Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and while it's best to avoid purchasing it, it's not always possible. So, what can we do with those large plastic jugs instead of throwing them away? Well, there are plenty of options for reusing them, from making a bird feeder or a scoop for soil or pet food, to using them as weights, storage, or even as an exercise tool. You can also get creative and make some unique jewellery or a vase. Reusing plastic bottles and jugs is an excellent way to reduce waste and be kind to the planet, and it can also save you money!
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Make a bird feeder
Plastic waste is harmful to the environment if not recycled properly. Reusing plastic bottles is an effective way to do our part for the planet. One way to reuse large plastic jugs is to make a bird feeder. Here's how:
First, gather your materials. You will need a plastic jug, some string or wire, scissors, and birdseed. You will also need a marker, a craft knife, and a wooden dowel. Ensure that the plastic jug is clean and dry before starting.
Next, use the marker to draw large circles on the two flat sides of the jug, opposite the handle. Carefully cut out these circles with the scissors to create bird-sized holes. Take caution when cutting into plastic bottles, as sharp plastic edges can be dangerous for both humans and birds. Smooth out any jagged edges to prevent feathers from getting caught.
Then, use the craft knife to poke holes in the bottom of the jug for drainage. Poke additional holes on each side, above the larger holes. Thread the string or wire through the top holes to create a hanging mechanism. You can remove the bottom piece of plastic (initially sealed to the lid) to provide more room for the string.
Finally, decorate your bird feeder however you like. Fill it with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch, ensuring it is away from shadowy areas where cats may be lurking. Keep the feeder filled, and soon you will have feathered friends visiting your garden!
Making a bird feeder from a plastic jug is a fun and creative project, especially for kids. It is also a great way to attract local birds to your garden and provide them with a valuable food source.
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![[12 Pack] Half Gallon Jugs Bottles (64 oz) with Tamper Evident Caps – Great for Homemade Juices, Milk, Smoothies, Tea and Other Beverages - Food Grade BPA Free](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZXnD7bi5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Create a scoop
Creating a scoop from a large plastic jug is a simple and effective way to reuse plastic. This project is ideal for pet food, potting plants, rice, corn, or any other dry goods. You can use any handled plastic jug, such as a milk jug, vinegar jug, or bleach jug.
Firstly, thoroughly rinse the jug with hot water to stabilise the plastic and make it softer for cutting. You can also soak the jug in hot water and baking soda to remove any labels or residue. Next, use a marker to draw a cut line on the jug. The cut should be made at an angle, with the side opposite the handle being slightly longer, resembling a scoop. You can cut the bottom completely off and extend the cut up to 1-2 inches below the handle, curving around and back down.
After making the initial cut, use scissors or a utility knife to trim any sharp or rough edges. You can also sand these edges down to create a smooth finish. If you want to create a dustpan-style scoop, leave the handle intact. For a more traditional scoop, cut the handle shorter, or remove it completely.
Now you have a functional scoop, ready for use! This is a great way to upcycle plastic jugs and reduce waste. You can make multiple scoops for different purposes, such as one for the floor and another for dry goods. Enjoy your new, free scoops!
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Use as a funnel
Large plastic jugs can be reused in a variety of ways, one of which is as a funnel. Here are some ways you can use large plastic jugs as funnels:
Using the Entire Jug as a Funnel
You can cut off the top of a large plastic jug, keeping the handle intact, to create a funnel. This can be used for a variety of purposes, such as transferring paint into a gallon-sized plastic jug for mess-free pouring or as a scoop for handling potting soil, fertilizer, or pet food. To make the funnel more effective, you can draw the cut line with a marker first and then clean up any sharp or rough edges with scissors.
Using the Jug Handle as a Funnel
Another way to reuse a plastic jug as a funnel is to cut off the bottom few inches of the jug, leaving the handle intact. You can then use the handle as a disposable funnel. This is a quick and easy solution if you need a funnel in a pinch.
