Are you getting the new iPhone 5? Pre-Orders have already hit two million in 24 hours, more than double the demand of the iPhone 4S. Whether or not you need to upgrade is up to you, but if you decide to make the leap, what are you going to do with your old one? Apple has sold more than 244 million iPhones since its release in 2007. That’s a lot of old iPhones sitting around in the junk drawer. USA Today has created a handy list of ways to recycle your old iPhone to ensure that it doesn’t become another wasted piece of hardware taking up desk space.

There are the obvious ideas, such as passing it on to your kids for their very first cell phone, or to a parent so you can get them on the Apple bandwagon. But what about keeping it as a miniature iPad? Use it as a camera or even watch videos on it, if you have a Wi-Fi connection. Consider donating it to a charitable cause. Cell Phones for Soldiers buys calling cards for soldiers with the profits made from recycling old iPhones. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence refurbishes and resells old iPhones, with the profits supporting the group’s mission.

You could keep it around as a very expensive alarm clock. Or make a few bucks and sell it on eBay. Glyde.com and Gazelle are companies that offer cash for your old model. Or you can turn it in for store credit at GameStop or Apple. Keep it as backup in case your new baby is lost or stolen. Or stick it in an iPod dock and stream music. Do you have any other fun ideas to recycle your iPhone?

This weekend we celebrate father’s day, thanking dads everywhere for being such swell guys. Looking for a last minute gift? You can recycle any old tie into something useful with this handy guide courtesy of Ecouterre. Find the tackiest, most out-of-style tie and turn it into something useful. Ecouterre provides step-by-step directions for making an awesome new guitar strap, eyeglasses case, camera strap, cellphone case, and pillow.

While it’s easy to buy a last minute gift, show dad you care with something made from the heart. You can make most of these with items you already have around the house: a bit of thread, scissors, a needle, an old button. Check out the photos for more. Do you have any more fun ideas for ways to recycle a tie?

Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Kalon Studio’s Hut-Hut Kids Resin – $125

Made from 100% recycled sustainable resin in five eye-popping colors: red, yellow, green, blue, and pink, the Hut Hut Kids is a favorite with my two year old. Because Lulu’s to little to actually sit and rock on it, she likes to lean on or stand on top of this favorite piece of furniture/toy (with my help).

It’s bright color and star patterned seat makes it an easy design for adults to live with. Selected by Pitti Immagine Uomo as one of the top 20 products at the 2010 Salone Del Mobile, the Hut-Hut (giddy-up in camel speak) is also available in five FSC certified sustainable materials: bamboo, black locust, black walnut, cork and maple.Green Lullaby’s Cardboard Cradle – $111

I’ve seen a lot of cradles and eco-friendly cribs in my research, but I’ve never seen a cardboard cradle made from recycled and recyclable cardboard.

Ruth Kenan came up with the idea to create a soft cradle for her baby and the planet while she was pregnant. Easy to assemble and take apart without any tools, the Cardboard Cradle is an ergonomic, light, sturdy, and foldable cardboard rocking crib. When flat, it’s easily transportable from one room to another and takes up little space.  The crib also meets all the European fire and safety requirements and comes with a mattress. Ingenious!

Mr. Kaliski’s Billy Rocker – $45

This eco-friendly rocker is made from recycled cardboard and  can be decorated and customized using whatever art supplies you have laying around the house plus a whole lot of imagination. With reversible sides, have twice the fun drawing a horse, motorcycle, or whatever your kid desires to ride on.

As seen in all the cool kids media (Design Mom, KidsHaus, Junior, Babyccino, and more), the Billy Rocker is recyclable when your child has outgrown it.  And like the Cardboard Cradle, it too can be flat packed.