What to do with old tyres? This is a frequently asked question among car owners who care for the environment. First, it is important to note that tyres are made from quality study rubber that is not biodegradable. This means that a tyre cannot be broken up by soil microorganisms that decompose organic matter such as tree leaves. Research studies shows that over 55 million old tyres are hap hazardously disposed of.
Green tyre thinking is basically a scientific philosophy that aims at ensuring that old tyres are put into good use instead of being thrown away or burnt. Driving on old tyres not only predisposes you to accidents but also reduce your car’s efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and how well the engine functions. Recycling old tyres greatly with reducing landfill and therefore helping that little bit with the environment.
Let us look at my 9 proven ways of recycling old tyres instead of throwing them away…
1.) Home Gardening
Do you know you can save hundreds of dollars annually on groceries if you set up a home garden? By establishing your own garden, you will not need to purchase various foodstuffs such as vegetables from your local grocery store. For example, you can establish a home garden by stacking old tyres and filling them with soil that is rich in various macro and micro nutrients. You may decide to add some organic matter, fertilizers or any other soil amendments in order to improve the quality of the garden. Be sure to plant high quality seedlings in order to leap full benefits from your garden. Also, you will need to water the garden especially during summer.
2.) Patio Seats
Old tyres can be used to craft unique patio seats or benches. However, you will need some basic art skills and certain cutting tools in order to precisely cut the tyres into your desired design. Go ahead and paint them in order to enhance their beauty and elegance. It is recommendable to choose colours that match or compliment your landscape or wall paintings. Bottom line; follow your bliss when choosing the colours and designs. Unlike other patio seats, these ones are very durable and can withstand virtually all harsh weather conditions. You might even be able to pick up some spare old tyres from a dealer.
3.) Tyre Swings
You do not need to necessary spend thousands of dollars on metallic swings for your children if you have two or three old tyres in your homestead. Hang the tyre on a safe location using a strong rope or metal chains. The tyre should be spacious and capable of withstanding your child’s weight without splitting. It is recommendable to regularly clean it using detergents in order to avert accumulation of dirt and disease causing bacteria. It is a well-known fact that mosquito loves breeding in tyres hence drain any stagnant water that may accumulate in the tyres during the rainy season. Use a drill to make a drainage hole at the bottom of the tyre in order to get rid of stagnant water. Also, the ground below the swings needs to be soft so as to avoid injuries as your child jumps on and off the swing.
4.) Landscape Benches
It’s always refreshing to spend time in your flower garden especially after a long day at work or during the weekends. To create a landscape bench, all you have to do is bury two large tractor tyres in your landscape. Place a wooden bench between the two tyres. You will have to use some nails to strongly fasten the bench on the tyre. You may decide to paint them in order to enhance beauty and create a welcoming feeling for your visitors. For example, paint them green if your landscape is covered with green flowers, landscaping trees or green grass. The bench should be made from wooden materials that can withstand outdoor weather conditions.
5.) Outdoor Flower Vases or Planters
Just like home gardening, you will need to stack two tyres and fill them with soil. It is wise to plant shallow rooted flowers depending on the depth of the tyres. Choose flower species that are well adapted to the local climatic conditions. Paint them in order to conceal any flaws and improve their appearance.
6.) Business Signs
Outdoor business signs will not only help to market your business but also direct customers into your offices. Tyre business signs are more efficient and durable since they are not subject to rusting and other detrimental weather conditions. Use your creative skills to create a sign that grasp the attention of your target audience as well as exhume your creativity and love for the environment.
7.) Livestock Feeders
Old tyres can be cut and used as livestock feeders. The tyres should be able to hold enough amounts of livestock feed. However, you will need to clean them on a daily basis in order to keep away various disease causing vectors – so you shouldn’t feel guilty when you order new tyres.
8.) Mini Greenhouses
Climate change and global warming has led to significant changes in the environment. These changes negatively affect growth and production of various crops especially vegetables that demand controlled environmental conditions. Fortunately, you can use tyres to create mini greenhouses that will last for long. Homeowners are advised to cover the entire tyre with a polythene material in order to protect the plants from external environmental factors. The thick rubber material is an ideal insulator that maintains a favourable environment for the seedlings.
9.) Organic Composter
This is simply a container that is used to produce organic manures from various biodegradable home wastes such as food remnants. Scientific studies show that organically grown foodstuffs are more nutritious and healthy than conventionally produced foods because they are devoid of harmful chemicals that arise from excessive use of fertilisers. Again, you will need to stack two or three tyres depending on the amount of organic manure you need for your garden. Ensure that the composter has a good drainage system and ample air circulation in order to foster growth of microorganisms that convert organic matter into manure.
As you can see, there are so many beneficial uses of old tyres that you can implement today and promote overall wellbeing of the environment.
James Wilkinson is a 4×4 driver from Alice Springs in Australia. Find out more about tyres on this YouTube channel.