Tip of the Day - How to Recycle Your Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder
Okay, since yesterday’s tip was pretty masculine, we’re going all out girl-y today.
Yesterday, Noelle e-mailed asking if I had any ideas on recycling old bras. First, I told her she could hang oranges in them in her kitchen window instead of using one of those wire basket thingys. Then I suggested making it into a sling shot (I’m so helpful, aren’t I?). Now, I’m done being silly and immature about it (for now) and I’ve found some actual ways to recycle your old bras.
I found a lot of helpful hints in the comments on this post (and discovered that I’m not the only one to think of fruit baskets and slingshots as uses).
- Make a bra purse to promote breast cancer awareness.
- Use them to support fruit and tomatoes growing in your garden so they don’t break off before ripening.
- Donate bras that aren’t totally shot to your local women’s shelter (many women show up with absolutely nothing).
Craft Chi has instructions on making a bra wristlet and a bra eye mask.
If you can’t use your current bras because you’re nursing, Jan Andrea has instructions on turning regular bras into nursing bras.
eHow has a bunch of suggestions, including making an iPod holder, patching ripped clothes, or making a scented drawer sachet out of the cup material.
If you’re in the UK, there’s an organization called BreastTalk Bra Appeal that distributes bras to women in need and makes quilts out of the fabric from bras that are no longer wearable, and Style Dash says Oxfam recycles bras, too.
In Cincinnati, Cincy Chic held an event called Bras with Flair on the Square using donated decorated bras to raise awareness for breast cancer. Contact your local branch of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Gilda’s Club, American Cancer Society, or even your local cancer or women’s health center to see if they’re planning a similar event.
If you buy sports bras from Patagonia, they will take them back through their Common Threads Recycling program.
I called Victoria’s Secret to see if they have a bra take back program as well. They do not. The woman on the phone acted like I was insane and said, “A what?” If you feel like making a statement on this, give them a call at 1-800-411-5116, or send them an e-mail at Service@VictoriasSecret.com
Of course, the next time you buy a bra, you can always get one that turns into a handy shopping bag. So when you’re stranded at the grocery check out, you can just take your bra off (of course, when it gets too stretched out to hold the girls, I don’t know how well it will hold real melons either). Are you thinking, What the heck are you talking about, Allie? This. I am talking about this.
My old bra is totally going to be turned into a water balloon slingshot. Mr. Answers had better watch out the next time he’s mowing the lawn.
Thanks, Noelle!
June 4th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I was totally thinking slingshot!
June 4th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I like the sachet idea! Now I just need to learn how to sew. Or yeah, a slingshot- that could totally be fun, too!
June 4th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I think I want the bag bra. That was such a funny post! Thanks!
Since I don’t have a real use for the slingshot (unless I ever find that pesky chipmunk in my garden) I think I love the idea of using them for my tomatoes or for making some potpourri satchels.
June 4th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Awesome. I wonder what Mickey would do if I stared hanging vegetables around the house in bra baskets.
That lady in the picture at the top sure is wearing a heavy-duty bra. Kinda pointy, too. Is that how they do it in France?
June 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Personally, I’m going for the Bra Wristlet, though I don’t know that mine are dainty enough to make one of those.
@courtney She’s a fembot.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:34 am
How about those that quilt can turn the cups of old bras into a patchwork quilt in support of breast cancer awareness, or any female related awareness movement. I’d definitely donate my worn out pretty bras for that!
You could deconstruct the bra and make your own bikini top and add material and it’s a summery top!
Those that are crafty, you don’t even need sewing skills because there are sewing adhesives and pins out there, could come up with so many ideas. Craftster.org has a section for this and even one for taking old things and turning them into something. A 3R section bascially. lol
June 5th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Amber — those are great ideas!
MG — I’m with you, I think if I made a wristlet out of my bra it would look pretty funny.
Courtney — Do it! I want to read that blog entry!
Noelle — It was fun to write! Thanks for the idea!
NPW — Slingshot — no sewing required!
Mickey — great minds . . .
June 13th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
That nursing bra link was GENIOUS!! I’m totally doing this to all my non nursing bras!
June 16th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I work with a great group of ladies making quilts for those less fortunate. We use old bras (amongst other things) in the making of the quilts. We are always in dire need of items to use on the quilts. If you are preparing to or have already cleaned out your dresser and want a great way to recycle them you can email us for more information. Quilts4homeless@yahoo.com