season of outdoor gatherings, sizzling grills, and the irresistible aroma of barbecued delights. If you’re like us, this week you might be doing a bit extra to prepare for festive 4th of July BBQs and backyard picnic guests.

But whether hosting, or attending, we got to thinking: BBQ’s need an upcycle upgrade! Enough with paper plates and cheap big boxed store decor. We want lasting, reusable supplies. Which brings us to this month’s project: Summer BBQ Upcycles

Let’s consider ways to enhance outdoor experiences in an eco-friendlier way. Let’s skip the Dixie cups and use glass jars as stylish refillable cups, turn wooden pallets into chic outdoor furniture, or use tin cans as unique planters. Join us as we explore a variety of innovative upcycle ideas that will make summer BBQs not only memorable but also kind to the planet.

Read below for ideas, and if you try any of your own, don’t forget to share your projects with us!

Inspiration to get you started:

Lamp shade food net by Sustainably Amber

Tired of bugs crawling all over your cheese tray? This ingenious upcycling project turns a thrifted lampshade into a delightful food cover, perfect for keeping pesky bugs at bay. This upcycle not only keeps your food protected but adds a unique and practical flair to your outdoor dining experience.

Tin can garden lights by Craft Foxes

Interested in evening ambiance? Transform ordinary tin cans into charming garden lights. This guide will lead you through a simple process, using a hammer and nail to punch decorative patterns into the metal, allowing light to shine through in captivating designs. Once your patterns are complete, add a coat of paint to match your garden's aesthetic and place tea lights or LED candles inside. These whimsical garden lights add a warm, inviting glow to your outdoor gatherings.

Swap throw-away for reusable

As we savor the joys of summer BBQs, it's time to rethink our approach to entertaining and embrace more sustainable practices. Swapping out throwaway BBQ supplies for reusable alternatives is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and enhance the charm of your gatherings. Instead of disposable Dixie cups, opt for stylish and sturdy mason jars. These versatile jars not only reduce waste but also add a rustic, nostalgic touch to your drink station. Ditch the plastic cutlery and paper plates in favor of durable, reusable utensils and dishes that can withstand the rigors of outdoor dining and be easily cleaned for future use.

Consider replacing single-use plastic straws with stainless steel or bamboo versions, and swap out paper napkins for cloth ones that can be washed and reused. These small changes make a significant difference in reducing your environmental footprint while adding an element of sophistication to your BBQ setup.

From the community:

We love hearing from you, reply to any email to share projects, and even your favorite thrift finds with us. We’ll share our favorites here in our newsletters.

We’re excited to spend the month of July exploring outdoor upcycles together and can’t wait to see what you come up with. We hope your celebrations this week are filled with fireworks, and safe, friendly fun.

In this together,