Plastic bottles have numerous applications, however, several of them are disposed of at dumping sites daily. As concerns such as deforestation, land/sea contamination, and global warming continue to gain momentum, it’s crucial for individuals to contemplate ways to treat the environment with greater compassion. Instead of throwing away an empty Coke bottle carelessly, take a moment to ponder what Greta Thunberg would do. Continue reading to discover how individuals have taken the initiative to recycle their used plastic bottles.
Phone Charging Caddy
This clever and enjoyable do-it-yourself trick makes functionality more exciting! If you have concerns about your phone getting accidentally kicked, stepped on, or damaged while charging, then this charming charging organizer is the perfect solution. You’ll be surprised to know that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles.
All you need to do is to cut the plastic bottle into your preferred shape and then attach it to your charger. Additionally, you can personalize the design by adding ornaments or labels to complement the ambiance of your room.
Boujee Plant Pots
These plant containers could be an impressive present for a significant person. You can exhibit your upcycling talent by fastening the upper part of a discarded plastic water bottle onto a former CD, which can serve as a base to reinforce and bolster your plant holder.
It’s not just an eco-friendly option, but also an enjoyable way to display your beautiful plants. Additionally, you can save money on planters that are typically sold in stores such as Home Depot. What else could you ask for?
Plastic Bag Lids
This is a clever and innovative method to keep loose kitchen ingredients stored efficiently. Do you dislike it when your cereal becomes soft or when your rice and grains lose their freshness? These annoying issues can be prevented by utilizing these convenient sealable bags to store your food items.
To keep your food fresh for a longer period, simply put all your ingredients inside a plastic bag and loop the bag’s opening through a plastic ring. Afterward, you can affix the plastic cap of any bottle by screwing it onto the ring.
Plastic Toy Container
Every parent is familiar with the challenge of spending considerable time organizing their children’s room, only to have it turn chaotic again a few minutes later. The carpet is full of plastic toys, which makes it likely to stumble upon their beloved action figures.
It could be even more unpleasant to accidentally step on a small plastic Lego structure. However, you can adopt an eco-friendly solution by repurposing a water cooler refill bottle into a toy container. All you need to do is cut off the top part and seal the edges with some washi tape.
DIY Smartphone Speaker
It can be costly to purchase speakers for smartphones since many of them need either a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or WiFi. As a result, spending over $100 is not uncommon. This may seem like a significant cost to pay just to enjoy your favorite music on Spotify.
By crafting a speaker from a plastic bottle, you can minimize waste and save money. Utilize a pair of scissors to slice off the bottle’s top while preserving the cap. Then, pierce a hole in the cap, and your homemade speaker is complete.
Handy Sponge Holder
This clever trick using plastic bottles is quite impressive. You can reuse an old plastic bottle in numerous ways, but this particular one will especially appeal to those who like to keep things tidy. If you are someone who frequently washes dishes, you can simplify your life by fashioning a small sponge holder.
In addition, you can also pour water into the bottom of the container to ensure that your sponge remains damp enough to fulfill your cleaning requirements.
Plastic Finger Guards
This DIY finger guard, created from a plastic bottle, can safeguard your valuable fingers. As an enthusiastic cook who often slices and dices vegetables, among other ingredients, you may have experienced a painful cut. However, you don’t have to spend any money to get rid of this issue.
All you need to do is remove a portion from the upper area of a plastic bottle. Then, use adhesive or tape to attach it securely to a ring.
Cute Stationery Holders
If you are currently taking care of your kids’ education at home or working remotely, it’s likely that you have various writing tools, measuring instruments, and erasers scattered on every surface. You can utilize this simple trick using plastic bottles to cleverly organize your loose stationery and keep it in one place. Additionally, it can serve as an amusing and imaginative activity to engage any bored young ones.
All you need to do is to cut the top of a plastic bottle and make flaps to create the bunny ears. Add paint and googly eyes to complete the craft project.
Plastic Bottle Lanterns
Here is another useful idea for a do-it-yourself project using plastic bottles that could be a fun activity for homeschooling. You can make lovely lantern-like ornaments by cutting plastic bottles and leaving an opening at the top or bottom to insert a piece of string. Decorate your lanterns with pom-poms and color them in with paint or permanent markers.
One can make this a seasonal task by opting for a color scheme that complements Halloween or Christmas. This idea is not only enjoyable but also eco-friendly.
Plastic Bottle Greenhouse
A group of students in England’s school took the initiative to contribute to environmental sustainability by constructing a large greenhouse entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Although it took them some time, they persevered and completed the project. They now happily cultivate a wide range of plants and crops within it.
Reusing a collection of plastic bottles at home is a fantastic way to contribute to the ecosystem, and gardening has the natural benefit of purifying the air.