Using the Jug for Grilling
If you enjoy grilling, you can cut off the top of a large plastic jug and fill it with your grilling tools like forks, tongs, and sauce brushes. The handle on the jug makes it easy to carry your cooking tools wherever you need them. Once you're done, simply wash and dry the jug and store your grilling utensils inside for next time.
Using the Jug for Pest Control
Large plastic jugs can also be used to lure and capture stinging yard pests like hornets and wasps. Cut off the top of the jug and pour enough juice or soda to cover the bottom. Add a drop or two of dishwashing detergent to ensure the bugs drown once they hit the liquid. This is a great way to reuse plastic jugs while also keeping your yard pest-free.
By reusing large plastic jugs as funnels or for other purposes, you can reduce waste and find new, inventive uses for these items.
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Make a vase
Making a vase out of a large plastic jug is a fun way to reuse old materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own vase:
Firstly, choose a large plastic jug that is aesthetically pleasing and made of thicker plastic, as this will give you the best results. Remove any labels and residue from the surface of the jug. You can use lemon oil on a cotton ball to help peel away any sticky residue. For stubborn stains, soak the jug in hot water overnight.
Next, carefully cut off the top of the jug with scissors or a knife. Be very careful when cutting, keeping your fingers away from the blade and always cutting away from your body. Cut a straight line about 2 inches (5.1 cm) down from the top of the jug. You can then cut strips of equal width down the jug by moving the scissors about half an inch from the previous cut and making another identical cut. Continue this pattern until the whole perimeter is divided into plastic strips.
After that, you can decorate the jug as you desire. You can use spray paint or a paintbrush to add colour to your vase. You can also use other materials such as wool or felt to create unique designs.
Finally, to use your vase, place a few rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the jug to weigh it down, especially if you plan to display a large bouquet of flowers. Fill the jug with water and add your flowers.
There you have it! A simple and sustainable way to create a beautiful vase from a reused plastic jug.
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Use as a weight
Plastic jugs can be used as weights for a variety of purposes. One of the most common uses is for a swimming pool, where several plastic jugs can be filled with water or sand to weigh down the winter cover. This prevents the cover from blowing away in the wind and also provides additional weight to keep it in place. Similarly, plastic jugs can be used as weights to secure a tarp or sheet in your yard, holding it firmly in place.
Another use for plastic jugs as weights is for exercise purposes. Large plastic jugs can be filled with water to create affordable and effective weights for strength training. One gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds, so filling a large jug can provide a good amount of weight for exercises such as squats or lunges. You can adjust the weight by using smaller jugs or filling the jugs with varying amounts of water to suit your needs and comfort level.
For an even greater challenge, you can fill the plastic jugs with sand instead of water. Sand is denser than water, so the same-sized jug will provide more weight. For example, a one-gallon jug filled with sand will weigh around 14 pounds, significantly more than the 8.34 pounds when filled with water. This increased weight can be useful for more advanced strength training or for those looking for a heavier load.
When using plastic jugs as weights for exercise, it's important to consider not only the weight but also the comfort and ease of handling. Look for jugs with handles or consider using a backpack or duffel bag filled with jugs of water or sand. This provides both weight and a more comfortable grip, allowing for a wider range of exercises.
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Frequently asked questions
Large plastic jugs can be used in a variety of ways in your garden. They can be cut and used as scoops for potting soil, fertilizer or pet food. You can also cut out bird-sized holes and use them as bird feeders. If you have a swimming pool, you can fill several plastic jugs with water or sand to use as weights for the winter cover.
Large plastic jugs can be used for storage. Cut out the front part of the jug large enough to fit your items. You can also use them as a painter's cup. Cut out the front side of the jug, opposite the handle, so that you have a shallow dish where you can pour your paint.
It is generally safe to reuse large plastic jugs, especially if they are 100% PET (BPA-free). However, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and dried before reuse, especially if they have been used for something other than their original purpose. Small plastic bottles that come into contact with your lips and mouth may be unsafe for reuse due to bacteria.
