Comments on: How can I reuse or recycle the spiral of a spiral bound notebook? http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook Creative ideas for reusing and recycling random stuff Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:34:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: ALICE http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1259605 ALICE Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:48:49 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1259605 I think I will try to thread beads onto a spiral spine and then join the ends together to make a bracelet...I do like the idea of using the spiral to keep some of my computer cords under control as well. I think I will try to thread beads onto a spiral spine and then join the ends together to make a bracelet…I do like the idea of using the spiral to keep some of my computer cords under control as well.

]]> By: Olia http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1257851 Olia Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:50:54 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1257851 Stretch the spiral, attach ribbons to the edges and use as hairband. Stretch the spiral, attach ribbons to the edges and use as hairband.

]]> By: Olia http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1257849 Olia Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:46:39 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1257849 The spiral can be wrapped around the top of a pencil holder cup for extra decoration. The spiral can be wrapped around the top of a pencil holder cup for extra decoration.

]]> By: Olia http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1257840 Olia Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:28:38 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1257840 Make neat bracelet. Make neat bracelet.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1231911 Anonymous Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:58:25 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1231911 I saw an idea on craftzine for this - You use shorter lengths of them to wrap around household cables to keep them tidy. You would have to cut them with pliers or tuff cuts. I saw an idea on craftzine for this – You use shorter lengths of them to wrap around household cables to keep them tidy. You would have to cut them with pliers or tuff cuts.

]]> By: louisa http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1226333 louisa Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:33:53 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1226333 I see your and Alika's points and recognise that there are some "recycling" projects that are just a case of buying something new and using it for a purpose other than what was originally intended. That's not recycling. But if you have something that would otherwise be going in the bin, and you use that for arts and crafts, then it is recycling - it's being reused and it's potentially stopping people having to be something new-new too. I see your and Alika’s points and recognise that there are some “recycling” projects that are just a case of buying something new and using it for a purpose other than what was originally intended. That’s not recycling. But if you have something that would otherwise be going in the bin, and you use that for arts and crafts, then it is recycling – it’s being reused and it’s potentially stopping people having to be something new-new too.

]]> By: janesoi http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1223801 janesoi Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:57:27 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1223801 I agree with Alika, Arts and Crafts have their place, I myself love making things but reusing materials for arts and crafts should not be classed as "recycling". It is a poor justification to buy or accept overpackaged/disposable/non-recyclable items as reusable in non-essential arts and crafts projects. Best use for old spiral binds that I can think of is wire, maybe for use with food growing projects. But my rule is, can't recycle it in a meaningful way, don't buy it. I agree with Alika, Arts and Crafts have their place, I myself love making things but reusing materials for arts and crafts should not be classed as “recycling”. It is a poor justification to buy or accept overpackaged/disposable/non-recyclable items as reusable in non-essential arts and crafts projects. Best use for old spiral binds that I can think of is wire, maybe for use with food growing projects. But my rule is, can’t recycle it in a meaningful way, don’t buy it.

]]> By: Nancy http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1049855 Nancy Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:25:33 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1049855 I know how it can be hard to recycle it. I do a lot of crafts with what I have, but even that usually can't use all of it up. Plus, if you overbend or bend it too many times it becomes a bit inflexible and can eventually snap. It is also hard to completely straighten, and it tarnishes, so I'm trying to figure out how to make my stuff last longer and look less cheap ;D One idea that still is quite crafty but maybe more useful is if you bike a lot--like I do--and use it as more a mode of transportation than recreation, then you know how hard it is to carry large items (ei groceries) without an attached basket. I've seen recycled baskets using wire and bottle caps, and I think sufficient wire would make a great basket. You might also be able to make your own paperclips--I have not tried but it should work, providing you have a small dexterous pair of pliers. Then you don't even have to buy more! I know how it can be hard to recycle it. I do a lot of crafts with what I have, but even that usually can’t use all of it up. Plus, if you overbend or bend it too many times it becomes a bit inflexible and can eventually snap. It is also hard to completely straighten, and it tarnishes, so I’m trying to figure out how to make my stuff last longer and look less cheap ;D
One idea that still is quite crafty but maybe more useful is if you bike a lot–like I do–and use it as more a mode of transportation than recreation, then you know how hard it is to carry large items (ei groceries) without an attached basket. I’ve seen recycled baskets using wire and bottle caps, and I think sufficient wire would make a great basket.
You might also be able to make your own paperclips–I have not tried but it should work, providing you have a small dexterous pair of pliers. Then you don’t even have to buy more!

