Turn your old CDs into a workout
Wondering what to do with all of your old CDs? Wonder no longer!
Gizmodo suggests turning them into free weights. The idea is certainly resourceful, and originally comes from the Make: website.
In the past, I’ve seen old CDs repurposed as coasters, artwork, and Christmas tree decorations. What clutter-busting solutions have you found for your old CDs?
Image from Make:, and thanks to reader Katherine for bringing this to our attention.
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Posted by Erin on Aug 23, 2008 |
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16 comments posted
Posted by Katharine - 08/23/2008
This is funny. We just went through all of our cds, uploaded the music, and donated them to a media sale held by a local charity. Got rid of the clutter, “found” music we had forgotten, and now they can help others!
Posted by Hung-Su Nguyen - 08/23/2008
Lightweight martial artists can try holding them gently in one and and shattering them with a punch from the other. I mean this in all seriousness, I used to punch CDs to keep my punches fast, as anything other than unbelievable speed would simply result in the CD flying out of your hand. The only problem is that some CDs layers shatter into small debris, but thats easy enough to clean up.
Posted by Angela Esnouf - 08/23/2008
Hang them in fruit trees to keep birds away.
Posted by Adie - 08/23/2008
I have to say, that re-purposing junk does not seem consistent with the Unclutterer ethic. If you don’t need it anymore, find a way to get rid of it!
Posted by Missi - 08/23/2008
I think re-purposing is consistent with the unclutterer ethic. This post suggests finding a way to use something you already own for a new purpose you need when the original purpose is no longer needed. In this case, instead of going out and buying weights, you’re using what you already have to make them yourself. For me, frugality and ingenuity are closely tied with an unclutterer way of thinking.
Posted by becoming minimalist - 08/23/2008
i sold them in bundles on ebay – i made about 75 cents per cd.
the rest i threw away – and they clutter my home no longer…
Posted by Cynthia Friedlob, The Thoughtful Consumer - 08/23/2008
Just wanted to note that the original idea came from Danny Seo’s website:
Daily Danny
You might have to wear gloves for them to be comfortable to lift.
I sold or donated my old CDs, but eventually that’s not going to be an option. How many people want old LPs or 45s? Technology changes things!
Posted by Trish B. - 08/23/2008
You can make CD drop spindles:
http://www.interweave.com/spin.....indles.pdf
It’s a nice inexpensive way to teach handspinning, and some of the CDs have nice designs.
Posted by Michael@ Awareness * Connection - 08/23/2008
@cynthia yeah those grips look none too comfortable without gloves.
Posted by Michael@ Awareness * Connection - 08/23/2008
Also, I find my house a lot less cluttered since I got rid of all my weight equipment. I don’t think I’ll go back to doing that in house anytime soon.
Posted by Deb - 08/23/2008
I use old CD’s as wheels in the design-a-vehicle labs I do with my students. They work great and the kids see a way to repurpose materials. We have also done “Future Flowers” projects that represent plants adapted to mimic their surroundings. This means we build them out of trash items. Then students have to create descriptions of how the form and function match. Some of the creations and explainations have been hilarious but still scientific.
Posted by cdelphine - 08/23/2008
I’m not an expert by a long shot but from what I’ve read I understand that you are supposed to keep cds even after burning them into digital media as proof that you didn’t rip the songs. Not that the government’s going to come knocking on your door to see your music collection but if you’re concerned with the principles of legality.
Also, I think it’s a good idea to have the cds in case of a technology meltdown or something. At the very least back it up to an external storage device. I think I would cry if I lost all of my music.
Posted by amythecopywriter - 08/24/2008
OOh, a barbell of LPs would compliment nicely!
Posted by Rue - 08/24/2008
If you don’t have a way to repurpose your old CDs but want to get rid of them AND do something good at the same time, try Discs for Dogs (http://www.discsfordogs.org/). You ship your CDs to them, and they sell them for $1 each. All the profits go to their local SPCA. They even reimburse you for your shipping.
You could also sell them to a local CD or bookstore and maybe make a little money. Discs for Dogs is great if the store won’t take them though.
Posted by larochelle - 08/24/2008
Like cdelphine says, its a good idea to keep your cds even after you upload them.
After I uploaded mine, I got rid of the plastic cases and put the cds into several binders (Fellows binder holds 300 cds that zips closed) and put them in a box in a back closet. They don’t take up much space and I still have them in case I need them.
Posted by Cherry - 11/26/2008
This place will accept your unwanted CDs and DVDs for recycling, you only pay for shipping:
http://www.cdrecyclingcenter.org/
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