Reduce, Reuse, Recycle : Creative Ideas on Reuse of Plastic

Refill with water or other beverages

Instead of buying new bottles of water or soda, you can reuse plastic bottles. Refill your plastic bottle with tap water or your favorite drink. This is an easy way to reduce waste and save money.

Turn into a planter

Cut off the top of the bottle and add soil and a small plant. You can decorate the outside of the bottle with paint or other materials to make it more visually appealing.

Bird feeder

Cut holes in the sides of the bottle and fill it with birdseed. Hang the bottle from a tree or other structure to attract birds to your yard.

Shampoo Bottles

Shampoo bottles can be reused in several ways. One of the easiest ways to reuse shampoo bottles is by using them as soap dispensers. Simply wash the bottle, remove the label, and fill it with liquid soap. Shampoo bottles can also be used as travel containers for toiletries and as storage containers for small items such as screws, nails, and buttons.

Upcycle Laundry Detergent Bottles

Laundry detergent bottles can also be upcycled into creative and useful items. One of the most creative ways to upcycle laundry detergent bottles is to turn them into a garden hose holder. Cut off the top portion of the bottle and thread the garden hose through the opening. The bottom portion of the bottle can be used as a drainage tray for potted plants.

Piggy bank

Cut a small hole in the top of the bottle and decorate the outside with paint or other materials. Use the bottle as a piggy bank to save loose change.

Storage container

Cut off the top of the bottle and use the bottom portion to store small items like pens, pencils, or craft supplies.

Funnel

Cut off the bottom of the bottle and use the top portion as a funnel for pouring liquids into containers.

Workout routines

Fill the bottle with sand or water and use it as a weight for workout routines.

Soap dispenser

Cut off the top of the bottle and add a pump to create a DIY soap dispenser.

DIY sprinkler

Poke small holes in the sides of the bottle and attach it to a garden hose to create a homemade sprinkler for watering plants.

Pet feeder

Cut off the top of the bottle and use the bottom portion as a scoop for pet food, laundry detergent, or other dry goods.

Creative toys

Add some rice or beans to the bottle and decorate the outside with paint or other materials to create a homemade toy.

Homemade candles

Cut the top off the bottle and use the bottom portion as a mould for making homemade candles or soap.

Garden fertilizer

Cut off the top of the bottle and use the bottom portion as a scoop for potting soil or garden fertilizer.

Pencil holder

Cut off the top of the bottle and decorate the outside with paint or other materials to create a pencil holder.

Hanging flowerpot

Cut holes in the sides of the bottle and add soil and a small plant to create a hanging flowerpot.

Food storage

Plastic containers can be reused to store leftovers, meal prep, and snacks. This not only saves money and reduces waste but also makes it easier to keep your fridge or pantry organized. When reusing plastic containers for food storage, make sure they are clean and free of any leftover food residue. You can also use containers with lids to keep the food fresh for longer.

Craft storage

Plastic containers can be repurposed as storage for crafting supplies like beads, buttons, and thread. They can be used to organize your craft room or be taken with you on the go for crafting on the move. When reusing plastic containers for craft storage, make sure they are clean and dry to avoid any moisture damage to your crafting supplies.

Planters

Plastic containers can be repurposed as planters for small plants and herbs. You can cut holes in the bottom for drainage and decorate the containers with paint or stickers to make them more attractive. When reusing plastic containers as planters, make sure they are cleaned and disinfected to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi.

Toy storage

Use plastic containers to store small toys like Lego pieces or action figures. This will help keep your child’s play area organized and prevent small toys from getting lost. When reusing plastic containers for toy storage, make sure they are clean and free of any sharp edges that could harm your child.

Laundry Detergent Containers

Laundry detergent containers can be reused in several ways. One of the most popular ways to reuse laundry detergent containers is by turning them into planters. Cut off the top portion of the container and add soil and plants. These containers can also be used as storage containers for craft supplies and as piggy banks for saving loose change.

