A use for those useless Tetra Paks

Maybe you don't know but Tetra Paks are such a pain when you try to help the planet. They can´t be used for composting neither for recycling them after they achieve their main purpose. And this is basically because the composition is a series of paper, plastics and aluminum layers. But Ed Chew brought us a new idea, building lamps out of them. 

1. Start off by unfolding your empty drink cartons and cleaning them. Cut along the line at the top and bottom of the box and discard these strips. Then, cut along the natural creases visible in the unfolded carton. You should end up with four “main” strips measuring 2.1cmx13cm and four “tie” strips measuring 1.8cmX13cm.

2. Fold each “main” strip into six squares. Then, following the creases of the squares, shape the strip into a triangle. You can use another piece of strip as a guide to make the first square.

3. After you have made two triangles, take one “tie” strip and thread the two triangles together.

4. Snip off the ends, leaving just enough of the strip to fold back into the 2.1cm width.

5 & 6. Fold the strip neatly into the triangle.

7. Repeat the steps until you have six triangles linked together to form a hexagon. Continue making the hexagon until you have about 108 (to make a lampshade similar in size to Ed Chew’s).

And you will obtain some beautiful lamps out of unused materials, isn't that awesome?

I had just started recollecting Tetra Paks for starting this project. Can't wait to have it ready to use. Here I leave the Tetrabox Community facebook page.