Did you know that many plastic bottles can be reused over and over again? Whether you have some extra time on your hands or just want to be more environmentally conscious, these creative ways to recycle and reuse plastic bottles are just what you need to make the most of the items in your home or office. The next time you find yourself throwing away a plastic bottle, take a closer look at it before it goes into the trash. You might just find one of these eight creative ways to recycle and reuse plastic bottles to be better for You!
1) Material for DIYs
Don’t throw away those plastic bottles just yet. They might be good for something else! From making a DIY bug hotel to creating a bright bird feeder, there are tons of ways you can recycle plastic bottles around your home. Here are some fun ideas to get you started
2) Container for Storage
A plastic bottle that has a handle makes a great container for storing all kinds of things. You can use them to store almost anything from spices, food products, crafts or anything else you need. Try recycling old bottles by filling them with rice, beans or any other item you would like. These not only come in handy when storing items but they also make decorative items when they are empty and put back into their original form. You can also create your own little greenhouse by cutting holes on both sides of an empty bottle and use it as a mini planter for seeds or herbs that you want to start growing at home.
4) Bird Feeder
A simple plastic bottle can make a great bird feeder. Drill a hole in its bottom and top, then cut off its neck. Cut holes in its sides large enough for birds to crawl through. Fill it with seeds, hang it from a tree branch and watch as birds eat from it all day long! Plastic bottles also make excellent homes for frogs; just leave their top on (to provide shelter) or drill holes in it for ventilation. With a little paint, you can make your plastic bottle look like any kind of home you want—and show your green side at the same time! If you live near water, try filling your bottles with sand and attaching them to stakes or bricks so they don’t float away.
5) An Alternative Water Bottle
If you’re not going to buy a metal water bottle or canteen, recycle an old plastic bottle into a DIY alternative. Cut off any labels, then sand down rough edges (you can use 200-grit sandpaper) to make your bottle more comfortable in your hand. Add a few drops of paint at a time until you get the color hue you want. Shake it up so that each drop leaves an even pattern on your new water bottle. Be sure not to use too much paint at once; it will create bubbles and rough patches that won’t look pretty when dry.
6) Rain Collector
A plastic bottle with a hole punched in it placed in your downspout. The water from your gutters will flow into an attached container, effectively saving you money on water bills while supplying you with endless fresh drinking water. Just be sure to make sure your bottle has a sturdy lid so that it doesn’t fill up with dirt or debris over time. This may not seem like a lot of water—especially if you live in an area that gets hit by massive rainfall regularly—but if used correctly, rainwater can make all of the difference.
7) Watering Can (for plants)
Smaller plastic bottles make great watering cans for indoor plants. Choose a bottle with a skinny neck, which allows more water to flow at once. Cut off both ends of the bottle and drill small holes in one end of it; then you can use it as a watering can!