DIY Upcycling Ideas: Plastic Bottles and Containers

In Australia alone, on average 130kg of plastic is used per person each year. Incredible right? Did you know that only 12% of that plastic is recycled? We can all make a difference in our unique way, and take our plastic trash to the next level by exploring upcycling. While we have the option of tossing plastic items into the recycling bins, we know not everything is recycled. Refer to this article to learn more about recycling codes and what is and isn't recycled. So for those items we suspect might not be recycled, we can transform those used plastic bottles and containers into useful home ornaments and projects by "upcycling". So have some fun with our DIY upcycling ideas and give your plastic bottles and containers a new lease of life. Let's explore some creative transformation ideas:

DIY Upcycling Idea 1: Plastic Watering Can

 (Image from Pinterest)What You Need:

• Used plastic water bottles or milk jugs
• Nails, to create the holes
• A Hammer
• Spray paint, optional

Directions: Using a nail and hammer, carefully push the nail through the bottle cap and repeat the process until you’ve created holes across the cap. Then simply fill the bottle with a jug with water. You can now water the plants in your house using your very own plastic watering bottle. If you want to get extra creative, you can apply some colour or creative design on the bottle using different paint colours.

DIY Upcycling Idea 2: Cartoon-Inspired Plastic Pen Organisers

(Image from MadameCriativa.com)What You Need:

• Used shampoo bottles, body wash, or lotion bottles
• Scissors
• Colourful paper
• Glue gun
• Tape

Directions: This is a useful project if you need to get your study desk organised. You can make these plastic pen organisers with your kids - we are sure they will enjoy the art and craft. Remove the labels from the bottles first and draw out the face of the cartoon character you would like on your bottle. Cut out the head of the bottle according to your desired shape [Kids: always have an adult help you when using sharp objects]. On your paper, cut out the eyes and mouth and tape it on the area where you drew them. Then draw the arms of your bottle on the paper, cut it out and glue on both sides of the bottle. Once you’re satisfied with the design, you can stick them on your wall and have your pens and crayons all put together. Think of different faces to play with to make your plastic bottle organisers fun and playful.

DIY Upcycling Idea 3: Hanging Plastic Plant Holders

  (Image from Pinterest)What You Need:

• Used soft drink bottles
• Knife or scissor
• Nail
• Hammer
• Soil
• Seedlings
• String, twine or wire

Directions: Love the idea of planting? These hanging plant holders take planting to an efficient yet creative level. Instead of throwing away your used soft drink bottles, upcycle it as plastic plant holders. First punch two holes at the bottom of the bottle and another two on top, opposite the bottom part. You also need to make small holes on the bottom part to serve as a passage for water when it flows through the soil. After that, thread the string (or wire whichever you prefer) through the holes and pull out through the other hole, making a tight, large knot on the end. Fill in the bottle with soil, plant your seedlings and attach the rope on the wall. (Image from The Dirt)

DIY Upcycling Idea 4: Mobile Phone Holder

(Image from MakeIt-LoveIt.com)What You Need:

• Used shampoo, body wash, or lotion bottles
• Scissors
• Pen
• Paint, spray paint
• Colourful fabric, optional

Directions: Mobile phones lying just anywhere in the house? This simple yet innovative upcycling trick can take the clutter away. Use an empty lotion or shampoo bottle that is big enough to hold your mobile phone. Draw a curved line or shape you want you holder to look like then cut it carefully. Cut a hole on the back to make space for the charger and in order for the bottle to hang safely on your outlet wall. Then design the bottle as you like it - you can glue a nice, colourful fabric, a sticker paper, or just spray paint it with your desired colour. These easy, clever and very eco-friendly, upcycling used plastic bottles and containers can help reduce your plastic waste and are a great idea to entertain the kids during school holidays. By finding ways to reuse plastic, you are making sure those plastic bottles doesn’t end up in our landfills and in our oceans. Instead, they become home decors and projects that add a nice homemade touch to your living spaces. When you purchase any of our EUCA products, you can also experiment with our bottles and containers and convert them into organisers, plant holders, garden tool storage bins and mobile holders. EUCA is your partner when it comes to helping the environment by offering natural, eco-friendly cleaning solutions and advocating plastic recycling and upcycling. Visit our website blogs for more helpful cleaning tips.