Thinking Outside The Recycling Bin: Ideas for Plastics
The over consumption of plastics, especially plastic bottles, is creating an enormous amount of waste in America.
Though its very easy to recycle plastics in this country, the plastic bottle, the to-go container, and convenient spray bottle are all part of the throw-away mentality that is slowly burying us under mountains of trash that will be around long after humans have decomposed. This means that the bulk of these bottles will be tossed into the trash can by people living the fast food lifestyle, and never reused.
We’ve all heard it before, but I’ll say it again: There is no away.
The fantastic concept of “out of sight, out of mind” has been a comforting one, allowing us to consume food and stuff for 24 hours a day and then simply toss it in a trash can for someone else to deal with.
Unfortunately, that “someone else” is Mother Earth. And slowly, this plastic waste is killing her.
Click here to read about “a vast swath of the Pacific, twice the size of Texas, is full of a plastic stew that is entering the food chain. Scientists say these toxins are causing obesity, infertility…and worse.”
While eliminating bottled water from your existence and buying household items in bulk can help the average family to reduce their contribution to this toxic soup, its impossible to keep plastics from entering your life (for now).
So here are some of the most creative things I could find, DIY or otherwise, that you can do with a plastic bottle, instead of tossing it in the garbage, or even the recycling bin.
Milk Jug = Yarn Dispenser
(Read 9 more great suggestions for milk jugs!)
Soda Bottles = Oriental Rug
I am shocked at the beauty of these reversible indoor-outdoor rugsmade by Mad Mats® from recycled plastic bottles and packing materials. Their tubular threads absorb no stains, can easily be cleaned with garden hose or sponge, and won’t trap water or mildew. Carefree and 100% earth friendly, too. Find them at VivaTerra.
To-Go Containers = Toys
Sprig Toys Inc. offers a line of Eco-Trucks (and other toys) that have no paint and are made with earth-friendly Sprigwood™, a child-safe bio-composite of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic that has visible wood “flecks” and a fresh, pine scent. Dig into Sprig Inc.
Pop Bottles = Precipitation Systems
If you’re an urban container gardener, you know that one of the hardest things to do is keep your plants watered. Too much water, and they’ll turn yellow and wilt. Too little water, and they’ll shrivel up and die. If only the plants could water themselves…
“One of the best ways to provide a steady water supply to your plants without your constant attention is the gradual watering system or drip irrigation. Through this method a device is employed that slowly delivers water into the soil directly around the roots. Commercial watering spikes can be purchased from you local garden centre however, using recycled materials [like a 2 liter soda bottle] you can make your own drip irrigation system for free.”
Find the easy-to-follow instructions at You Grow Girl!
When I grew up glass was much more widely used than plastic. Glass milk bottles, glass jars, glass soft drinks etc. Given that glass is easier to recycle maybe we should see a re-introduction.
I wanted to add several more things on the list:
1) PET bottles can be made into polyester when are made into clothing.
2) Milk jugs can be made into cell phone cases – there are several companies that make them for iphones and ipads.
3) A popular use of recycled plastic has been for sandals!
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