Polystyrene gets a bad rap and probably deservedly: it’s polluting to produce, bulky, virtually impossible to recycle without certain solvents and, incredibly, is predicted to take up to A MILLION YEARS to break down if it ends up in landfill or floating in our seas. So, let’s reuse polystyrene instead!
You may have noticed that here at Greenredeem we like to look on the bright side! Despite all polystyrene’s shortcomings (we recommend avoiding it whenever you can), waste polystyrene can also be remarkably useful around the house…
1. Use as drainage in the base of plant pots
While we wouldn’t use it if we were growing edibles, just to be on the safe side, polystyrene is fine to use instead of pebbles, gravel or ceramic shards as drainage in plant pots. Line the base with a layer of smallish chunks and plant as usual.
This is great if you’re going to be moving the plant regularly as it’s a lot lighter than alternative drainage, but conversely take care that your plant doesn’t end up top heavy. Some need a little ballast!
2. Create your own presentation mounts
Crafters are often on the hunt for cheap ways to display homemade goods. If you make badges, brooches, hat pins or anything with a sharp pointy end opposite the pretty end, polystyrene could be your newest find.
Look for good sized pieces from big box packaging. Turn one half downwards, so the intricate, concave moulded piece is underneath and the featureless ‘boxward’ side is uppermost. Glue a cheap fabric offcut over the top (try felt or velvet), tucking the cut edges neatly beneath and you’ve got a presentation mount.
3. Make your own superglue
Did you know that you can recycle polystyrene at home into a pretty serviceable household glue?
Mix a large amount of packing peanuts with orange rind oil, a.k.a. d-Limonene, and the solvent in the oil will slowly break down the polystyrene. Eventually you’ll end up with a sticky substance that reportedly works well as a permanent glue.
Obviously, take as much care when handling your homemade superglue as you would when working with the bought stuff. Old clothes, gloves and facemask recommended! ***
4. Use as insulation (with caution)
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