Buzz
Americans reportedly use 500 million disposable plastic straws every day. Since these straws cannot be recycled, they often end up polluting landfills or oceans. This environmental concern has led to bans by certain cities, restaurants, and even QE2 herself. Instead of throwing away your plastic straws, consider repurposing them with these creative and enjoyable DIY projects.
1. FLOWER HOLDERS
Vibrant, gorgeous flowers arranged in multiple transparent vases. | iStockInserting the stem of a drooping flower into a clear straw can help it stay upright. Straws can also be used to extend stems that are too short.
2. CORD LABELS
Electronic cords wrapped in labeled straws. | mikeasaurus, Instructables // CC BY-NC-SA 2.5Stay organized by cutting a straw lengthwise, dividing it into smaller pieces, labeling each one, and sliding them onto the corresponding cords. This way, you’ll avoid accidentally unplugging the TV instead of the soundbar.
3. NECKLACE HOLDERS
A jewelry box filled with knotted necklaces. | iStockPrevent necklaces from tangling by threading them through a straw. This method works perfectly for both travel and everyday storage in your jewelry box.
4. AND 5. BUBBLE WAND AND BUBBLE BLOWER
A bubble forming at the tip of a straw. | iStockSkip purchasing bubble mix and a wand by adding a small amount of dish soap to a bowl, dipping one end of a straw into the solution, and blowing through the other end to create bubbles. Alternatively, place a straw into a plastic cup to craft a DIY bubble blower.
6. AND 7. PICTURE FRAME AND VASE
A detailed view of vibrant, multicolored straws. | iStockThis is a fantastic project for kids: let them attach colorful straws to an inexpensive wooden craft frame. You can also use straws to decorate a can and make an adorable vase.
8. VACUUM SEALER
A man using a straw to remove air from a bag filled with pasta. | mikeasaurus, Instructables // CC BY-NC-SA 2.5Skip the expensive vacuum sealer and try this affordable hack. Place your food in a sandwich bag, seal it almost completely, then open a small section and insert a straw. Remove the air by sucking through the straw, pull it out, and quickly seal the bag.
9. TRAVEL TOILETRY HOLDER
A collection of brightly colored straws. | iStockLooking to save space on your travels? Instead of buying travel-sized toiletries, repurpose straws. Cut them into 4-inch pieces, then fill them with toothpaste, shampoo, face wash, or similar items inside the straw. Use pliers to pinch one end closed and a lighter to seal it; repeat on the other end. Label each straw with a marker and travel hassle-free.
10. PEN HOLDER
A planner resting on a wooden table with a pen beside it. | iStockAttach a straw to the spine of a notebook to make a handy pen holder.
11. HULL A STRAWBERRY
A wooden table holding a bowl filled with strawberries. | iStockTry this quick trick to hull strawberries effortlessly. Push a plastic straw through the base of the strawberry toward the leaves, and both the leaves and stem will pop out smoothly. This method preserves more of the fruit compared to cutting off the top—plus, you can stuff the hollow center with tasty treats like whipped cream or Nutella.
12. CHORE CHART
Two children folding laundry together. | iStockPrint out a chore chart, attach straws to strings, pin them to the chart, and voilà: you’ve created an interactive system where kids can slide the straw from "start" to "finish" once they complete a task.
13. DOORMAT
A blue and yellow doormat crafted from straws. | prasi05, Instructables // CC BY-NC-SA 2.5Follow these steps to make a unique doormat: Cut straws into .4-inch pieces. Arrange them on a grid-marked paper (or your preferred pattern) on a hard surface. Place non-stick parchment paper over the straws and iron both sides. And there you have it—a custom doormat!
14. VACUUM STRAW BRUSH
A vacuum cleaner featuring a straw-made attachment. | Artbit, Instructables // CC BY-NC-SA 2.5With just five easy steps, you can craft a specialized vacuum attachment perfect for cleaning delicate items like your computer keyboard. Gather straws, duct tape, and gauze (or a nylon stocking). Attach as many straws as possible to your chosen vacuum attachment at an angle, secure them with duct tape, trim the excess, and cover the end with gauze before attaching it to the vacuum.
15. AND 16. PAINT BLOWER AND BRUSH DRYING RACK
A collection of used paint brushes against a white backdrop. | iStockTurn straws into tools for creative art projects. Add watercolor paint to cups, cut straws in half, and use a dropper to place paint on thick paper. Blow the paint around with the straw (work over a tray to minimize mess).
Straws can also be used to build a drying rack for paint brushes; detailed instructions are available here.
17. JELL-O WORMS
A detailed shot of vibrant, bendable straws. | iStockFollow these steps to make Jell-O. Arrange flexible straws in a mason jar, pour lukewarm Jell-O into them, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, remove the straws, rinse them under warm water, and squeeze out the worms into a bowl. Serve them at your Halloween gathering.
18. HAIR CURLERS
Someone curling their hair with straws. | Wikihow // CC BY-NC-SA 3.0Skip the curling iron—which can harm your hair—and follow these steps to use straws for creating beautiful, natural curls.
19. BAG CLIP
A bag of potato chips opened with chips spilling out. | iStockPreserve the freshness of your chips with a straw: Cut a straw lengthwise, trim the ends to match the bag's width, and slide it over the bag's opening. Roll the bag's top a few times and secure it with a second straw clip.
20. UNCLOG KETCHUP BOTTLES
A hand holding a ketchup bottle. | iStockFew things are as frustrating as ketchup stuck in a bottle—so always keep a straw nearby. Insert the straw fully into the bottle until it reaches the bottom. Leave it in place, shake the bottle, and the ketchup will flow out smoothly.
21. JAZZ UP BIKE SPOKES
A collection of brightly colored bicycle wheels. | iStockSlice colorful straws lengthwise and attach them to bike spokes for a vibrant and eye-catching effect.