Mini Greenhouse Planters
In case you lack sufficient time or materials to build a large greenhouse, you can opt for creating smaller versions instead. This clever trick involves cutting plastic bottles such as Coke, Sprite or Pepsi bottles in half, and using each half as a protective cover to put on top of your plant pots.
This individual has utilized them to cultivate their preferred herbs, like basil, rosemary, parsley, and dill. Consequently, they have successfully established their own herb garden right on their window ledge. Such a pleasant notion!
DIY Sprinkler Hack
Those who have a strong interest in gardening may find this suggestion useful for repurposing plastic bottles. Instead of investing money into an costly sprinkler network, you can make your own by utilizing the plastic bottles that are already present in your home. By cutting a hole in the bottle and discarding the cap, you can affix it to your traditional hose.
Within a few minutes, you’ll have a functional sprinkler that will help your plants and grass flourish and appear healthy and refreshed.
Plastic Bottle Mudguard Trick
If you are a dedicated mountain biker, it is advisable to own a bike with fenders. In case you cannot afford a bike equipped with mudguards, you can improvise using plastic bottles. This way, your bike remains safeguarded from dirt, mud, and water splashes on the track.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a fancy and expensive road bike with hidden places to mount mudguards or stylish, lightweight fenders. Simply create your own!
No More Expensive Lenses
Photography enthusiasts often invest in top-quality equipment in order to enhance their portfolio and improve their abilities. Nevertheless, camera gear, particularly lenses, can carry a hefty price tag. For those who are simply looking to experiment and enjoy photography without any professional aspirations, it may be worthwhile to explore the option of creating a DIY macro lens for your DSLR using a plastic bottle.
By utilizing this strategy, you can test out various types of shots at a lower expense and also contribute to environmental conservation efforts. It’s a triple win scenario!
Plastic Bottle Faucet Extender
As a parent of a toddler, you are aware of the challenge of convincing them to wash their hands. Due to their small size, it’s often impossible for them to turn on the faucet without your assistance as a loving parent.
You have the option of buying faucet extenders that are created to direct the flow of water towards you. Alternatively, you could save money and decrease unnecessary consumption by fashioning your own extender from a plastic bottle.
How Do You Like Your Eggs?
It can be quite inconvenient when you’re cooking and the recipe requires you to separate egg yolks and whites, especially if you don’t have an egg separator tool. This process is time-consuming and can be difficult to execute smoothly, which can be frustrating, particularly if you’re in the middle of baking or preparing a meal.
Alas, the humble plastic bottle saves the day yet again. Simply place an empty bottle on the yolk and squeeze!
DIY Shovel Fun
Heading to the beach with your family? Don’t bother spending money on those plastic buckets and shovels that you will inevitably leave behind or keep in the garage for years. If you have a plastic milk or juice container in your fridge, you can simply cut around the handle to create your very own shovel.
Kids will have hours of fun scooping up sand with this baby! Or, you could use it in the yard if you’re a keen gardener!
Smartphone Holder for Cyclists
If you’re an avid cyclist, then you’re no stranger to the struggles of wanting to take your phone on a bike ride. You may want to track your speed and distance or maybe you want to listen to music while riding. You can buy various devices that attach your phone to your handlebars, but that won’t protect it against the elements.
However, you can keep your precious phone safe and dry by making a cover out of a plastic bottle.
Row Your Boat
Sometimes you just want to sail away from life’s troubles and land on your own private tropical island à la Kim Kardashian’s 40th birthday celebration. What would you say if we told you that you could make your very own sailboat out of plastic bottles?
We can’t guarantee how safe this would be, but at least it would make a cool backyard decoration if your sea expedition doesn’t work out. Plus, it would be another fun project to occupy kids!
Perfect Pencil Case
Autumn marks the beginning of the new school year. Even though most children and teens aren’t returning to the classroom as normal, they will still need to get some new stationery for their classes. Instead of buying the same old pencil case as everyone else, why not make your own?
You can fashion one out of an old plastic bottle, cutting it in half and attaching a zipper. Help the planet by reusing your bottles instead of throwing them away.
Remember to Floss
Oral hygiene is a big deal, you guys. We know that going to the dentist is a total drag. You have to deal with a complete stranger poking around in your mouth, pesky injections numbing your face, and washing your mouth out with that weird pink stuff.
It’s important to take care of your teeth, brushing those pearly whites at least twice a day. Why don’t you make these cute little toothbrush holders out of your old plastic bottles?
Amazing Elephant Sculpture
Not every plastic bottle hack is practical and productive. If you happen to have hoarded hundreds of plastic bottles in uniform colors and sizes, you could make this amazing elephant sculpture. Why, you ask? Well, elephants are cool. And reusing and recycling plastic is so important for the future of the environment.
