So why not transform our passion for cycling into something more? Why not creatively recycle used tires and tubes? Here's what we can do with these waste materials after washing them thoroughly.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himIl tire of our bicycle in some ways it can be compared to an incandescent light bulb: a simple and at the same time ingenious object, so innovative that when it was created, there were still no means on which to apply it. For many years these products have not known innovation probably because they still retain characteristics of great production economy and high profitability.
Fortunately, today we are witnessing some significant changes: incandescent lamps have been banned by the EU and the first organic tires have recently been presented, entirely made with renewables. This is certainly great news when we consider that the disposal of used tires represents a major problem for the health of the planet.
So why not to transform our passion for cycling into something more? Why not creatively recycle used tires and tubes?
Here's what we can do with these waste materials after washing them thoroughly.
1. Elastic bands for extensions
Securely fasten an inner tube or strips to the wall or wooden panel and then have fun stretching them in all directions. Here is your rigorously recycled, low budget extension tool.
2. Outdoor gym
With two tires and a tree from our garden we can easily make our gymnastic rings. Just place the tires on the branch, making sure they are firm, and grab both ends to start the exercises.
3. Toy for fido
We take an inner tube and cut a piece of about 50 cm. We make some knots at the ends so as to form a kind of ball that the dog can bite and pull and that we will use as a handle. We just have to try our hand at this exciting push and pull.
4. Trendy accessories
Bracelets, belts, bags, wallets and many other eco-fashion accessories. All you need are some tires, tubes, scissors, putty and you can express all your creativity.
Look at what designer Doreen Westphal made with these materials or these beautiful jewels
Waterproof clothing
A Dutch designer has created an entire line of fashion clothing using bicycle inner tubes, proving that with these materials it is possible to make a lot of things, from skirts to swimwear.
6. Coasters
You can have fun cutting pieces of inner tube into your favorite shapes with which you will make original and bizarre coasters. Keep a stash in a drawer to use for a cocktail with friends.
7. Paraspifferi
By recycling the old inner tubes, we can quickly and economically create excellent draft excluders to be placed at the foot of the doors. We cut a piece of air chamber that is a little longer than the width of the door: fill it with sand, seal the ends and voila, that's it.
8. Rubber bands
These small but useful accessories can never be found when you need them. So why not make some with your own hands? Simply cut strips from an inner tube crosswise to obtain sturdy, standard-sized rubber bands. If, on the other hand, we cut lengthwise, we will get giant rubber bands.
9. Protection for chains and ropes
We can use the air chambers to cover metal chains or ropes thus preventing accidental damage.
10. Rear bike carrier protection
If you are using a rear carrier on your car, you can use the inner tubes to line the fastening straps to avoid possible rubbing on the paint on the tailgate and roof.
11. Non-slip handles for garden tools
After washing a tire thoroughly, cut a piece of it the same length as the handle of our favorite gardening tool. Let's fix it on top and we will thus obtain a non-slip surface that will allow us to have a greater grip of the tool.
12. Potholders
After having carefully washed a piece of inner tube, cut out squares or circles and you will get super pot holders that will be very useful when you are busy with one of those nasty jars that do not open. Thanks to the pot holder you will have greater "grip" on the cap thus avoiding dislocating your shoulder as usual.
13. Crazy sprinkler
We cut a long piece of inner tube and carefully seal one of the two ends. We make holes in a completely random way along the sides and the top and fix the open end to a garden hose with the help of a clamp. Now we just have to put the hose in the garden and turn on the water to see our crazy sprayer in action.
14. Customize a chair
If you want to customize or renew your favorite chair or armchair, you just have to apply air chambers or smaller pieces on the seat or armrests. Hoping you can get some inspiration, take a look at these.
15. Thimble
Using a small piece of bladder over your index or middle finger will allow you to protect your fingers while maintaining full mobility while sewing.
16. Replacement laces
Cut an inner tube into long thin strips. This will give you spare laces for your shoes.
17. Library
The guys from the SystemDesign Studio decided to exploit the tension created by the elongated tubes to hold books and other objects exactly as if it were a bookcase. A few perforated tubes, bicycle tires of the same length and a couple of hooks are enough to fix them to the wall.
18. Refurbish them
If you think that the tire of your bike can still give a lot, you just have to repair it carefully: by reconditioning it you can use it for other fun rides.
Before throwing an object away, let's take a few minutes to think about whether it can have a second life and can be reused in a new and creative way.
Recycle people, recycle!
Lorenzo DeRitis
Read also Sfashion: here's how I recycle your worn-out bike tires