]]> By: Laura http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1018190 Laura Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:43:28 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1018190 I clicked on www.ecocycle.org and it says you can throw the binders in your recycle bin with the metal binder attached to it. They ask that you rip plastic front covers off and dispose of properly and hard cardboard back covers go into your cardboard recycle bin. When the paper notebook is being turned to mush at the recycling center the wire will separate from the paper (just like staples do) and will get strained out of the screening process. I clicked on http://www.ecocycle.org and it says you can throw the binders in your recycle bin with the metal binder attached to it.
They ask that you rip plastic front covers off and dispose of properly and hard cardboard back covers go into your cardboard recycle bin.
When the paper notebook is being turned to mush at the recycling center the wire will separate from the paper (just like staples do) and will get strained out of the screening process.

]]> By: Alika http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-1014347 Alika Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:33:18 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-1014347 I see what you mean, Renee, but my concern is that so many of these suggestions involve arts & crafts projects. That in itself isn't bad, but is also not practical for those of us who don't devote our free time to arts & crafts. Arts & crafts are great, but pretty much any durable good can be reused as a crafts project. I'd be interested in hearing of some more outside-the-box reuse solutions. :-) I see what you mean, Renee, but my concern is that so many of these suggestions involve arts & crafts projects. That in itself isn’t bad, but is also not practical for those of us who don’t devote our free time to arts & crafts.

Arts & crafts are great, but pretty much any durable good can be reused as a crafts project. I’d be interested in hearing of some more outside-the-box reuse solutions. :-)

]]> By: Susie Greengeans http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-854430 Susie Greengeans Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:54:29 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-854430 In the US, I foud a DIY web site that showed using several spirals to make an art piece bowl. We are making tghem in my art class May 2 in the local library. We will streatch & bend them, wrap stones, trinkets, beaqds, glas, ribbons, etc. into it as well. Then they will be presses into a bowl for shaping. A great way to use broken jewelry, shells & other items around the house. In the US, I foud a DIY web site that showed using several spirals to make an art piece bowl. We are making tghem in my art class May 2 in the local library. We will streatch & bend them, wrap stones, trinkets, beaqds, glas, ribbons, etc. into it as well. Then they will be presses into a bowl for shaping. A great way to use broken jewelry, shells & other items around the house.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-726043 Anonymous Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:43:44 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-726043 I saw a recyled garden scupture once where curly notebook wire was attached to the head for curly hair-looked fun. I saw a recyled garden scupture once where curly notebook wire was attached to the head for curly hair-looked fun.

]]> By: Renee L http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-691334 Renee L Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:53:43 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-691334 Why would you be on a website for "creative ideas for reusing and recycling random stuff" if you think everyone should just recycle it with the rest of their steel? The fact is, it's a flexible wire and is great for crafts. Reuse first, recycle second. Why would you be on a website for “creative ideas for reusing and recycling random stuff” if you think everyone should just recycle it with the rest of their steel? The fact is, it’s a flexible wire and is great for crafts. Reuse first, recycle second.

]]> By: veggieme http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-578210 veggieme Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:26:52 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-578210 Jeff, Do you know if you can you leave the spiral thing on, if your town recycles paper and metals together? Terri Jeff,
Do you know if you can you leave the spiral thing on, if your town recycles paper and metals together?

Terri

]]> By: Gulia http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-540027 Gulia Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:12:28 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-540027 Cut with wire cutters. Make jewelry. Cut with wire cutters. Make jewelry.

