12 Genius Ways to Reuse Your Plastic Bottles

We all know that plastic isn't exactly eco-friendly, so if you want to do your part to protect the planet, the best course of action is to reduce the amount of plastic waste you generate. But if you happen to have a used plastic bottle lying around, your best option is to recycle it—unless you're in a particularly creative mood, in which case you can use it as the basis for a crafty DIY project.

By Katie Nolan | Updated Jan 08, 2022 04:01 PM

Zipper Cases

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Plastic Bottle Zipper Container

Corral pens, pencils, and other knickknacks inside a cute zippered pouch, like these from the blogger at Make It & Love It. One-liter bottles are just the right height for storing long pencils and pens, while two bases from a pair of two-liter bottles come together to form a perfectly sized pocket for crayons.

Related: The Best Organizers to Buy for Under $5, $15, and $25

makeit-loveit.com

Bird Feeder

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Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

Help nature in two wonderful ways with this project, which both repurposes a plastic bottle and feeds backyard birds. While you might need to make a run for birdseed, all the other materials are probably already hiding in your kitchen. Here Comes the Sun has the full tutorial for this neat bird feeder.

Related: 14 DIY Project Materials Hiding in Your Backyard

herecomesthesunblog.net

Waterproof Storage Tube

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Waterproof Storage Tube

The perfect addition for your emergency preparedness kit or camping supplies, this waterproof storage tube will keep long matches safe and dry. You can make this handy container with a short length of plastic pipe and the mouths and caps of two water bottles.

Related: Prep for Disaster: 10 Things You'll Need in a Home Emergency

instructables.com via ehudwill

Drip Irrigation

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Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation

A drip irrigation system is a water-efficient solution that helps get moisture right down to the roots. You might expect to pay top dollar for materials and installation of a quality irrigation system, but in reality you don’t need much more than a plastic bottle and a sock. Punch holes in a plastic bottle, drop in an old sock, then bury the bottle to the neck and occasionally fill it with water, which will slowly leak out to the surrounding roots. 

Related: 10 Times You Can Get Nature to Do Your Yard Work for You

instructables.com via Kiteman

Strawberry Tower Reservoir

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Strawberry Tower DIY

Growing fresh berries in your backyard may seem like a pipe dream if you're stuck with a tiny plot where bushes have little room to grow. Ananda from A Piece of Rainbow solved this problem by creating this space-saving strawberry tower. The vertical garden incorporates a built-in reservoir made from an upturned plastic bottle, so plants stay properly hydrated.

Related: 10 Secret Ingredients to Make Your Garden Grow

apieceofrainbow.com

Plastic Bag Dispenser

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Plastic Bag Dispenser DIY

Much like repurposing plastic bottles, reusing plastic bags represents a small step toward a more sustainable home. But plastic bags can quickly take over the broom closet and sow chaos in an otherwise organized house. With this simple solution from Craft Your Happiness, you'll have a convenient—and attractive—spot for keeping bags contained until you need them.

Related: 10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags

craftyourhappiness.com

Path Lights

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DIY Path Lights

Everyone wants a lovely and functional outdoor space, but installing new landscaping accents can be a shock to the wallet. If you’re looking for ways to boost curb appeal without emptying your pockets, these DIY path lights fit the bill. Easily assembled from plastic bottles, dowels, tea lights, and paint, they will make a big impact at your next backyard bash.

Related: 10 Ways to Buy Better Curb Appeal for Under $50

craftyourhappiness.com

Self-Watering Plants

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Self Watering Planter DIY

Drip irrigation isn't just for the outdoors. You can build your own affordable indoor planters that look good and handle the onerous task of watering all on their own.

Related: 13 Creative Designs for Easy DIY Planters

craftyourhappiness.com

Pillow Box

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DIY Pillow Box

Gift bags or wrapping paper can seem like overkill when you're dealing with party favors or tiny gifts. For little goodies like these, a small DIY pillow box is just the ticket—and a smart way to reuse leftover plastic at home. Follow the tutorial at Craft Your Happiness to make your own.

Related: 13 Better-Than-Gift-Wrap Ideas for Packaging Presents

craftyourhappiness.com

Windsock

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DIY Windsock

Don’t bother buying outdoor decorations when you can craft your own for next to nothing. It's easy enough to make a few variations of this plastic-bottle windsock and switch them out as the season or occasion changes.

Related: 14 Insanely Easy Curb Appeal Projects You Can Do in a Day

instructables.com via KimberlyStoney

Greenhouse

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Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

A greenhouse creates the ideal environment for growing plants, but most people don't have the space to build one in the backyard. If your seedlings need a little help staving off the cold, however, you can fake greenhouse conditions with only a plastic bottle. Unscrew the cap and cut the bottom off a one-liter or larger bottle, then place it over a plant to keep it warm and safe from frost.

Related: 10 Ways to Buy Your Garden on the Internet

apieceofrainbow.com

Hanging Planters

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DIY Hanging Planters

Who knew that plastic bottles would make good planters for small succulents! This project from A Beautiful Mess shows how anyone can turn a little yarn and a few clean plastic bottles into a hanging succulent garden.

Related: Buy or DIY: 7 Hanging Planters for the Great Indoors

abeautifulmess.com

Be Resourceful

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Plastic Bottle Crafts

These are smart and clever ways to make use of your waste. Just don't forget to recycle any leftover plastic scraps!

bobvila.com

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