50 Cool And Interesting Photos That Show How Time Affects Things (New Pics)

Thinking about the unstoppable flow of time and how it changes everything in its path can be unsettling. People have no choice but to growold, and non-living things get worn down just the same. However, there’s a lot ofbeautyin being able to stand the test of time and having many stories to tell afterward.To remind us what time is capable of,Bored Pandacompiled a list of things that got graciously worn down over the years. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that got the best transformation.While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with environmental educator and blogger atZero Waste Cutie, Elizabeth Teo, who kindly agreed to share a few tips on how we can make our belongings last longer.This post may includeaffiliate links.

To remind us what time is capable of,Bored Pandacompiled a list of things that got graciously worn down over the years. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that got the best transformation.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with environmental educator and blogger atZero Waste Cutie, Elizabeth Teo, who kindly agreed to share a few tips on how we can make our belongings last longer.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Workers in yellow suits cleaning a worn-down building facade, illustrating effects of time.

Worn-down statue of a dog at a well, showing the effects of time on its once shiny surface.

Worn-down stone steps carved into rock, illustrating the effects of time and erosion.

Environmental educator and blogger atZero Waste Cutie, Elizabeth Teo, tells us that she started her journey toward a more sustainable way of living after she realized how much waste she was producing and how little was being recycled.

Worn-down wooden chair leg beside two dog bowls, illustrating effects of time.

I had this bear my whole life, he was my best friend for a very long time. He got loved and very abused. I searched for one good as new to give it to my child one day!

Two teddy bears side by side; one worn-down by time, the other new and plush.

Worn-down clipboard showing effects of time, with faded surface and visible wear, illustrating how time works.

“It was overwhelming to think about the impact, not just on the planet but on future generations. The more I learned about environmental issues, the more I realized how small changes in my daily habits could make a huge difference. So, I decided to shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle, one step at a time—focusing on reducing waste, reusing items, and making conscious choices about what I buy and how I consume.”

Worn-down brick structure on a rocky beach, illustrating the effects of time on man-made objects.

Eroded rock formation by the sea, showing the effects of time on natural structures.

A worn-down brick church being repaired with a blue lift under a clear sky.

With a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, Elizabeth blends her academic knowledge and professional experience in environmental nonprofits to raise awareness and offer practical solutions to environmental challenges people often face, like fast fashion, waste management, and climate change, focusing on various social implications.

The amount of time this dog has leaned out their window…

A dog hanging out of a car window has worn down the red paint around it, illustrating how time works.

Worn-down knife with a yellowed handle, illustrating the effects of time.

These bells have been hanging on this door since 2011 and their dogs ring them to go outside.

Worn-down door with paint chipped off, displaying signs of aging over time, with hanging bells on a rope.

Worn-down ping pong table with faded blue surface illustrating the effects of time.

Worn-down stone stairs show the effects of time and frequent use, illustrating how time works through gradual erosion.

Worn-down floor spot in a convenience store shows how time affects surfaces.

“Regular maintenance is key,” Elizabeth noted, “whether it’s cleaning things properly, repairing them when needed, or storing them in ways that prevent wear and tear. For example, wash clothes in cold water, patch up small holes in clothing before they get worse, and regularly oil wooden furniture to keep it from drying out. When you love and care for your belongings, they last much longer and often work better!”

Worn-down utility pole covered in old, rusted nails, illustrating the passage of time.

Worn-down stone steps revealing erosion over time, illustrating the effects of prolonged use and natural wear.

Worn-down concrete block in the sand, illustrating the effects of time.

When it comes to fixing, mending, reusing, or repurposing things that might’ve been worn over time, Elizabeth advises to embrace your inner DIYer. “There are so many simple fixes that can breathe new life into worn items. If clothes are getting frayed or torn, learn to sew (take a class or ask a friend—my brother is so skilled at this!). Patching up holes or adding fabric patches can make them look unique and stylish. Old jars can become planters, and fabric scraps can be transformed into quilts, bags, or even reusable gift wrap.”

A twisted, worn-down wooden post in a grassy field illustrating the effects of time.

Worn-down stone surface illustrating the effects of time, with visible indentations and weathering.

Takayama Japan, not sure who this water spirit is but he seems to get a lot of tummy rubs.

Hand touching a worn-down statue with a shiny belly, illustrating how time affects objects.

“For things like furniture, a fresh coat of paint or new hardware can make them look brand new,” she added. “The key is to get creative and see the potential in what others might discard. A little effort can turn something old into something functional and beautiful again!”

Worn-down concrete path showing erosion and exposed gravel, illustrating how time works on surfaces.

Worn-down wooden railing showing effects of time over water.

Worn-down basketball showing the effects of time and use on a textured outdoor surface.

For more ideas that can help us live more sustainably, make sure to check out our previous article onsmall ways we can help our environmentor this piece onzero waste tips and tricksthat might inspire you to produce less waste.

Worn-down blue bollard with peeling paint, illustrating the effects of time and weather.

Worn-down parking lot with visible faded tire marks, showcasing the passage of time in an urban environment.

Trees bending towards a building, illustrating effects of time on growth in an urban setting.

Worn-down tiles with visible wear patterns illustrating the passage of time.

Worn-down floor showing a ring pattern around a salon chair, illustrating the passage of time.

it shows the frequency that each weight is used!

Worn-down weight stack with visible rust, illustrating effects of time.

Worn-down stone steps in front of a brick house entrance, illustrating how time affects surfaces.

Worn-down path in grass showing the passage of time in an urban setting with buildings and pedestrian signs.

Worn-down blue train seats with visible fabric deterioration showing the effects of time.

I don’t even know what’s happened here, but it looked gross, I love it.

Rusty, worn-down metal sign shaped by time, surrounded by trees and foliage.

Worn-down door with layers of paint showing the effects of time.

Worn-down Batman logo door handle inside a comic book store, illustrating time’s impact on objects.

Two scoops on a marble surface, one worn-down and dark, the other shiny and new, illustrating how time works.

Worn denim jeans with faded areas near the pocket, illustrating how time affects fabric.

Worn-down stop sign illustrating the passage of time, with street signs in the background at an intersection.

Two plush penguin keychains show signs of wear, illustrating the passage of time.

Worn-down floor tiles with visible paths of foot traffic in front of a row of vending machines.

Every thought, every time I exercised, every major event. Love this. GPT another for2025

Worn-down book alongside new one, illustrating how time affects objects.

Clearly this pool stick has been used a little too long

Billiard cue with worn-down tip on a green table, illustrating the effects of time.

A worn-down hammer with a textured metal handle, illustrating the effects of time and use, lying on a scratched workbench.

Why are we using plastic turf? It heats up to really high temperatures in the sun (especially dark colours like BLACK), it gives horrendous carpet burns, and it can’t be repaired. What happened to wood chips?

Worn-down swings with chains and frayed seats illustrate the passage of time in a park by the water.

Worn-down seats on concrete pillars at a transit station, illustrating the passage of time.

Worn-down door with metal latch and handle, showing passage of time through scratches and marks.

Had this on my keychain for a long time. The old one lost its last leg today, so it’s time to replace it. The new guy has been waiting in the drawer for years now.It’s interesting (at least to me) to see how not only the printing, but the material has worn off over time, for example on the helmet.

Two worn-down Iron Man keychains showing signs of wear over time.