SIX Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Old Calendars

Written by: Thomas Cross

The end of the year is here, and your calendar has been there every step of the way. From beautiful birthdays to wonderful weddings and even three prime ministers, your 2022 calendar holds memories of an unforgettable year. So why throw it away? 

 Here are six fantastic ways you can upcycle your old calendar and give them new life in 2023.

1. Coasters

Protecting your kitchen table from unwanted blemishes and marks has never been easier than with a coaster made using your favourite photos from your 2022 calendar. Take some thick cardboard and layer one side with glue. Now all you need to do is cut your favourite photo out of your old calendar and stick it to the cardboard.

We have a step-by-step guide posted on our Facebook page. Check it out here!

2. Bookmarks

An amazing gift for the literature fan in your life. Simply laminate a page from your old calendar, punch a hole through the top and weave some fancy ribbon through it, and hey presto! You've made a bookmark with the lovely imagery from your old calendar.

3. Present tags

A simple yet handy method of upcycling. After noting down your friend’s and family’s important occasions in your old calendar, you can cut them out and use them as gift tags for the next year, creating unique and personal additions to their gifts.

4. Frame the pages

While old calendar dates may be wrong, their photos are more than salvageable. Cut the best photos from last year’s calendar and place them inside a picture frame. Place the print on any wall you like to add a sprinkle of flair to your room.

5. Meal prep

While the days of the week won’t match up exactly, the dates can still be used to allocate meal ideas, saving you time if you’re busy that week. Meal prep can help you save time and stay on track with your nutritional goals.

6. Kindling

If 2022 was a year to forget for you, why not keep the fire roasting on cold January nights and use your calendar as kindling? Burn through your old calendar from January to December and forget about 2022 in the most cathartic way possible.

Why Upcycle?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 17.2 million tons of paper are currently residing in landfills. Whilst paper decomposes faster than a plastic counterpart, we should all do our bit to reduce waste, and what better way to start than to upcycle your 2022 calendar.

Whilst most calendars are recyclable, some may have special gloss or foil on the pages which may prevent your old calendar from being recycled. It’s always best to contact your local council or recycling centre first for more information if you’re uncertain.

An upcycled calendar helps reduce waste and provides a fun arts and craft activity for kids, so grab your glue, cut out your cardboard and make your old calendars beautiful again today!