Some of the very best craft and DIY ideas start with items you already have around the home. Not only does that mean you don’t have to spent a lot of money at the craft store for supplies, but it also means that old items that are basically trash get a brand new life!
While recycling is great, reusing an item is even better because all the energy and resources that go into the recycling process are avoided. Of course you will be using your own energy as you make your new creation, but that type of energy is actually fun to expend while you let your creative juices flow to make a one-of-a-kind project!
These ten ideas of ways to upcycle plastic bottles and bags take your plastic soda, milk, water or juice bottles or else your plastic grocery bags to make helpful household items or pretty things to decorate your yard.
They also make excellent gifts, especially for those you know who appreciate a “green” lifestyle. I know I always appreciate a gift someone has taken the time to make themselves. Knowing that it is made from items that would have otherwise been discarded makes it even better! Check them all out:
Ideas to Upcycle Plastic Bags and Bottles
Plastic Bag Flower Earrings – By- Reuse Grow Enjoy
Plant Watering Bottle – By- Creative green Living
Plastic Bottle Herb Garden – By- Grillo Designs
Easy Soda Bottle Bird Feeder Kit – Find on Amazon
Plarn Tote – By- Happy Deal Happy Day
Water Bottle Flowers – By- Crafts By Amanda
Plastic Bag Bowl – By- Couponing For Freebies
Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder – By- Reuse Grow Enjoy
Plastic Bottle Fairy Garden – By- Creative Green Living
Fairy Night Lights – By- Crafts By Amanda
Bottle Cap Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace – By- Reuse Grow Enjoy
Flies Be Gone Soda Bottle Reusable Non-Toxic Fly Trap Kit
Do you have any of your own ways to upcyle or reuse your plastic bottles and bags? If so, please share them in a comment. I would love to know what you’re working on right now!
Mary Gardner says
These are some great ideas. This gives the kids and I some fun projects to work on.
Elena says
These are cool ideas! Recycling is so important
Sarah Mathias says
The fairly house night lights are adorable. This is a fun way to teach kids about recycling.
vickie couturier says
these are so cool,,,love the way they are recycled
Beth T. says
Really like the plarn suggestions. I’m taking a class in a couple of weeks to learn how to make plarn mats, to crochet for our homeless population to help them have a water-proof mat to lay down this winter to keep their blankets dry. and also to act as insulation. Great use of something that might otherwise be thrown away.
Julie Wood says
Making earrings and a basket bowl looks like a lot of fun. I would love to make some of these interesting items with the kids!
shelly peterson says
These are rely neat ideas. I really love the plastic bottle fairy garden.
Tajreen says
Ahhh, these are so cute! I especially love the fairy garden made from plastic bottles.
Clair says
Some of these are such cute ideas. I could see me making the bird feeder with my boys. Seems fairly simple and could be completed quickly.
Desiree Lopez says
These are such great upcycling ideas. I would like to try the herb garden. I think it looks so cute and also would give me space back in the garden area.
Crystal says
We are pretty set on using reusable bags now, but still have lots of plastic around. These are going to be some fun things to make with the kiddos.
Becky says
The fairy night lights are freaking adorable! I may want to do that for our garden!
Jenn says
The fairy garden night lights turned out so cute. I’m going to have to give that a try! Thanks for sharing.
Jamie says
These ideas are all so cute. My kids recently made a fairy garden with their grammy and we may have to add some of these adorable houses to it!