Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no secret that we use too much of it. In just one year, Americans throw away 28 billion plastic bottles and jars. However, there are many ways to upcycle plastic containers and bottles. From creating planters and piggy banks to making magazine holders and jewellery stands, there are plenty of ways to repurpose plastic items. This paragraph will explore some of the most innovative and exciting ways to upcycle plastic containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers to use | Laundry detergent containers, water bottles, yogurt containers, ice cream containers, plastic bags, plastic cutlery, plastic bottle containers, plastic jugs, plastic cassette cases, plastic food tubs, plastic jars, plastic boxes, plastic cans, plastic cups |
| Tools required | Drill, marker, box cutter, scissors, glue, paper, paint, decorations |
| Upcycling ideas | Watering cans, scoopers, planters, piggy banks, storage containers, charging docks, magazine holders, mailing tubes, ribbon dispensers, jewelry stands, napkin rings, chandeliers, shakers, bookcases, magazine/notebook holders, cereal box containers, mailing tubes, decorative containers |
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What You'll Learn
Make a piggy bank
Making a piggy bank from a plastic bottle is a fun and simple craft that can be done by anyone. It is a great way to upcycle plastic containers and encourage saving. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own plastic bottle piggy bank:
Firstly, choose a suitable plastic bottle. A 2-litre soda bottle or an empty plastic milk bottle is ideal. Wash, rinse and dry the bottle and replace the cap. You can decide whether to paint the bottle or leave it transparent so you can see your savings grow. If you want to paint the bottle, choose a paint that will adhere well to plastic, such as a bonding primer, and don't forget to paint the lid too. You can even decorate it to look like a pig by cutting out pink triangular ears and a corkscrew tail from pipe cleaners or craft foam. You could also add some plastic eyes to give your piggy bank some personality.
Next, use a knife or scissors to cut a slit in the side of the bottle, large enough to fit coins. Be careful when cutting, as some plastics can be brittle and prone to cracking. It may help to warm the bottle slightly with a hairdryer first to make the plastic more pliable. Cut the slit on the side that will be facing upwards when the bottle is placed on its side.
Now it's time to add some legs to your piggy bank to stop it from rolling around. You can use thumbtacks or glue small items such as pebbles, toothpaste caps, or rolled-up pieces of paper. Alternatively, cut four sections from an egg carton and glue or tape them in place.
Finally, decorate your piggy bank however you like, using markers, stickers, or other craft supplies. You could even add a custom transfer to the lid to make it unique. Now your plastic bottle piggy bank is ready to start collecting your coins!
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Create a watering can
Upcycling plastic containers is a great way to create something new and useful while also helping the environment by reducing waste. You can easily make a watering can from a plastic bottle or container that you already have at home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, find a suitable plastic container or bottle. You can use a variety of bottles, such as a drinks bottle, fabric conditioner bottle, milk bottle, or a large jug with or without a handle. Make sure the bottle has a cap or lid that can be closed tightly.
Clean the bottle thoroughly by filling it with water, closing the cap, and shaking it. Pour out the water and repeat this process a few times until the bottle is clean inside. If there is a label on the bottle, remove it and any glue residue.
Now, you can start creating the watering mechanism. If you want the water to come out of the lid, place the lid on a wooden board and use a hammer and nail to make holes in it. For a finer spray, use a push pin to make smaller holes. The number of holes will determine the flow rate of the water. If you want the water to come out of the bottom of the bottle, use a permanent marker to draw a square on the side, just below where it curves upward. Use a nail or thumbtack to poke holes in the square, spacing them evenly. You can heat the nail over a flame if the plastic is very thick.
If you want to add a spout to your watering can, cut a 1-inch (2.54 cm) U-shape on the opposite side of the bottle from the holes. Make sure the top of the U touches the bottom of the dome. Cut out the shape with a razor blade. You can also add a copper pipe to the end of the spout to avoid splashing water.
Finally, decorate your watering can if desired. You can use stickers, sharpies, or permanent markers to create gardening-themed designs. Now your upcycled watering can is ready to use! Fill it with water, replace the lid, and start watering your plants. Remember to only fill it with an amount of water that you can comfortably carry.
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Make a jewellery stand
Upcycling plastic containers are an excellent way to help the environment and create something beautiful and useful. You can make a stylish jewellery stand with just a few plastic bottles and some basic tools and hardware.
