50 million plastic bottles are thrown away each day in the United States. Plastic containers work their way into just about every aspect of our daily lives, from water bottles to laundry detergent, to how we squeeze out our honey. You’ll likely spot one of the 50 million if you do a simple scan of the room that you’re currently sitting in.
Our dependence on these materials makes recycling and reusing plastic bottles essential for the health of the planet. So, what can we do? Try some of our plastic bottle recycling ideas for a great way to minimize your environmental impact and even save money.
Useful Things Made From Recycled Materials
1. Create Recycled Plastic Bottle Supply Cups
Office building waste is one of the leading contributors to the rise of landfills. So, after guzzling down a cold soda to kick a 2 p.m. slump, don’t just toss the bottle when you’re finished. Reuse the plastic bottles to make cups for housing pens and supplies at the office, or craft supplies at home. Impress your co-workers and kids with your sustainable efforts.
2. Reuse Coffee Cream Containers for Snack Storage
Looking for a sustainable way to organize your kitchen counters? Repurpose old plastic containers to save space on snack storage. Bottles make pouring incredibly easy, allowing you to take all types of food on the road. Recycled coffee creamers can also be used to store sugar, salt and similar products.
3. Make a DIY Plastic Bottle Planter
Love cats, plants and sustainable living? Creating a cat planter is actually a way to reuse plastic. Spark your DIY spirit with a simple project that turns 2-liters into a useful and appealing indoor planter. Here are some simple step-by-step instructions for how to make a DIY plastic bottle planter:
- Cut the bottom third of a 2-liter bottle.
- Paint the bottle white or the color of your choice.
- Use parts of the rest of the bottle to cut out ears.
- Draw a face and other features on the bottle.
- Fill the bottle with seeds and soil.
4. Upcycle Laundry Detergent Bottles Into a Watering Can
Don’t pay for plastic watering cans. Another creative way to recycle plastic at home is to reuse your laundry detergent containers. Clean out your empty containers, drill or punch some holes in the cap and you’ve got yourself a new watering can. Feel free to remove the label so your neighbors don’t think you’re weird for pouring laundry detergent on your plants.
