What is the number one most important rule of the summer? Stay hydrated. I don’t know about you, but 90 percent of the time I am holding a water bottle and the other 10 percent is spent constantly refilling it. But, eventually, you want to change the bottle. So what do you do with the old one? Throw it away, right? Wrong! Plastic bottles take a very long time to biodegrade (we’re talking hundreds or thousands of years). Even when you throw them in the recycling bin, they can still end up in the ocean and harm the wildlife. This means that maybe you should think twice about throwing those bottles out.
This is where upcycling comes into play. The best part about upcycling is re-purposing things that are harmful to the environment, like plastic bottles. Plastic bottles might seem boring and stupid to hold onto, but they are actually very useful in creating cool DIY projects that are super easy and fun. They come in so many different sizes and can actually be very sturdy, making them a perfect candidate for all sorts of DIY creations like candle holders or jewelry stands. Here are a few projects that will make you rethink throwing out those old soda bottles. And don’t worry – it isn’t always totally obvious that you just used something that once held soda. These are surprisingly creative!
1. Make a jewelry stand.
This is super handy if you’re always loosing your rings. You can even use spray paint to make the bottles any color you want. At first glance, you wouldn’t even know this was made from a plastic bottle!
2. Turn a bottles into a unique plastic cuff bracelet.
A cheap and easy gift idea! You can use the same fabric for matching friendship bracelets, you’ll look adorable.
3. Get groovy with a DIY Lava Lamp.
This tutorial is actually pretty simple to create. You can use any old water bottle and make it an awesome decoration for your room!
4. Make colored plastic beads for jewelry.
It seems like you can turn just about anything into jewelry these days. Plastic is no exception! You can cut tiny strips out of an old bottle, color them, and roll them up for beads that will definitely make a statement.
5. Get yourself organized with tiny desk bowls.
The bottoms of plastic bottles are the perfect size to hold little items like hair ties or bobby pins. Organize your desk or vanity with these.
6. Make adorable cat planters!
This is my absolute favorite. You can’t even tell it was made from a plastic bottle!
7. Create a plastic pencil case.
A pencil case is something you don’t realize you need until you are stuck digging through your bag for 10 minutes trying to find a pen. Luckily, this one is super easy to make and requires no sewing.
8. Create a magical floating garden.
You can hang these plastic vases outside or fill them with fake flowers and put them around your room!
9. Make this pretty candle holder.
This candle holder will make any room look super elegant and ‘adult.’
10. Paint a super easy painting for your wall!
It’s SO easy but still looks great! You’ll have people thinking you’re a real artist.
11. Make a bird feeder for your backyard.
With this bird feeder, you’ll have so many birds wanting to hang out with you, people will think you’re Snow White. Bonus points if you sing to them!
12. Light up your room with a cute owl candle.
The design is a little intricate, but owl accessories are so in and will make your room look adorable!
13. Plant your own plastic flower garden.
The best kind of flowers are ones that won’t die if you forget about them. These plastic flowers will definitely survive!
14. Always looking for change? Make this easy piggy bank.
Sure, piggy banks might feel a little “childish,” but they are actually effective at helping you save money. Plus this one is so cute!
Are you going to try any of these? Which one if your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
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