Buzz
Old soda bottles can make excellent self-watering systems for your garden. RaffMaster/ShutterstockKey Insights
- Repurposing plastic containers and bottles not only reduces waste but also sparks creativity, allowing you to create things like a self-watering system for your plants or a DIY watering can using an old milk jug.
- By creating small holes in the cap of a soda bottle and burying it upside down in the soil, you can ensure your plants stay hydrated for days.
- Punch holes in the lid of a milk jug to easily convert it into a functional watering can.
It’s no secret that plastic waste is overwhelming the planet. While many of us try to do our part by placing bottles, cups, and containers into recycling bins, most plastic labeled as recyclable rarely gets processed. In fact, it’s typically taken from the recycling bin and dumped into landfills. According to the World Economic Forum, only 14 percent of global plastic waste is recycled, and a mere 2 percent is repurposed into something truly useful.
Why does this occur? Essentially, old plastic is costly to collect and sort, and it tends to degrade after only one or two uses. The more recycled certain plastics are, the more harmful they become. On the other hand, producing new plastic is inexpensive and simple.
Instead of tossing plastic containers into the trash or recycling bin, try to find a new purpose for them. While they may eventually wear out, keeping them out of landfills for a few months or years still helps. Here are seven clever ways to repurpose those plastic containers.
1. Use for Storage
This might be the most straightforward use for an old plastic container, and different containers can serve various purposes:
- Reuse your old pill bottles to hold shampoo, conditioner, or lotion when traveling. These compact bottles save suitcase space and fit well within airport security size limits.
- Slim containers, like those that once held lemonade packets, are perfect for organizing pens, pencils, and markers on your desk.
- Use an old peanut butter jar to store leftover paint for quick touch-ups on your walls. It also takes up far less space in your basement or garage than a bulky paint can.
- Yogurt cups are perfect for organizing small items in your drawers, such as wine charms, tacks, hair ties, and coins. They also come in handy in the fridge to store easily misplaced items like garlic cloves.
2. Create a Pet Scooper
A simple way to feed your pet is to measure out their daily food portion, then pour it into an old plastic container. Mark the container at the food line. You can either scoop the food directly from the container to the marked line or cut the container at the food line to make a perfectly sized scoop.
To create a poop scooper for your dog, take an old laundry detergent bottle with a handle, cut off the bottom while leaving the handle intact. This large scooper also doubles as a beach bucket toy — but be sure to create separate scoops for each task!
3. Water Your Plants
If you're a frequent traveler, set up an irrigation system to let your plants water themselves. To irrigate a flower bed, start with a 2-liter (68-ounce) soda bottle. For a smaller plant, use an 8-ounce or 12-ounce (236- to 550-milliliter) bottle. Use a nail to punch a tiny hole in the cap. Fill the bottle with water and screw the cap back on. Bury the bottle upside down about 2 inches (5 centimeters) into the soil. This method will keep your plants hydrated for 2 to 3 days. You can experiment with different variations of this project, and more options can be found in the video below.
When you return, you can water the plants yourself using a homemade watering can. Clean out an old gallon (3.8-liter) milk jug, then use a hammer and nail to create small holes in the lid, along with an additional small hole in the handle (this allows air in, which improves water flow). Fill the jug with water, and you're all set. For any pint-sized helpers, you can make a smaller watering can using a quart-sized jug.
4. Reuse for Gift Packaging
Here are a few ways to repurpose those clamshell containers that are often found at grocery stores:
- Need an easy way to bring hors d'oeuvres to your neighbor’s gathering? Place them in one of those large, lidded containers that usually hold pre-cut fruit or veggies and dip.
- Line old lettuce containers with wax paper or foil to seal the vents, then fill them with holiday cookies for gifting to friends.
- If you're mailing fragile items, put them in a plastic container first, then place the container in a box cushioned with bubble wrap or shredded paper.
5. Store Leftovers or Lunch
Restaurant takeout containers are perfect for storing other types of food as well. Gus And/ShutterstockPlastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for saving leftovers. Examples include containers for whipped butter, frozen whipped topping, and takeout boxes from restaurants. They're also perfect for delivering meals to others, as you don't have to worry about getting your container back. Want to bring a sandwich to the airport without it getting squashed in your bag? Pop it in one of these containers.
6. Downsize Bulk Purchases
Buying in bulk can be cost-effective, but that 25-pound (11-kilogram) bag of rice might not fit in your cupboard. Instead, take a portion of the rice and store it in a plastic container for easy access in the kitchen. You can keep the rest in a closet or basement until you're ready for more.
7. Get Crafty
Reusing plastic containers in crafting offers endless possibilities. To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few ideas (click on the links for detailed instructions):
- Repurpose gallon milk jugs to create a fun Halloween decoration called Mr. Bottle Bones, a delightful skeleton. Every part of the milk jug is used to create this unique craft.
- Create festive snowflakes by cutting off the wavy bottoms from plastic bottles, and decorating them with silver, white, or blue paint pens. Punch a small hole for a hook or ribbon, and hang them up as part of your seasonal décor.
- Make a fun jet pack for a toddler's Halloween costume by painting a pair of 2-liter bottles silver (these represent fuel containers). Cut red and yellow foam into jagged shapes (representing flames), stuff the foam into the bottle openings, and attach the bottles to a stiff piece of cardboard with roping so the child can wear it like a backpack.
Not all plastic containers are safe for reuse. Be cautious about reheating leftovers in plastic takeout containers or refilling a "single-use" plastic water bottle. Bottles made from plastic No. 1 (commonly used for these bottles) may release DEHP (a known carcinogen) if the bottle is damaged or weakened. Plastic takeout containers and margarine tubs can leach harmful chemicals called "endocrine disruptors" into your food when exposed to heat.
