Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is a popular trend all across the world. From carrying reusable shopping bags to backyard gardening, many options are available for conserving the planet's natural resources. Unfortunately, in 2012 alone, Americans generated 251 million tons of waste in local landfills. With 8.9 percent of that number being metal products, finding ways to reduce or recycle is imperative. If you want to reduce this number and have leftover pieces of sheet metal, consider upcycling with these unique ideas for your home and garden.

Decorative Lanterns

Utilizing a few pieces of perforated sheet metal, you can create decorative lanterns for your home or outdoor space.  If you do not have perforated sheets, visit your local craft store for a hole-punching tool. These handheld tools are easy to use and offer sufficient strength for punching through paper, cardboard, and thin pieces of sheet metal. Punch holes all over each sheet of metal.

Use metal snips to cut the sheets in 3 different sizes. This will give you a staggering affect when displaying your lanterns. To ensure the edges and holes are smooth, sand the areas with fine-grade sand paper.

Wrap the pieces of metal around a cylinder shape such as a can of vegetables or coffee. Attach using 20 or 22 gauge to hold the shape and lock the rounded sheets into place. Then, apply an even coat of spray paint to each rounded piece of metal. Allow the paint to dry overnight.

Slide the metal off each shaping can and place a candle inside. Arrange on a table indoors or line an outdoor patio with multiple lanterns.

Memo Board

Organization is a problem for many households, but having a simple reminder in your living room or kitchen can help. Using the following steps, you can attach your calendar, important notes and flyers, and fun photos on a magnetic memo board:

1. Visit a local thrift store or yard sale to purchase a frame measuring 24-inches by 36-inches. Consider a poster frame or an old corkboard. Be sure to remove the frame's glass, plastic, or cork.
2. Use metal snips to cut your sheet metal to the frame's size.
3. Cut your preferred piece of fabric to a size slightly larger than the piece of metal. Place the fabric on your work surface and lay the metal sheet on top.  You should have at least 3-inches left on each side of the fabric.
4. Apply a coat of spray adhesive to the metal and glue the fabric to the metal. Be sure to pull tight and tuck in corners to ensure a flat finish.
5. Place the fabric-covered sheet of metal onto the back of your frame. Slide the frame's cardboard backing and attach with a nail gun.
6. Hang the memo board on any wall of your home. Use decorative magnets to hang reminders and photos.

Vertical Garden

A vertical garden is perfectly suited to any type or residence including an apartment balcony or your home's small deck. To create this vertical garden, you will need a piece of sheet metal measuring at least 36-inches long. The width is not important, but be sure you have adequate space to hang. You will also need multiple aluminum cans, hot glue, spray paint, plants and soil, magnets, and a drill. Complete the following:

1. Remove the labels from multiple cans. Soak in hot, soapy water to clean. Allow to dry for a few hours.
2. Using your power drill and sheet metal screws, install the piece of metal vertically onto a section of your deck or balcony.
3. Apply an even coat of spray paint to each aluminum can. Choose bright colors such as green, orange, and blue to add personality to your outdoor space. Allow to dry.
4. Use your hot glue gun to attach a magnet to each can.
5. Fill each can ¾ full with soil and insert your favorite herbs, plants, or flowers.
6. Arrange the potted cans onto your vertical piece of sheet metal. Enjoy your vertical garden all through the year.

Upcycling leftover piece of sheet metal not only reduces waste in your local landfills, but it also a great way for decorating your home and garden. Using these unique ideas, you can improve the environment and your home.