Give Your Old Helmet New Purpose With These Creative Upcycling Ideas!
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Old helmets – they’ve protected our heads, witnessed our adventures, and maybe even saved our lives.
But when they’ve reached the end of their safety-certified lifespan or are no longer needed, what happens next? Instead of sending them to the landfill, why not give them a new lease on life?
With a little creativity, used bicycle, motorcycle and sports helmets can be transformed into unique planters, functional storage containers, or even works of art.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of upcycling and repurposing old bicycle helmets, and show you how to turn a discarded safety essential into a one-of-a-kind treasure.
The Benefits Of Upcycling Old Helmets
- Reduces Waste: By repurposing helmets, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, helping to minimize the environmental impact of our disposable culture.
- Encourages Creativity: Repurposing helmets inspires creativity and resourcefulness, allowing us to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
- Saves Resources: Upcycling helmets saves the resources needed to produce new materials, reducing the demand on raw materials and the energy required for manufacturing.
- Creates Unique Items: Repurposed helmets can become one-of-a-kind decorative pieces, functional items, or even works of art, adding a personal touch to our homes and lives.
Upcycling Ideas
Here are some examples of creative repurposing projects for your used bicycle helmets:
- Planters: Attach soil and plants to create a unique garden feature.
- Pen or Pencil Holders: Mount on a wall or desk for a quirky office supply holder.
- Birdhouses: Transform into a cozy bird habitat.
- Wind Chimes: Add metal washers, beads, or small bells for a melodious creation.
- Art Projects: Paint, glue, or decoupage to create a one-of-a-kind art piece.
- Bookends: Fill with sand or weights for a sturdy book support.
- Desk Organizers: Attach small trays or compartments for storing small items.
- Science Experiment Containers: Use for homeschooling or educational projects.
- Pet Bed: Clean and cushion for a cozy spot for small pets.
- Theatrical Props: Use as a creative prop for theatrical performances or costume design.
- Lamp Shades: Attach a light source and decorate for a unique lamp.
- Wall Decor: Paint or decorate to hang as a geometric wall feature.
- Storage Containers: Use for storing small items like buttons, safety pins, or beads.
- Robot Sculptures: Combine with other materials for a creative robot art piece.
- Donation Boxes: Clean and use for collecting donations or tips.
- Fruit Bowl: Clean and use as a fruit bowl in your home or office.
- Halloween Decoration: Create a floating ghost by covering your helmet with a bed sheet and hang it on your front porch.
Halloween Costume: Create a super hero helmet from your favorite comic book or movie.
Below you’ll find some more amazing and creative examples of repurposed bicycle and motorcycle helmets from Instagram to help inspire you!
Helmet Upcycled Into A Lamp
Source: Reworx.wales | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into A Bird House
Source: BobbieSnakes | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into A Hanging Cactus Pot
Source: Cactus Magazine | Aldo Villacorta | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into A Hanging Plant Pot
Source: El Jebel | Instagram
Helmet Upcycled Into A Desk Lamp
Source: Elmcityvintagedave | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into An Outdoor Hanging Plant Pot
Source: Nirvana_Garden_Concepts | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into A Halloween Prop
Source: Eco Mom Diaries | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into An Indoor Plant Pot
Source: OnlyOneMumba | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into A Ceiling Lamp
Source: ThatsNotRubbish | Instagram
Helmet Repurposed Into A Fruit Bowl
Source: Eco Mom Diaries | Blog
As you can see, repurposing helmets is a simple yet effective way to make a positive impact on the environment while unleashing our creativity.
So the next time you’re about to discard an old helmet, think twice and consider giving it a new life.
With a little imagination, we can turn trash into treasure and make the world a more sustainable and interesting place, one helmet at a time!
You Can Also Consider Recycling Via TerraCycle
TerraCycle is a recycling program that can take apart and repurpose the components of your used bicycle helmet—BUT, it costs. A small zero-waste shipping box costs around $240.00 but, it can be filled with as many sporting goods as you can fit—so in addition to the helmet, you can get rid of other unwanted items that are just laying around in your garage.
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Eco Mom Diaries 
Very cool ideas! Never thought about doing this but I just may attempt something creative with our old bicycle helmets!
I am definitely going to use them as planters when my kids’ helmets expire!
I love the idea of upcycling a helmet! The idea of putting lights in it is pretty fun, especially if you love cycling! I actually hadn’t thought to do anything with an old helmet before.
I agree, I love the ones that were made into lanterns!