Don't let your old advent calendars go to waste; they offer several creative opportunities for reuse and even traditional recycling. From crafting new festive treats to making unique decorations, there are many ways to extend their life beyond the holiday season.
Creative Reuse Ideas
Instead of simply discarding them, consider repurposing the components of your old advent calendar. This not only reduces waste but also provides a fun, family-friendly activity.
1. Refill and Reuse the Trays
Many advent calendars come with plastic trays that held chocolates or small items. These can be given a new life as molds or storage containers.
- Make New Chocolates: Clean the plastic tray thoroughly. You can then melt your favorite chocolate, pour it into the festive-shaped compartments, and allow it to set in the refrigerator. Once firm, pop out your homemade, festive-shaped chocolates, ready for snacking or gifting.
- Other Small Treats: Beyond chocolate, these trays can be used to mold small portions of other treats, like homemade gummies or even tiny ice cubes for drinks.
- Organizer for Small Items: The compartments are perfect for organizing small craft supplies like beads, buttons, glitter, or even tiny screws and nails in a toolbox.
2. Crafting Festive Decorations
The cardboard parts of advent calendars often feature beautiful designs, illustrations, and numbers that can be transformed into new holiday decorations.
- Gift Tags: Carefully cut out individual festive images, numbers, or scenes from the calendar's front or doors. Punch a hole at the top and attach a ribbon or string to create unique, personalized gift tags for future presents.
- Christmas Ornaments: Stiffen cut-out shapes by gluing them onto thicker cardstock or layering several pieces. Add glitter or other embellishments, then attach a loop of string or ribbon to hang them on your Christmas tree.
- Garlands or Banners: Cut out multiple festive shapes or numbers. Puncture two holes at the top of each cutout and thread them onto a string or ribbon to create a charming garland to hang across a mantelpiece, doorway, or wall.
- Greeting Card Embellishments: Use smaller cut-outs to decorate homemade greeting cards, adding a personal and festive touch.
- Collage Art: Combine various cut-outs from different calendars to create a unique holiday-themed collage or framed artwork.
Other Considerations for Advent Calendars
When creative reuse isn't an option, or for parts that can't be repurposed, consider the environmental impact of disposal.
Recycling Components
Most advent calendars are a mix of materials, primarily cardboard and plastic. For effective recycling:
- Cardboard: Separate the cardboard outer packaging. If it's clean and dry, it can usually be recycled with your regular paper and cardboard waste. Check your local recycling guidelines.
- Plastic Trays: While some plastic trays may be recyclable, they often consist of a type of plastic that is not widely accepted in curbside recycling programs (e.g., thin PET or PVC). It's best to check with your local recycling facility or waste management provider for specific instructions on these plastics.
- Foil/Blister Packs: Any foil or blister packaging often used to seal chocolates is typically not recyclable and should be placed in general waste.
| Component | Reuse Potential | Recycling Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Tray | Refill for chocolates, small item organizer | Check local recycling; often not curbside recyclable |
| Cardboard Cover | Crafting decorations, gift tags, ornaments | Widely recyclable if clean and separated from other materials |
| Inner Foil/Blister | None practical | Usually not recyclable, dispose in general waste |
By exploring these options, you can give your old advent calendars a new purpose, reducing waste and extending the holiday spirit.
