Plastic bottles are a double-edged sword. Convenient and ubiquitous, they also contribute significantly to environmental pollution. But before you toss that empty bottle in the trash, consider giving it a new lease on life!
Here’s a guide to five easy but creative ways to reuse your plastic bottles:
1. No-sew zipper cases
Looking for a handy way to store small items like earphones, chargers, or stationery? Look no further than your plastic bottle!
What you’ll need: Two plastic bottles, any old zipper.
- Cut and clean: Cut the two plastic bottles to per desired size. The bottom half of the bottles would form the lid and base.
- Zipper magic: Use a zipper from an old purse, jacket, or pencil case. Cut it to size and glue each end to the rims of the two bottles.
- Decorate: Personalise your case with paint, markers, or fabric scraps.
2. DIY bird feeders
Attract beautiful birds to your balcony or garden with a charming bird feeder made from a plastic bottle.
What you’ll need: a plastic bottle (with a cap), two sticks, and string.
- Prepare the bottle: Remove the cap and puncture several small holes at the base of the bottle. On the sides puncture two holes slightly above the base, opposite each other. You’ll need to puncture two more holes.
- Create a perching space: Push the stick through the two holes on the sides. Keep enough space on both sides for birds to be able to perch.
- Drill feeding holes: Use a knife or scissors to punch two more holes above the perching space. They should be slightly bigger, about an inch in diameter and will serve as feeding holes.
- Get ready for bird visits: Fill the bottle with birdfeed and close the cap. Hang the feeder outside and let the birds feast.
3. Mosaic masterpiece
Transform bottle caps into a vibrant mosaic artwork!
What you’ll need: Lots of bottle caps and glue.
- Collect and wash: Gather a variety of coloured plastic bottle caps and wash them thoroughly.
- Design time: Sketch a simple design on a piece of cardboard or wood. Arrange the bottle caps on the base according to your design.
- Glue and display: Once satisfied, use strong glue to secure the bottle caps in place. Let it dry completely.
4. DIY drip irrigation system
Conserve water and ensure your plants stay hydrated with a simple drip irrigation system made from a plastic bottle.
What you’ll need: one plastic bottle
- Prepare the bottle: Poke small holes throughout the lower half of a clean plastic bottle using a hot needle.
- Fill and bury: Fill the bottle with water and bury it upside down near the base of your plants. The water will slowly seep out through the holes, providing targeted irrigation.
5. Repurposed pet feeder
Give your pet a dedicated feeder by upcycling plastic bottles!
What you’ll need: Two plastic bottles
- Prepare the base: Cut a large hole on the side of one bottle, ensuring it’s slightly wider than the mouth of another bottle.
- Create the bowl: Cut the second bottle in half horizontally.
- Assemble the feeder: Place the bottom half of the second bottle (which will act as the food bowl) inside the first bottle.
- Secure and fill: Unscrew the lid of the bottle with the hole and place it on top to secure the feeder. Fill the bowl with pet food.
These are just a few ideas to get you started! With a little creativity, you can transform your plastic bottle pile into a treasure trove of useful and sustainable solutions.
Find 15 more such creative ideas here.
Edited by Khushi Arora
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