It means less need to manufacture new bottles from virgin petroleum resin, and less trash that ends up in landfills, streams, and parks. It can significantly reduce pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy usage.
It’s All About the Accessories
This has to be one of the cutest plastic bottle hacks that we have seen so far. Young girls will love this DIY, as they will get to create their very own tiny handbags. If you want to relive your childhood and channel 2001 Paris Hilton, check this out.
You will need plenty of plastic bottles to deconstruct, alongside a hot glue gun and some pretty, brightly colored beads and sequins. But, it’s worth the effort for a cute accessory!
Glitz and Glamor
It’s hard to believe that this beautiful, decorative jewelry holder is made out of plastic bottles. It’s a practical yet stylish DIY hack to show off all of your favorite jewelry pieces — from sparkly pendant necklaces to dainty, dangly earrings.
You could even make this jewelry holder for family or friends as a cheap and creative Christmas gift! And you won’t be contributing to the rampant consumerism of the festive season by supporting those big multi-million dollar companies like Amazon.
Cherry Blossom Stamp
The perfect addition to any arts and crafts corner, this is one DIY hack that kids and adults will love. It involves zero cutting, gluing, assembling, filing, melting, or deconstruction of any kind. You simply grab your plastic bottle and dip the bottom into some paint.
And voilà! You immediately have a beautiful and fully functional flower stamp. Children and the young at heart will love creating works of art with this nifty piece of kit. And it’s super cheap!
Plastic Bottle Parking Cover
Plastic bottles are super durable and long-lasting. Did you know that it can take up to 1,000 years for these items that we use every day to decompose in landfills? This council decided to combat this problem by using local donations of plastic bottles to create a shelter for this car park.
It may not be a DIY hack that you can simply knock together at home, but it’s still a creative and innovative way of recycling old plastic bottles.
Christmas Tree Hack
The festive season is full of cheer. However, one downside of Christmas time is the amount of waste created by excess packaging and decorations, many of which are made from cheap plastic materials that cannot be recycled. So, instead of heading to the dollar store and buying hundreds of tacky decorations for your home, why not get creative?
This mini Christmas tree standee is made from plastic bottles. So, you’re saving the planet and celebrating the happiest time of year!
Adorable Hanging Planters
You would not believe that these cute hanging planters are created from leftover plastic bottles. They look like they were taken straight from Pinterest or bought from one of those artsy sites, like Etsy.
Simply cut the top from your plastic bottle, create your desired shape, and use paint or markers to draw on your very own designs. Remember to cut holes for the string to hang your favorite plants in. Why not make these for friends or family members?
Plastic Coin Purse
This one could also definitely work as a Christmas gift for those eco-friendly people in your life. They will definitely appreciate the gesture of a handmade present, and they will love the fact that it was made from recycled plastic bottles. You can create a pretty cute looking coin purse by cutting a plastic bottle in half and attaching a zipper.
You get bonus craft points if you take the time to attach pom-poms, lace, gems, sequins, and other decorations.
Build Your Own Jet Pack
Who knew that you could create a jetpack from reused plastic bottles. Okay, maybe it won’t be functional, but kids will love running around with their very own jetpack strapped to their backs. It would make an excellent outfit for Halloween or a costume party.
Plus, making your kid a jetpack would definitely make you the coolest parent in town. Simply spray paint the bottles a silver or gray tone, attach some straps, and make some flames made of tissue paper or felt.
Cheap and Easy Chandelier
Sia would be proud of this chandelier. Not only is it pretty cool, but it’s also environmentally friendly, as it’s made from — you guessed it — plastic bottles. This would be another fun craft activity for those who are bored in quarantine, as it involves cutting shapes from the bottles and threading them through some heavy duty string or twine.
Follow fire safety guidelines and make sure it’s not touching any bulbs or areas that are likely to heat up.
Pen and Pencil Organizers
This one is for all of the teachers, homeschooling parents, and classroom assistants out there. You’re all well acquainted with the struggle of asking young kids or toddlers to stop making a mess and mixing the craft supplies.
We bet you didn’t know, though, that you could make your very own stationery organizers at a low cost. Just cut open some plastic milk or juice containers, as they make the perfect pen and pencil sorters. It’s super easy.
Chic Shower Curtain
Don’t bother spending lots of money on a shower curtain which is probably going to consist of a cheap sheet of plastic. You can get creative by making your own out of plastic bottles. This hack looks very impressive and probably took a lot of time and effort.
But hey, if 2020 isn’t the year for embarking on time-consuming and frivolous personal projects, then we don’t know what is. So, get your supplies ready, and get ready to craft.
