Advocates of the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) will be saddened to learn that incandescent bulbs are not recyclable. There are millions of bulbs in use across the United Kingdom and, now that we're changing to energy efficient LED Lighting, something needs to be done to prevent them from all ending up in the landfill.
Fortunately there is an alternative to throwing your defunct bulbs in the bin. A bulb that is safely hollowed-out can be repurposed in a variety of fun and practical ways. You just need to look past its originally intended purpose.
Before you can commence your creative enterprise the cap and filament assembly need to be removed from each of your bulbs. This can be done quite straightforwardly using a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Just make sure that you wear eye protection.
Before you know it you will have a bulb that, although empty, is overflowing with potential. If you're still looking for inspiration we have prepared a few examples to get you started.
Bulb Vase
They are already glass and vaguely resemble a vase, so turning your bulbs into a receptacle for your flowers isn't a giant leap of the imagination. More importantly they are quick and easy to make. Fill the bulb with either water or soil and use a piece of thread or wire to hang them around your house. These will brighten up your home in a whole new way.
Tiny Terrarium
If you're more of a hobbyist at heart or just prefer a challenge then you could also try creating your very own tiny terrarium. These are essentially a miniaturised greenhouse that can be made by filling your light bulb with various articles from your garden. Soil, stones, bits of moss and so forth. Making one is both a rewarding and therapeutic experience, and the end result is an impressive windowsill ornament.
Chemistry Set
Reusing old light bulbs isn't a new fad. A 1933 edition of Popular Science shows you how to turn your old luminaries into chemical glassware. You can make your son or daughter their very own chemistry set and put them on the road to scientific greatness.
Oil Lamps
Your light bulbs may have burnt out, but they can still go on shining. A Brooklyn-based designer charges a fortune for the light bulbs he converts into oil lamps, but you can make your own for absolutely free using some tools, know-how and a few household objects, including a shoe lace, bottle cap, magnets and lamp oil.
Salt and Pepper Shaker
Need a new salt and pepper shaker? You can make some stylish looking shakers out of a pair of old light bulbs. All you need is a hack-saw, some hex nuts and two bottle caps. Well worth it and no one will be able to tell the difference.
Lamp Shades
If you have a particularly large number of bulbs a German based company called Bulbs Unlimited can lend a helping hand. They sell special kits that can be used to transform your old light bulbs into amazing new lamp shades.
If you have any other ideas on how to repurpose your old incandescent light bulbs let us know! If you need some inspiration for what LED Lighting to buy, we recommend some second generation GU10 24 SMD LED Bulbs!
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