Ten Ways to Recycle Your Old Jeans

Don't throw your favorite old ratty pair of jeans away ... give them new life.

Most of us tend to forget that "recycling" goes beyond the whole paper vs. plastic discussion. In fact, the more that we can find ways to re-use (or re-purpose) our worn-out things, the less stress we're putting on the environment from the get go. It's a domino effect that really does wind up making a big difference.

Even without the added benefits, recycling old jeans into new things can be a lot of fun. It is a creative outlet that frees creative expression, and because denim is such a sturdy material, it makes a great fabric for teaching sewing techniques with. Instead of buying cheap craft felt that won't stand up to wear and tear, try teaching your children how to sew that same craft using a pair of their outgrown jeans. Just getting to cut their own clothes up will have your kids grinning from ear to ear.
So what can you do with your old jeans? There are thousands of ways to recycle your denim jeans, but I'll share ten of the best ideas I've found here.