Bottle Cap Mosaic
This bottle cap mosaic is a unique and beautiful way to transform any boring, blank wall. It prevents these pieces of plastic from piling up in landfill sites, and it also looks incredibly striking. You can get creative and construct any kind of image.
This person decided to go for an intricate blue and green design to adorn the side of their house! That’s a big commitment, but at least it’ll make their home stand out from the crowd.
DIY Bird Feeder
How nice would it be to look out your window and see a beautiful bird feeder that you crafted with your very own hands? Not only are you reusing and recycling plastic bottles, but you are helping sustain the ecosystem in your local area. This bird feeder is easy to make.
All you need to do is cut some holes in the side of a plastic bottle to create a perch, and fill it up with seeds. Birdwatchers, take notes!
Floral Napkin Ring
These napkin rings would spruce up any table setting. And you will get some brownie points from your dinner party pals for repurposing old plastic bottles rather than buying new materials.
Imagine how smug you would feel while telling your friends that you made these! They look elegant and could even be used as a prom corsage for all of those eco-activist teens out there. You could make a batch of these for the festive season. Secret Santa, anyone?
Protect Your Cacti
It’s pretty trendy nowadays to have a cute cactus adorning your window sill. You can certainly grow and care for them indoors, but you need to provide them with the optimum conditions. They require constant exposure to light, so position them at a window where they get direct sunlight for most of the day.
If you live in a cooler climate, you can create these mini greenhouse-style covers to ensure that they are staying warm and still receiving sunshine.
Handy Kitchen Containers
Sometimes, simplicity is just the way to go. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when coming up with upcycling ideas for your old plastic bottles. If you ensure that the lids are firmly resealable, you can simply use your old plastic bottles as storage for loose kitchen ingredients.
These are also handy as they double up as dispensers for your chocolate chips, herbs, spices, nuts, and grains. You name it — you can store it in a plastic bottle. How neat is that?
Heavy Duty Planters
If you don’t fancy taking a trip to Home Depot, but you need somewhere to grow your large plants and produce — fear not. You can create durable and strong planters by simply cutting and hollowing out some water cooler refill bottles.
They’re the perfect size, especially if they have a smooth, flat edge. You can lay them on their side, fill them with soil, and use them for all of your gardening needs. Share this tip with your gardener pals!
Cute Mini Bottles
It may seem entirely pointless to turn your old plastic bottle into what is essentially just a smaller bottle. But, this little DIY apple trick would work really well in handmade presents. Imagine gifting this to your child’s teacher, alongside a fun little note?
Imagine, “Roses are red, apples are too. I can’t wait to spend the school year with you!” Who wouldn’t smile at such a sweet and thoughtful handmade gift? It seems like a real winner to us.
Plastic Pig Toys
It’s a well-known fact that kids love farm animals. It’s an unwritten rule that you have to teach your kids how to replicate animal noises before they can even talk. If you have any pig lovers in your household, then they’ll love trying out this charming DIY craft idea.
Who knew you could create a pig from old plastic bottles, some glue, and paper? The googly eyes really bring the entire piece together. It’s such an adorable idea!
Wall Mounted Planters
These wall mounted planters made from plastic bottles are both functional and visually striking. All you need to do is cut and hollow out an old plastic bottle before attaching it to a wall using command strips, super glue, or a small shelf.
Then, you just need to fill it with some damp soil and there you have it. A super cool and unique way to decorate any outdoor or indoor space. You can grow any small plants, flowers, or herbs.
Outdoor Wall Mosaic
This outdoor wall mosaic has a lot of meaning behind it. The installation, titled ‘When the Beach Met the Bay’ was made from 25,000 plastic bottle caps that were washed up when Hurricane Sandy submerged most of Long Beach’s homes in four feet of water.
It’s a striking tribute to a community that had to rebuild following a tragedy, and it also prevents the bottlecaps from entering the local waterways and causing pollution. What a beautiful piece of art.
Funky Flower Decoration
This is another plastic bottle DIY activity that will keep the kids occupied during difficult times at home. This fun flower craft is simple, easy, and only requires a handful of supplies.
You will need a plastic bottle plus its cap, alongside some paper, cardboard, glue, and other decorative pieces — such as markers, stickers, and paints. Don’t forget to collect some small rocks and use a rod (i.e. a straw) of some kind to hold up the flower and act as a stem.
Upcycled Lamp Shade
This funky white lampshade looks like it was taken straight from one of the model interiors of IKEA. It’s bold, visually striking, and of course, helps the environment since it’s made from hundreds of plastic bottles. You simply cut the bottles in half and use the bottom sections to create a bubble effect.
Why buy an expensive lampshade that plenty of other people have, when you can make your very own repurposed one? We know which option we would select.
