How to Recycle Wine Bottles Creatively

As Kermit said, "It's not easy being green." But it is getting easier! There are so many attractive bottles, especially wine bottles that it would be a shame to toss all of them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• empty wine bottle(s)
• bottle brush
• vinegar
• (optional) cotton swab and nail polish remover
• (optional) wax paper
• (optional) pour-spout
• (optional) sand
• (optional) glass cutting kit

1. Empty the wine bottle completely. (Of course, how you do that is completely up to you, but I recommend inviting some friends over, serving some cheese and crackers, and having a grand time.)
2. If you want to save the label for your wine journal, or just because it's an interesting graphic, then carefully soak the bottle in a basin of water. Slowly peel back the label, starting at the lower left-hand corner if you are right-handed. Ease stubborn glue off with nail polish remover on a swab. Place the wet label on wax paper and allow to dry.
3. Clean the bottle completely. One of the best methods is to scrub using vinegar and a bottle brush (originally designed to clean baby bottles).
4. Now, let's get creative. Fill the bottom third of the bottle with sand. Use to store and display bangle bracelets. Or go to the next step.
5. Buy a pour-spout from a liquor supply store. Fill the bottle 3/4 full with dishwashing detergent or liquid hand soap. Place next to your kitchen sink for a new look. Or check out the next step for another option.
6. Buy a glass cutting kit, and convert your bottles to drinking glasses. Be careful to smooth the edges COMPLETELY. Or check the following URL for complete directions on how to make a really cool tray.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful cleaning any glass containers. When wet, they are especially slippery.
• Always follow ALL the directions of the glass cutting kit to ensure your safety while cutting glass, and the safety of others while using the recycled glass.