Alexei Volkov
Plastic waste is a huge problem, with most plastic items being designed for single use only. However, there are many ways to reuse empty plastic containers, helping to reduce waste and get creative. It's important to note that not all plastics are safe for reuse, especially when in contact with food, so it's crucial to check the number of the plastic and avoid reusing plastics with numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7. Now, let's explore some innovative ways to give empty plastic containers a new lease of life.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse for food storage | Storing leftovers, sauces, dressings, beverages, rice, etc. |
| Reuse for junk drawers | Storing small items like thumbtacks, paper clips, rubber bands, etc. |
| Reuse for arts and crafts | Making a Halloween decoration, snowflakes, a jetpack for a toddler's Halloween costume, etc. |
| Reuse for gardening | Using as a planter, creating a self-watering system for plants, making a watering can, making a bird feeder, propagating plants, etc. |
| Reuse for cleaning | Storing DIY cleaning products, using as a pencil case, using for paint touch-ups, etc. |
| Reuse for organising | Using as a first aid kit, storing mail, etc. |
| Reuse for food preparation | Separating egg yolks |
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What You'll Learn
Use plastic containers for food storage
Plastic containers are useful for storing food in the fridge or packing lunches for commutes. They can also be used to store leftovers in the freezer, but only if they are designed for freezing. Containers with a recycling code number of "one" are intended for single use, so avoid reusing these plastics. Instead, transfer your food to containers designed for storing or reheating meals.
When using plastic containers for food storage, it is important to follow some safety guidelines. Firstly, only use containers that are specifically manufactured for food storage. Food-grade plastic containers will not transfer non-food chemicals into the food, whereas non-food-grade plastic containers may contaminate it. Check the container for a dishwasher-safe label if you intend to wash it in the dishwasher, otherwise, wash it by hand. Ensure that the grooves around the openings are clean to prevent pathogens from contaminating the food.
It is also important to regularly inspect your plastic containers for any signs of wear and tear. If a container has a lid that no longer seals well, or if it has scratches, cracks, or misshapen areas, it should be discarded. Additionally, if washing does not remove odours from the container, it is best to discard it.
Some plastic containers are designed for single use only and may degrade with repeated washing and reusing. Check the number of the plastic to determine if it is safe for reuse; if it is #2, #4, or #5, it is generally considered safe to reuse. However, avoid using any plastics in close contact with food if they have an expiration date that has passed. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, so be cautious when exposing containers to heat.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of using plastic containers for food storage, there are reusable alternatives available. Glass or stainless steel containers are suitable for storing both cold and hot foods. Some glass containers feature silicone lids that suction closed, providing a leak-proof option for transporting food.
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Create a self-watering system for plants
Plastic bottles can be reused to create a self-watering system for plants. Here are a few ways to do this:
Self-Watering Plant Bulbs
Wash and dry empty plastic bottles and use them to create self-watering plant bulbs. Start by poking holes in the bottle cap with a nail. You can heat the nail over a flame to make this step easier. Next, fill the bottle with water and add fertilizer or other nutrients if desired. Screw the cap back on and place the bottle cap-side down into the soil of your plant. If you are using a glass bottle, you can skip the cap and simply bury the neck of the bottle towards the roots of the plant. If the bottle drains too quickly, you can add a cork or cap with a hole to control the flow of water.
Drip Irrigation System
This method is suitable for plants that require frequent watering. Start by cleaning a plastic bottle and removing any labels. Poke holes in the bottom and sides of the bottle, focusing on the bottom two-thirds. The more holes you make, the faster the water will flow. Dig a hole next to the plant and insert the bottle so that it is two-thirds underground. Gently pat the soil around the bottle, leaving at least one inch of the bottle neck exposed to prevent soil from getting into the water. Fill the bottle with water and watch your plants thrive!
Self-Watering Planter
Convert a plastic container into a self-watering planter by creating a hidden water chamber at the bottom. Use a sturdy, perforated plastic item such as an empty drink bottle or cup to create a water reservoir. The reservoir should be able to hold a decent amount of water while supporting the weight of the potting mix and plant above it. Through a process called wicking, moisture is drawn up from the reservoir to the potting mix above. This method saves time and ensures your plants receive the right amount of moisture.
Alternative Methods
For an even simpler approach, try using terracotta spikes. Soak the spikes in water and push them into the soil of your plant. Then, fill a plastic bottle with water and tip it into the spike. Alternatively, you can cut the bottom of a plastic bottle and place it in the ground near your plants for easy refilling.
