Plastic pollution is a real problem for the planet. Twenty million metric tonnes of plastic are dumped into the environment every year. Whilst we are now more eco-conscious and aware of the issues that single-use plastics cause, we still have a way to go before we can start to undo the damage that plastics have already caused. With this in mind, I began to think about ways to avoid throwing plastic bottles into the recycle bin and give them a new lease of life. Here are some ways to reuse plastic bottles.
Garden Planter
Plastic bottles make free garden planters. Cut them in half, fill them with soil, and plant herbs or flowers. They’re perfect for windowsills or small urban gardens.
Travel Toiletries
Reuse small, clear plastic bottles as shampoo, conditioner, or lotion containers when travelling. They’re lightweight and convenient to carry.
Bird Feeder
Turn your old bottles into birdfeeders to treat your feathered friends. Cut a few holes near the bottom of a bottle, insert sticks for perches, and fill it with birdseed. Hang the feeder in your garden to attract local birds. For a more detailed bird feeder tutorial, visit The Scottish Wildlife Trust.
DIY Greenhouse
Cut the bottom off a large plastic bottle to create a mini cloche. Place it over delicate plants to protect them from the cold and prevent pests from eating them.
Eco-Bricks
Eco-bricks are a low-cost, planet-friendly way of turning old plastic bottles into building materials. Fill empty plastic bottles with non-recyclable plastic waste and compact it tightly. Avoid putting in anything biodegradable. These “bricks” can be used in various building projects, such as garden walls or outdoor furniture. A complete tutorial on eco-bricks can be found here.
Storage Containers
Plastic bottles with the tops cut off make great storage containers for virtually any small object. Use them to store craft supplies, buttons, nuts and bolts, pens, crayons, puzzle pieces or anything that doesn’t need to be kept covered.
Drip Irrigation System
Irrigate your plants by making a slow-drip irrigation system. Poke small holes in a bottle, bury it near the roots of your plants, and fill it with water. This helps keep plants hydrated with minimal effort.
Outdoor Broom
Cut your bottles into strips, and fasten them to a stick or broom handle to make a handy outdoor broom. Because the strips are durable, the broom is more robust than a traditional twig broom or beson. This bottle broom is excellent for sweeping patios or driveways.
Make A Vertical Herb Garden
Create a vertical garden by hanging multiple plastic bottles onto a wall or fence. Cut openings in the sides, fill the bottles with soil and plant your favourite herbs or flowers.
Self-Watering Planters
Cut a bottle in half, place the top half inverted into the bottom half, and fill it with soil and a plant. Add water to the bottom half, and the plant will absorb it as needed.
There are many ways to reuse plastic bottles, and I’m sure you can think of many more. In the comments, let us know your favourite way to reuse your bottles.
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