Desk organization

Plastic containers can be used to organize desk supplies like pens, paper clips, and highlighters. You can stack them up to create a neat and organized desktop. When reusing plastic containers for desk organization, make sure they are clean and sturdy to avoid any accidental spills or damage to your office supplies.

Gift wrapping

Use plastic containers as unique and reusable gift wrapping for small gifts. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personalized touch to your gifts. When reusing plastic containers for gift wrapping, make sure they are clean and decorated with ribbons or bows to make them look more attractive.

Bathroom organization

Reuse plastic containers to organize bathroom items like cotton balls, Q-tips, and makeup brushes. You can store them on a shelf or in a drawer to keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free. When reusing plastic containers for bathroom organization, make sure they are clean and labelled to avoid confusion.

Composting

Small plastic containers can be used to collect kitchen scraps for composting. You can store them in your kitchen or garden and use them to collect food waste, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. When reusing plastic containers for composting, make sure they have a tight-fitting lid to prevent any smells or flies.

Travel containers

Use plastic containers to hold travel-sized toiletries or snacks on a trip. This makes it easier to pack and keeps your items organized while traveling. When reusing plastic containers for travel, make sure they are clean and the right size for your items.

DIY projects

Reuse plastic containers for various DIY projects, such as creating a bird feeder or a piggy bank. The possibilities are endless, and you can use your creativity to make unique and useful items from plastic containers. When reusing plastic containers for DIY projects, make sure they are clean and safe to use.

Glass Containers

Glass containers are a great alternative to plastic containers as they can be reused and recycled infinitely. Glass containers can be used as storage containers for food, craft supplies, and other items. They can also be upcycled into decorative items such as candle holders and vases.

Trash bags

Small plastic bags, such as those from grocery stores, can be repurposed as trash bags for small garbage cans in bathrooms or offices. This helps reduce the need to purchase and use larger trash bags.

Donate them

If you have excess plastic bags, consider donating them to a local thrift store or food bank. These organizations often use them to distribute items or store donations.

Pet waste

Plastic bags can be used to pick up after your pets on walks or in the backyard. This helps keep your neighbourhood clean and prevents waste from ending up in waterways.

Store items

Plastic bags can be used to store items such as clothing, shoes, or linens. This helps protect them from dust or moisture and keeps them organized.

Packaging materials

Plastic bags can be used as cushioning material when shipping fragile items or for padding inside a package. This can help protect items during transit.

Lunch bags

Plastic bags can be used to pack your lunch or snacks for work or school. This can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to purchasing a reusable lunchbox.

Organize items

Plastic bags can be used to organize small items such as craft supplies, hardware, or small toys. They can also be used to separate and organize items in a suitcase or travel bag.

Packing material

When moving or storing items, plastic bags can be used as packing material to protect fragile items from damage. They can also be used to separate and organize items in a box or container.

Donate to a recycling program

Many grocery stores and recycling centres have programs to recycle plastic bags. Collect and donate them to these programs to reduce plastic waste.

Use as drop cloth

Plastic bags can be used as a drop cloth for painting or other messy projects. This can help protect floors and furniture from spills or stains.

Plastic waste is a growing concern for the environment. One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is by recycling. Plastic waste can be recycled to make composite lumber, which can be used for making outdoor furniture and decking. It is important to separate the waste from other waste materials and dispose of them in recycling bins. Many communities have recycling centres that accept plastic waste, so check with your local waste management facility to find out how you can recycle plastic items in your area.

Plastic items that cannot be recycled can be repurposed and upcycled. For example, old plastic containers and laundry detergent bottles can be upcycled into planters and bird feeders. Plastic cups and bottles can be used as candle holders or as holders for small craft items.

Now that you’ve learned about some creative ways to reuse plastic, it’s time to take action and start implementing them in your daily life! Don’t let plastic waste continue to harm our planet and its inhabitants. Instead, take small steps towards a more sustainable future by reusing plastic whenever possible. So, gather your plastic items, get creative, and make a positive impact on the environment today. Join the movement to reduce plastic waste and create a better world for ourselves and future generations. Start reusing plastic now!