Upcycle with Earthley! | Earthley Wellness

If you’ve ever purchased tinctures, essential oils, or natural remedies, you’re probably familiar with those charming amber bottles and roller containers. Once the product is used up, it’s tempting to toss them in the recycling bin and move on.

But wait! These sturdy, reusable containers have so much more to offer. Not only can you reduce waste by upcycling, but you’ll also add a personal, eco-friendly touch to your daily life. Let’s explore creative and practical ways to repurpose the bottles, rollers, deodorant containers, lip balms, and even the packing materials that come with your orders!

Cleaning and Prepping Your Containers

First things first, you’ll need to clean your containers. Here’s how:

Remove Labels: Soak the bottles in warm, soapy water to loosen labels, then scrub off the residue with a sponge or brush.
Clean: Use a brush tool or wash rag to clean with soapy, warm water. Sterilize glass containers by boiling them or using really hot water. For plastic components, wash with warm soapy water.
Dry Completely: Let everything air dry to ensure no moisture remains, which could affect your new creations.

Upcycle Ideas for Bottles with Droppers

Amber bottles are as versatile as they are durable. With a little imagination and a few accessory swaps, you can extend their life in countless ways:

Homemade Tinctures and Extracts: Refill them with your own herbal creations, giving them a second chance to shine as tincture holders.
DIY Sprays: Replace the dropper top with a spray nozzle and fill the bottle with homemade air fresheners, homemade fabric sprays, bug repellents, body sprays, or hand sanitizers.
Mouthwash Storage: Swap the dropper for a screw cap and use the bottle to store homemade mouthwash. Its compact size is perfect for travel.
Diluted Essential Oils: Use the bottles to dilute essential oil blends like Scalp & Skin, Ouchie Stop, or Tummy Soothe EO for on-the-go convenience.
Mini Flower Vases: Turn your bottles into adorable bud vases to brighten up any space.
DIY Reed Diffuser: Create a homemade diffuser by adding carrier oil, essential oils, and reed sticks or bamboo skewers.
Dispenser Bottles: Add a pump or dispenser top, these bottles are perfect for homemade hand soap, lotion, sanitizer, or shampoo.
Glass Cutting Crafts: Feeling adventurous? Use the string, fire, and water method to cut the bottles and transform them into drinking glasses or candle holders.

Upcycle Ideas for Essential Oil Roller Bottles

Small but mighty, these roller bottles can be just as useful after their original purpose is fulfilled:

Custom Oil Blends: Clean and refill them with your own essential oil creations.
Portable Perfume: Mix a carrier oil with your favorite fragrance and have a convenient roller perfume.
Nail & Cuticle Oil: Store your DIY nail oil for quick application on the go.
Travel-Friendly First Aid: Fill with diluted antiseptic essential oils for minor cuts and scrapes.

Upcycle Ideas for Packaging Materials

The packing paper, bubble wrap, and cardboard that come with your products can also be repurposed in fun and practical ways:

Gift Wrap: The rustic charm of packing paper makes it an excellent (and eco-friendly) wrapping material.
Craft Projects: Use it for paper crafts, origami, or as a base for painting and drawing.
Notepads: Cut it into smaller pieces to use as grocery lists or scrap paper.
Coloring Paper: Lay it out flat and let the kids transform it into a great piece of art.
Composting or Gardening: Shred the paper for compost or use it as mulch in your garden—perfect for lasagna gardening techniques.
Ripening Fruits: Wrap fruits like avocados or bananas to help them ripen faster.
Moving or Storage: Keep the packing paper for your next move or to store fragile items.

Upcycle Ideas for Lip Balm Tubes

These tiny tubes can serve a purpose beyond their initial life:

DIY Lip Balm: Refill them with your own lip balm recipes.
Travel Containers: Use them to store bobby pins, toothpicks, or matches.
Mini Sewing Kits: Fill with needles, thread, and buttons for a portable sewing kit.
Emergency Cash Holder: Roll up some bills and stash them for emergencies

Upcycle Ideas for Deodorant Tubes

These nice size tubes can serve a purpose beyond their initial life:

DIY Deodorant or hard lotion: Refill them with your own recipes.
Travel Containers: Use them with or without the tray part inside.
Mini First Aid Kits: Fill with band aids and tweezers for a portable first aid kit.
Emergency ID Holder: Roll up some bills, cards, ID, and stash them for travel.

Recycling Resources

If upcycling isn’t feasible, recycling is the next best option. Here’s how to find local recycling programs:

Check Local Guidelines: Visit your city or county’s waste management website to learn about accepted materials.
Search Online Directories: Websites like Earth911 or local recycling apps can help you locate facilities near you.
Drop-Off Locations: Many health food stores or co-ops have glass recycling drop-off points.

By upcycling and thoughtfully recycling your bottles, roller containers, and packaging, you’re contributing to a greener planet while adding a touch of creativity to your life. Share your upcycling projects with us -- we’d love to see your ideas come to life!