In a spectrum from left to right of reuse to recycle, plastics are hard left. They aren’t the greatest items to recycle, and plastic waste keeps increasing. In 2021, the percentage of plastic waste in the United States accounted for around 13.1%. Plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue in recent years, with devastating effects on marine life, wildlife, and human health.
One way to help reduce your plastic footprint is to reuse the plastics you already have. This doesn’t mean using them once and throwing them away it means finding creative ways to use them repeatedly. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use plastic bottles as plant pots: Poke holes in the bottom for drainage and fill with soil and plants of your choice. You can even decorate the bottles to add a personal touch.
- Turn plastic bottles into storage containers. Cut off the top of the bottle (leaving a wide opening) and use it to store everything from office supplies to craft materials.
- Make a plastic bird feeder: Cut a hole in the side of the bottle, insert a dowel rod or similar item for the birds to perch on, and fill it with birdseed.
- Create a piggy bank out of a plastic bottle: These are especially fun for kids to make and use. Simply cut a slot in the top of the bottle for coins to be inserted, then decorate the bottle however you like.
- Use plastic bottles as light diffusers: Cut off the bottom of the bottle, then place it over a small desk lamp or another light source to help diffuse the light. This is especially helpful if you work in a small space.
- Recycle plastic bottles into bowls: Cut the bottom off the bottle, then use a heat gun to melt the edges carefully. Once cooled, the bowl can be used for everything from holding fruit to serving cereal. While it might not score high points on the fancy scale, its full marks on the recycling scale.
- Make a plastic bottle planter: Cut the bottom off the bottle, then make drainage holes in the sides. Fill with soil and plants, then hang in a sunny spot.
- Use plastic bottles as ice packs: Fill with water, then freeze overnight. These can be used to keep food cold while picnicking or camping or to soothe aches and pains. Just wrap it in a towel before applying it to the skin.
- Create a recycling bin from a plastic bottle: Cut the top off the bottle, then place it upside down in a larger bin or container. This way, you can easily sort your recyclables without taking up too much space.
- Make a travel coffee mug out of a plastic bottle: Cut the bottom off the bottle, then screw on a lid with a built-in straw. This is perfect for taking coffee or other drinks on the go.
- Terrarium: A terrarium is a miniature garden in a bottle. To make one, start with a clean plastic bottle. Cut the top off, then add soil and plants. If you want, you can also add rocks, shells, or other decorations. Once complete, screw on the lid and place it in a sunny spot.
- Use plastic bottles as vases: Clean out the inside of the bottle, then add water and flowers. These make great centerpieces for tables or desks.
- Egg yolk sucker: You don’t always have to cut plastic bottles to recycle them. If you have trouble separating the yolk from your whites, you can use the bottom half of a plastic bottle as an egg yolk sucker. Simply place the bottle over the yolk, then squeeze. The suction will pull the yolk into the bottle, leaving the egg white behind.
- Use plastic bottles as paintbrushes: Cut the bottoms off of plastic bottles, then dip them in paint and brush away. These work great for kids’ art projects or painting in hard-to-reach places.
- Make a dispenser out of a plastic bottle: Whether you need to dispense soap in the bathroom or lotion in the kitchen, a plastic bottle can be repurposed as a dispenser. Just cut a hole in the top, then screw on a pump or pour spout.
- Use plastic bottles as candle holders: Cut the bottoms off of plastic bottles, then place a votive candle inside. These are perfect for outdoor parties or for adding ambiance to any room.
- Make a kid’s toy out of a plastic bottle: Fill a clean bottle with rice, beans, or other small items, then screw on the lid. This makes a great shakable rattle for babies or a fun noise-maker for older kids.
- Use plastic bottles as coasters: Cut the bottoms off of plastic bottles and use them to protect your furniture from water These can be decorated however you like or left plain.
- Use plastic bottles as plant markers: Write the names of your plants on the sides of plastic bottles, then stick them on the ground next to each one. This is a great way to keep track of what’s growing where.
There are many creative ways to recycle plastic bottles. From turning them into bowls and vases to using them as paintbrushes and plant markers, there are countless ways to give them new life. So next time you have an empty plastic bottle, don’t just throw it away – get creative and put it to good use.
Press Release Distributed by The Express Wire
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