]]> By: mormonsim http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-476867 mormonsim Sat, 17 May 2008 16:27:29 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-476867 cut to length and use it to hangpictures or other wall crafts.YOu can leave some curly for a unique effect or straighten it and hide it behind the craft or picture. cut to length and use it to hangpictures or other wall crafts.YOu can leave some curly for a unique effect or straighten it and hide it behind the craft or picture.

]]> By: Uncle J http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-465386 Uncle J Mon, 05 May 2008 09:29:01 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-465386 Erm... make new empty pages, and refill? (Instead of buying new notebook) Erm… make new empty pages, and refill?
(Instead of buying new notebook)

]]> By: twinks http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-460291 twinks Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:41:39 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-460291 Hmm, kinda wants to be an organizer methinks! Lay it horizontally on a small piece of reuseable wood (could be a scrap or left over trim for ex) and nail/staple/wire the thing onto the wood. It becomes a spiral doohickie to hold thing-me-bobs like brushes/utensils/pencils etc etc. Hmm, kinda wants to be an organizer methinks! Lay it horizontally on a small piece of reuseable wood (could be a scrap or left over trim for ex) and nail/staple/wire the thing onto the wood. It becomes a spiral doohickie to hold thing-me-bobs like brushes/utensils/pencils etc etc.

]]> By: Sara http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-459554 Sara Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:23:34 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-459554 Take the paper out of it and composite it. Don't stick the cover or the spine in there, though! Guess you can doodle on the cover and play with the spine while the paper decomposes. Oh! I got one! Cut the pages in half and use them to write grocery lists. You can staple them onto the cover (or at least most of them, kinda thick, huh?) and attach on end of the swirly spine to the cover and the other to a pen with super glue. Cheapo stationary! Take the paper out of it and composite it. Don’t stick the cover or the spine in there, though! Guess you can doodle on the cover and play with the spine while the paper decomposes.

Oh! I got one! Cut the pages in half and use them to write grocery lists. You can staple them onto the cover (or at least most of them, kinda thick, huh?) and attach on end of the swirly spine to the cover and the other to a pen with super glue. Cheapo stationary!

]]> By: Isabel http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-454987 Isabel Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:20:27 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-454987 Why don't you try to make some art work with it. it may be fun and cool...use another materials that can be recycled to complement it! Why don’t you try to make some art work with it. it may be fun and cool…use another materials that can be recycled to complement it!

]]> By: Jeff http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-451658 Jeff Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:59:28 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-451658 I am a bit cynical and have been accused of being quite the cumudgen for a 40 year old. That being said, why not put it into the normal steel recycling system? The two answers to your question so far fail to see the obvious due to their "need" to do something with the spiral other than conventional recycling. Idealism gives us "green thinkers" a bad name. Again, if you don't need it, put it in the steel bin at the recycling center. I am a bit cynical and have been accused of being quite the cumudgen for a 40 year old. That being said, why not put it into the normal steel recycling system? The two answers to your question so far fail to see the obvious due to their “need” to do something with the spiral other than conventional recycling. Idealism gives us “green thinkers” a bad name. Again, if you don’t need it, put it in the steel bin at the recycling center.

]]> By: Nigels Eco Store http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-449646 Nigels Eco Store Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:50:04 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-449646 Due to their flexibility, how about turning a few into a flower shaped sculpture that you could then 'plant' in a pot... would make an interesting garden ornament perhaps Due to their flexibility, how about turning a few into a flower shaped sculpture that you could then ‘plant’ in a pot… would make an interesting garden ornament perhaps

]]> By: Bobbie http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook/comment-page-1#comment-449519 Bobbie Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:42:13 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080418/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-the-spiral-of-a-spiral-bound-notebook#comment-449519 I think that they could be used to make a very nice wind chime. Use the spiral to hang a bell from it or a crystal ornament. I think that they could be used to make a very nice wind chime. Use the spiral to hang a bell from it or a crystal ornament.

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