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Make a first aid kit
You can make a first aid kit using empty plastic containers. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Materials and Tools:
- 2 empty plastic fabric softener bottles
- 1 empty 15oz pull-top food/soup can
- Hot glue and hot glue gun
- Razor blade
- Heat gun
- Flat screwdriver
- Marker (optional)
- Printable shipping labels (optional)
- Self-adhesive (non-heat) laminating sheet (optional)
- Label maker (optional)
Steps to Make the Container:
Step 1: Prepare the Bottles and Can
Remove any bulky cardboard boxes and organise your supplies according to size and type. You will need two bottom sections from your softener bottles, two thread rings, two caps, and an empty soup can.
Step 2: Assemble the Containers
Hot glue the plastic screw cap ring onto the top of the soup can. Decorate the container as desired, such as painting it black.
Step 3: Heat and Reform the Plastic
Using a heat gun, heat the sidewalls of one of the bottle bottoms (the top section) evenly on both the inside and outside. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the plastic to buckle and become unusable.
Step 4: Join the Sections
While the plastic is still hot, slip the heated piece over the bottom section, which has been stuffed with another empty can and washcloths to prevent collapse. The two pieces should fit together snugly without forcing them.
Step 5: Finalise the Container
If the top section seems too tight, heat it again and try fitting it over the bottom section's opposite side. The finished product should be a basic slip-fit container.
First Aid Kit Contents:
Once your container is ready, you can assemble your first aid kit. Essential items include:
- Alcohol wipes/pads for cleaning wounds and preventing infections
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Sting relief wipes
- Butterfly closures for small lacerations
- First aid ointment (e.g., Neosporin) for minor cuts, wounds, burns, and infections
- Elastic bandage for muscle sprains and strains
- Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and skin irritations
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Hand sanitiser
- Iodine
- Disposable gloves
- Instant cold compresses
- Ziplock bags for medical waste disposal
Additionally, consider adding personal items such as prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and emergency contact information. Don't forget to create a list of items included in your kit and check it regularly to replace any used or expired contents.
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Use containers for crafting and organising
Plastic containers can be used for crafting and organising in a variety of ways. Firstly, they can be used to store and organise craft supplies. For example, plastic fruit containers, such as those used for strawberries, can be used to store and organise ribbons, threads, and yarn. The holes in these containers allow for easy dispensing, making them ideal for crafting. Similarly, larger plastic containers can be used to store small items such as Lego, small toys, craft supplies, and brushes.
Plastic containers can also be decorated and transformed into new items. For example, a plastic container can be decorated with pages from an old book using a paper mâché technique. First, the labels and writing on the container should be removed using a sharp tool, a gel product like "Goo Gone", and acetone. Then, the paper mâché technique can be applied by ripping pages from an old book into small pieces and using a brush to apply Mod Podge to the container and the paper scraps. The inside and outside of the container can be covered, and the paper can be overlapped and smoothed over with more Mod Podge.
Additionally, plastic containers can be upcycled into new items for crafting and organising. For example, plastic bottles can be cut and glued together to create a pencil case for children's craft supplies. Similarly, plastic containers can be transformed into planters, piggy banks, or storage containers for items such as MP3 players and sewing accessories.
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Make a bird feeder
Plastic containers can be reused to make bird feeders. This is a fun craft project that can be completed in under an hour. It is also a great way to teach kids about reducing, reusing, and recycling. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a bird feeder from a plastic container:
First, select a clean plastic container. You can use a variety of containers, such as plastic bottles, milk cartons, juice jugs, or soda bottles. Remove any labels and wash and dry the container.
Next, use a box cutter, scissors, or a utility knife to cut out holes in the container. Cut out equally-sized "windows" on three sides of the carton, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space from the bottom. Make sure to leave the bottom 1 inch uncut. You can also cut a circle of plastic on one side of the feeder, about 1 inch in diameter, and 0.5 to 1 inch above the bottom. This will serve as the feeding hole.
Then, poke two holes near the lid of the container. You can also poke a hole directly beneath the feeding hole and feed a skewer through it to create a perch for the birds. Secure the skewer in place with glue.
Now, you can decorate your bird feeder with paint. Let the paint dry before proceeding to the next step.
After the paint has dried, fill the bottom of the bird feeder with birdseed. You can use a funnel to fill the bottle, and you can choose from a variety of seeds such as sunflower seeds, millet, or small seeds that will attract different types of birds.
Finally, hang your bird feeder outside. You can use craft wire or heavy string to hang it from a tree, a roof overhang, or a dedicated bird feeder hook. Remember to keep the feeder filled, as birds will come to depend on it as a food source. Enjoy watching your feathered friends enjoy their new feeder!
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