There’s a global movement against plastic if you haven’t noticed. There’ll be a post soon about why exactly plastic is nasty, so watch this space! In the meantime, here are 5 ways to upcycle one of the greatest plastic pollution culprits – plastic bottles. Have fun! If you do any of these, tag us on Instagram – we’d love to see your creations!
1. A self-sustaining terrarium
What you’ll need:
A plastic bottle
Soil
A plant of your choice
How to do it:
All you need to do is add it all together! For a more detailed method and some other variations, click here.
2. A drip irrigation system
What you’ll need:
A plastic bottle
A nail
A hammer
Water
How to do it:
Rinse out the bottle and its lid.
Place the lid on a flat surface. Be sure it’s a surface you won't mind getting damaged.
Hammer holes into the lid using the nail to pierce the lid. Adjust the size and number of holes based on how much water your plant needs.
Fill the bottle with water and screw on the lid.
Invert the bottle and bury the neck into the soil of the pot plant you wish to water.
Voila!
3. A funnel
What you’ll need:
A plastic bottle
Scissors
How to do it:
Cut the bottle in half. The top half can be used as a funnel.
That’s it. You have a funnel now. Enjoy.
4. A plant pot
What you’ll need:
The bottom half of the bottle you used above
Scissors
A hammer
A nail
How to do it:
Use the hammer and nail to poke drainage holes into the bottom of the bottle. Alternatively, place small pebbles in the bottom of the bottle.
Use scissors to cut a pretty shape into the rim of the bottom half of the bottle.
decorate the pot however you like with ribbons, stickers and stuff of that nature.
Put a plant and some soil in there and you’re done!
5. A bird feeder
What you’ll need:
A plastic bottle
Scissors
A hammer
A nail
Wooden spoons or chopsticks
A ribbon or string
Bird seed
How to do it:
Rinse out the bottle and let it dry.
Use a hammer and nail or a pin to put holes into the bottom of the bottle for drainage.
Use scissors to poke holes into the bottle so that you can insert a chopstick.
Repeat step 3 lower down on the bottle and at a 90 degree angle.
Cut small holes into the bottle about a thumb’s width above the chopsticks.
Make holes near the neck of the bottle and insert a ribbon or string through the holes.
Fill the bottle with bird seed and hang it wherever you like! This is a fantastic way to attract seed-eating birds if you’re trying to build your own ecosystem.
