While manmade plastics have greatly expanded technological and consumer goods, it is undeniable that society throw away too much plastic. For example, in just one year, Americans throw away 28 billion bottles and jars. While sending your recyclables to be properly processed is one way to fight this trend, finding ways to recycle plastic bottles at home can greatly improve the environment. Since it takes several litres of water to produce just one 1-liter bottle, reusing plastic we already have is an excellent habit to get into. Whether you are looking for greener ways to decorate your home and office, or just need some low-cost crafts, these functional and impressive uses for plastic bottles will get anyone excited.
Planters/Vertical Garden
One great way to repurpose plastic bottles is to create planters for your home or office. You can even combine many planters to make a garden.
Soap Bottle
A quick and easy way to recycle plastic bottles is to repurpose your bottle as a soap bottle. All you need is a twist-on soap dispenser spout and any empty bottle can be used this way.
Sink Extender
A helpful way to reuse plastic bottles if you have children is to extend a sink spout so little arms can reach the water. Another way to recycle these bottles without much more than scissors and creativity.
Baskets
Reused plastic bottles can also make effective baskets. These baskets can hold anything from school supplies, to knickknacks, or anything else that fits.
Cell Phone or Napkin Holder
Much like the plastic bottle baskets, a reused plastic bottle makes an excellent cell phone or napkin holder.
Kids’ Pencil Organizers
Similarly, cut up an old plastic bottle to make these kid-friendly pencil organizers. All you need are scissors, paint, plus a way to mount them, and your house will be greener and more organized.
Organizers For Everything Else
Another excellent way to make organizers for your bathroom, kitchen, or workbench is this method of making plastic bottle containers.
Leaf Lamp
Yet another delightful way to reuse plastic bottles that’s particularly effective at home is this simple yet attractive leaf lamp.
Magazine Holder
An outstanding way to repurpose large plastic jugs is this modern yet functional magazine holder.
Mailing Tube
Another way plastic bottles can be reused is by making a custom mailing tube. Another easy way to reuse bottles with few supplies.
Ribbon Dispenser
This creative ribbon dispenser is one more useful way to reuse plastic bottles, especially for craft or sewing rooms.
Piggie Bank
An unbeatable way to reuse bottles if you have children is this adorable piggy bank. Not only is this object functional, the design is simple enough that your child can help you finish it.
Decorative Containers
An exceptional way to reuse plastic bottles are these decorative containers. Fill with knickknacks, potpourri, or color-coordinated items for a decorative addition to your home or office.
Decorative Butterflies
Another superb way to recycle plastic bottles is these decorative butterflies. This is one craft that can be combined with others to make a bigger statement, but one that also stands alone just fine.
Chandelier
This inventive chandelier is another eye popping way to reuse plastic bottles around the home.
Spoon Lamp
Another impressive project for the home is this attractive spoon lamp. Both quick and useful, this impressive looking craft is one you will want to keep.
Bouquet Lamp
Similarly, this bouquet lamp is a functional and beautiful addition to any room.
Jewelry Stand
Another functional way to reuse plastic bottles is this helpful jewelry stand. A cheap yet attractive alternative to store bought jewelry containers.
Cute Planters
Plastic bottles also make adorable planters, ones that can be designed according to your preferences or decorating needs.
Jet Pack Costume
When looking to reuse larger plastic bottles don’t forget that costume items are also a wonderful option. These terrific jet packs are the perfect example.
Hanging Pencil Organizers
Much like the kid friendly pencil organizers, these hanging pencil holders are a simple and functional way to reuse larger plastic jugs.
Bird Feeder
By using plastic bottles to create a bird feeder — not only are you recycling, you’re directly supporting local nature as well.
Napkin Ring
These cute and useful napkin or wine bottle rings are an easy way to recycle and spruce up your next social party.
Hanging Chandelier
From designer Michelle Brand comes this hanging chandelier. An eco-friendly yet striking addition.
Bottle Cap Art
Using bottle caps to create murals or pieces of art are another ingenious way to reuse plastic bottles.
Plastic Christmas Tree
If you’re looking for holiday items on a budget, or just prefer to know you’re helping the environment, this plastic Christmas tree is an effective way to recycled plastic bottles.
Coin Purse
Much like the decorative holders you can make from plastic bottles, all you need is a zipper to turn this container into a coin purse.
Solar Lightbulb
Incredibly, plastic bottles can also be used as lightbulbs. All you need is a hole to the outside and a watertight seal. By defusing sunlight throughout a room, a plastic bottle can act as a lightbulb without any power.
Budget Ottoman
An unknown Internet user created this ingenious use for plastic bottles; it’s another way to spruce up your home for little or no cost.
Curtain
Finally, this plastic bottle curtain is a delightful and unique way to decorate a space.
Featured photo credit: Tony Webster via flickr.com
