How to Upcycle a Crate using Silver Bubble Wrap

One of the best ways to help save our environment from overflowing landfills is to upcycle items that would normally be discarded after they serve their purpose. Upcycling is basically taking an item that has reached the end of its intended purpose then altering the item in some way that changes its usage or ability to be used, rather than sending it to a landfill.

The upcycling process is one of the aspects of this project that makes it a "green" one. The other is the materials, all of which are easily obtained for free, because they would otherwise be discarded, (you probably already own glue and scissors) and there is minimal energy/effort expended.

Step 1: Gather materials.

What you need:
-small crate
-insulating bubble wrap (silver)
-scissors and/or exacto-knife
-glue, preferably hot-glue but any other quick drying glue will do
-ruler or tape measure
-marker or pen
-about 45 minutes to an hour of free time

Where to locate materials:
Crate - I found this crate at my local grocery. One of the produce clerks informed me it's something they usually discard/recycle them because the distributor doesn't re-use them for shipping.
Insulating Bubble Wrap - Also found at the grocery. Cheese is often shipped with this material so try asking the Deli or Cheese departments is they have any leftover from their shipments.
Scissors, Glue, Marker or Pen, and Ruler - You probably already have in a drawer or cabinet some where. If not, you can purchase these at most any grocery, convenience stores, etc.

Comments

[janetsellers08]

What is the crate used for?

[rhesa4]

If you didn't cut the bubble wrap on the bottom portion I bet you could use it as a cooler. Ice may not last too long, but......Aye, you know I always think of beer first. Great idea!

[thickneckarts]

Another commenter made a good point, that using aluminum tape to cover the corners, etc would work too! Oh snap! I could spray paint it camo-colors and then it could be a "hidden treasure cooler" :D lol

[BtheBike]

this would be great on a company bike for lunch/ coffee runs . actually the overlap could (should) be left on to prevent heat/cold leakage . Foil taped seams to up the insulation . Duct tape would work fine though if you had more overlap .

[spark master]

better reuse is to make solar oven (you are almost there) or sun shades thanks for the info

[J@50n]

 another is if you have a top (like you do), you can but it in the back of your car and put your frozen or cold groceries in it!

[bryandhispup]

This would be great for a cooler to take to the beach. you know how you always get sand in your cooler... just ad some aluminum tape to all the seams... great instructable!

[thickneckarts]

Aluminum tape is a great mod for this project! :D

[ChrysN]

Nicely done, that looks great for storage.

[thickneckarts]

Thanks! Funny that your pic is a kitty b/c the first thing to go into my newly created storage crate was my kitty boom boom! :D She was peeking out like it was a lil'tank! Very cute :)