Here’s a fun idea – if you’re celebrating Earth Hour, why not capture the moment with a photo? Just because the lights are off doesn’t mean you can’t shine. Imagine a glow-in-the-dark photo booth, complete with neon props and a blacklight setup, making for some seriously cool snapshots. It’s the perfect way to commemorate the occasion while staying true to the Earth Hour theme.

A zero-waste, upcycled approach takes things up a notch. Instead of buying new decorations, why not repurpose old props to give them new life? Whether it’s leftover materials from past events, random items gathering dust at home, or even old posters, there’s plenty of potential to turn them into unique booth decor. Plus, it keeps things sustainable and budget-friendly!

The art of upcycling: Why it’s worth it

Upcycling isn’t just about being eco-friendly; it’s also a creative challenge. Turning old items into something fresh and stylish can make your Earth Hour booth stand out. Besides, there’s something satisfying about transforming forgotten materials into eye-catching decorations that add to the overall experience.

If you’re hosting an instant photo booth in Singapore, using upcycled props can also help reduce event waste. Many large gatherings generate excessive disposable decorations, but with a bit of effort, your setup can be both stunning and sustainable. The best part? Upcycled props often have a unique, rustic charm that can’t be replicated with mass-produced decor.

Finding props to upcycle

Before you get started, gather potential materials that can be revamped. Here are some great places to look:

Old event decor: Have past party props lying around? Give them a fresh twist with paint, fabric, or creative assembly.
Recyclables: Cardboard boxes, glass jars, and plastic bottles can easily become part of your decor.
Fabric scraps: Old clothes, table runners, or scarves can be repurposed into banners, backdrops, or fun accessories.
Broken or unused items: A broken umbrella could become a glowing centrepiece, while old CDs can be turned into shiny decorations.

Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to get crafting!

Creative ways to upcycle props for your booth

1. Glow-in-the-dark magic

Since Earth Hour is all about the dark, glow-in-the-dark elements make a perfect addition to your booth. Here’s how to incorporate them:

Revamp old signs: Use glow-in-the-dark paint on cardboard or wooden signs from past events. Write fun messages like “Lights Out, Fun On!”
Neon accessories: Take old headbands, glasses, or hats and coat them with neon paint for a fun, glowing effect.
DIY light-up backdrops: Arrange upcycled plastic bottles filled with glow sticks to create a cool background.

This approach is cost-effective and brings a dynamic, interactive element to your cheap photo booth setup.

2. Cardboard cutouts and frames

Every great photo booth needs a frame! Instead of buying one, use old cardboard or foam boards to create unique cutouts. You can:

Paint them black and add glow-in-the-dark patterns.
Cut out shapes like stars, moons, or city skylines for a night-time aesthetic.
Attach repurposed string lights for an extra glow.

This not only reduces waste but also allows for a customised and theme-friendly look.

3. Fabric and paper banner decorations

If you have scrap fabric, turn them into banners or photo booth curtains. Here’s how:

Cut strips of old cloth and tie them onto a long piece of twine to create a rustic yet elegant curtain.
Use old newspapers or magazines to create paper chains or origami decorations.
Drape fairy lights through the fabric for a glowing effect.

The combination of repurposed materials and soft lighting will give your booth a magical vibe.

4. Repurposed photo props

Props are a must for any instant photo booth. Instead of buying new ones, try these upcycled ideas:

Old CDs or DVDs: Paint them black and add glow-in-the-dark details to create quirky handheld props.
Cardboard speech bubbles: Cut out speech bubbles from old cardboard and paint them with chalkboard paint so guests can write their own messages.
Reused costume pieces: Dig out old party hats, sunglasses, or masks and give them a makeover with paint, glitter, or stickers.

These upcycled props add an extra layer of fun while reducing unnecessary purchases.

Setting up your Earth Hour photo booth

Once your props are ready, it’s time to set up your photo booth. Here are a few final touches to enhance the experience:

Lighting matters: Use battery-powered LED or solar-powered lights to highlight the booth without relying on electricity.
Themed background: Stack old cardboard boxes and paint them to create an interactive wall. You can also hang reused fabric to act as a backdrop.
Eco-friendly signage: If you’re using an instant photo printing station, remind guests to take only what they need by placing a sign near the booth.

Corporate parties don’t have to be boring, and a well-decorated, upcycled Earth Hour booth is proof of that!

Conclusion

Hosting an Earth Hour photo booth is a fantastic way to engage people in sustainability while having fun. With a little creativity, old materials can become brand-new, eye-catching props, reducing waste and keeping your event budget-friendly.

If you’re looking for a professional touch, Cloud Booth offers premium photo booth and photography services, ensuring high-quality prints and a seamless experience. Get in touch with us to bring your Earth Hour event to life!