Three weekend DIY projects that support a circular economy

Most people are familiar with the adage, ‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure’, and it’s been proven that Australians are embracing this in their droves. A new Planet Ark 2022 Report commissioned by Feast Watson for its eighth annual ReLove Program, has found that in the space of a year, 86 per cent of Australians have saved pre-loved items, such as chairs, tables, and bookshelves from going into landfill by selling them in the circular economy.

Through strategies, such as upcycling, among others, a circular economy can help to reduce 45 per cent of emissions (greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, H20 + trace gases)) globally and achieve many benefits across nature, society, and the economy.

Dr Nicole Garofano, Head of Circular Economy Development at Planet Ark, says education on the circular economy is evolving as we see more Australians shifting the way we design, make, consume, and repurpose products and materials.

“Better design, making small and simple changes to our everyday consumption, and relying more on circular economy strategies, such as upcycling, will not only help conserve resources but also provide us a sense of purpose and achievement in what we can do with our own materials,” she says.

Yet, there is still much-needed change to reduce the number of products being sent to disposal. The Planet Ark report estimated that each year between 4,900 and 7,400 tonnes of immediately reusable timber furniture could be heading to landfill via hard waste collections in Australia – the equivalent of 824,000 wooden chairs or 261,000 bookcases.

Woodcare brand, Feast Watson, commissioned the Planet Ark report for its annual ReLove Program to highlight the latest upcycling trends in Australia, as well as to continue educating and inspiring Australians about the multitude of ways you can restore and repurpose outdated furniture to keep your home’s aesthetic current, modern and fresh. All that’s needed is a fresh eye and a modest outlay. Three creatives, Al and Imo, Jess and Izzie of The House that Jess Built, and Nina and Rhys of Butch and Bulldog are on a mission to impact change through inspiring design. Here are some of their simple DIY Feast Watson ReLove Projects using timber furniture which can be done over a weekend.

Find out how to build a recycled kitchen trolley.

Before

1. Gather your supplies – Feast Watson Stain & Varnish in your chosen colour(s), Feast Watson Floor Wax, paint, drop sheet, high quality synthetic paint brush(es), roller tray, 400 grit sandpaper or an electric sander with 400 grit sandpaper, painter’s tape, microfibre cloths, old cloths.
2. Dismantle the dollhouse and sand back all surfaces. Wipe excess dust away with a microfibre cloth.
3. Using a paint brush or old cloth, apply Feast Watson Stain & Varnish to your desired areas – we used colour Black Japan on the roof and exterior. Allow two hours for the varnish to dry between coats – apply two to three coats until you get your desired colour.
4. Using a clean cloth, for any areas of the doll house you would like to remain in a natural timber finish – like panelling or miniature furniture – apply Feast Watson Soft Wax.
5. Should you wish to add a pop of colour to the interior walls, apply paint in your chosen colour(s) using a paint brush – we used Dulux Wash&Wear in Natural White and Gold Pheasant. Allow two hours to dry.
6. Reassemble the dollhouse.

Here are more easy tips on turning roadside trash into treasure.

Before

1. Gather your supplies – Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish, drop sheet, high quality synthetic paint brush(es), 400 grit sandpaper or an electric sander with 400 grit sandpaper, microfibre cloths, old cloths, tape measure, circular saw, additional panelling, L Brackets, screws, wood glue, drill.
2. Given we were going to attach a new top and panelling to the doors, we removed these sections of the sideboard. Sand all pieces and wipe away excess dust using a microfibre cloth.
3. Using a paint brush or old cloth, apply Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish to the desired area of the dresser and allow two hours to dry between coats – we applied two.
4. Measure and cut panelling for doors, shelving and replaced top. Attach the shelving and top using L Brackets and screws; and attach wood panelling over existing doors using wood glue.
5. Apply Feast Watson Stain & Varnish in Clear using a clean old rag to any remaining untreated areas of the dresser – shelving, doors and new top. Allow two hours to dry.

Find out more about upcycling furniture.

Before

1. Gather your supplies – Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish, Feast Watson Timber Primer, new handle(s), paint, drop sheet, high quality synthetic paint brush(es), roller tray, 400 grit sandpaper or an electric sander with 60-80 grit sandpaper, painter’s tape, microfiber cloths, old cloths.
2. Remove the drawer(s) and sand back all surfaces. Wipe away excess dust using a microfibre cloth.
3. Using a paint brush, prime the drawers with Feast Watson Timber Primer and allow two hours to dry.
4. Using painters’ tape, mark out the areas that will be treated with Feast Watson Liming White Stain & Varnish) and apply the varnish. Allow two hours to dry between coats – we applied three, lightly sanding between coats.
5. Using painters’ tape, mark out areas to be treated with coloured paint (we used Dulux Aquanamel). Apply two coats of paint allowing two hours drying time between coats.
6. Fix new drawer handles.

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