First, you will need to collect your bottles. For this project, you will need two 2-litre bottles, one 1-litre bottle, and one 20-ounce bottle. You can use bottles in different colours, or spray paint them to achieve your desired look. Green bottles with gold hardware, for example, can create a pretty antique look.
Once you have your bottles, use a strong utility knife to cut off the bottoms. You can then trim them with scissors to your desired depth. Shallow trays enhance the "flower" look, making your jewellery stand prettier. If you want a smooth finish, use a rotary tool to smooth any jagged edges, or carefully melt the edges over a flame.
Next, drill holes in the centre of each tray, ensuring they are the same size as your threaded rod. You will need one 12-inch length of threaded rod, which you can buy at any hardware store. Finally, assemble your stand by screwing the trays onto the rod, adding a bag of coordinating nuts and washers to secure them in place.
And that's it! You now have a functional and attractive jewellery stand, perfect for displaying your rings, necklaces, and earrings. No more tangled jewellery or rummaging through drawers to find that one missing earring!
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Create a scooper
Plastic containers can be upcycled into scoopers for a variety of purposes. This is a great way to reduce waste and be creative. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a scooper from a plastic container:
First, select an appropriate plastic container. This could be a water bottle, soda bottle, detergent jug, or any plastic container with a handle. Ensure that the container is clean and dry. Mark the container with a marker, drawing a bell curve on the upper third or half of the container. This will be the scoop portion.
Next, using an X-Acto knife, box cutter, or sharp scissors, carefully cut along the marked line. Cut around the back of the bottle as well to create an opening. The lid of the bottle will act as the base of the scoop, so be sure to keep it attached. You can also use the lid to control the amount of content that the scoop can hold.
Now, you have a functional scooper! The size of the bottle will determine its use. Smaller bottles, like single-serving water bottles, are perfect for scooping flour, sugar, or even protein powder. Larger scoops are ideal for moving soil, sifting kitty litter, or refilling pet food containers.
You can further customise your scooper by painting it or adding decorations. However, if you plan to use the scooper for food-related purposes, be cautious about the type of plastic used and ensure it is food-safe. It is recommended to use food-grade scoops for food and non-food scoops for other tasks, even if they are washed before repurposing.
Remember, when your DIY scooper wears out, you can simply make a new one, reducing waste and keeping plastic out of landfills.
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Make a magazine holder
Upcycling plastic containers is a fun and cost-effective way to extend the lifespan of everyday objects. One way to upcycle plastic containers is to make a magazine holder. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Materials:
- Plastic containers with lids (such as empty cereal boxes)
- Leftover wallpaper or wrapping paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors or craft knife
- Clear, wide packaging tape
- Labels (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by choosing a plastic container with a lid, such as an empty cereal box. Ensure the box is clean and dry.
- On the skinny side of the box, measure and draw a line at 4.5" or your desired height for the magazine holder.
- Using a ruler, draw a line from each end of the line you just drew to the top corners of the wide sides of the box. This will create a triangle shape.
- Cut along the lines you drew to remove the top of the box. You can use scissors or a craft knife for this step.
- To decorate your magazine holder, cut a piece of leftover wallpaper or wrapping paper to fit the size of the box. You can use plain white sticky-back paper or patterned contact paper for a more decorative look.
- Secure the wallpaper or wrapping paper to the box using clear, wide packaging tape.
- If desired, add labels to the spine or front of the magazine holder using clear tape.
- Your upcycled magazine holder is now ready to use! You can use it to store magazines, notebooks, and other materials, keeping them tidy and organised.
With these simple steps, you can transform plastic containers into functional and aesthetically pleasing magazine holders. This project is a great way to reduce waste and get creative with everyday items.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic containers can be upcycled into storage boxes, piggy banks, jewellery stands, planters, lamp shades, and more.
You can decorate plastic containers by gluing on colourful paper, magazine cut-outs, or book pages.
Plastic containers can be reused in the kitchen as storage for leftovers, spices, or baking goods. They can also be used as shakers for powdered sugar, cornstarch, or homemade carpet refreshers.
Plastic containers can be used to organise drawers, desks, and workbenches. They can also be used to store small items such as pins, hair ties, coins, batteries, and other stationery.
Plastic containers can be upcycled into functional items such as a cell phone charging dock, a ribbon dispenser, a custom mailing tube, or a bird feeder.
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