How to Reuse and Recycle Plastic

Nearly 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastic recycling program.

In 2008, more than 2 billion pounds of plastic bottles were recycled. Every ton of plastic reused saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill area. As our society increases its consumption of plastic, recycling and reusing plastic products make sense and helps create a safer and cleaner environment. Thinking creatively helps put some of that plastic--bags to bottles--to use in and around the home.

Things You'll Need

• Used plastic materials
• Scissors
• Heavy duty needle
• Zipper
• Ruler

Instructions

Reuse Plastic Bags

1. Stuff plastic bags inside pillowcases or pet beds for cushioning. Use cases made of thick fabric (such as those found on throw pillows) to help muffle the sound of the plastic bags.

2. Protect plants from frost by covering with a plastic bag at night. Tie a bag loosely around the base of the plant in the evening and remove it when the sun comes up in the morning.

3. Use plastic bags as added cushion when packing or shipping fragile items. Stuff plastic bags in the center of vases, glasses and other spherical glassware to protect them from breaking.

4. Cut apart grocery plastic bags with scissors and use for crafts and decorations. Cutting plastic into thin strips makes light and fluffy confetti.

5. Wash out food storage bags and save to store food and snacks. Cut a 1/2-inch tip off the corner of a freezer bag to use as a piping bag for frosting.

Reuse Plastic Containers

1. Wash out deli food containers and keep for painting supplies. Small containers like this work well as individual paint containers.

2. Use plastic egg cartons as seed starters for the garden. Fill each cup with a small amount of potting soil and bury seeds in the center. Transfer the seedlings into the ground according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Cut off the bottoms of 2 liter soda bottles and use as an upside down planter for tomatoes. Bore a hole on either side of the cut edges and tie a cord to hang on a rafter or plant hanger.

4. Gather two soda bottles and cut off the bottoms with a pair of scissors or a saw. With a heavy duty needle, puncture holes along the lip of the bottle ends. Place an unzipped zipper along the inside rim of the punctured bottled end. Fasten zipper to bottle rim by sewing a seam where the punctured holes are placed. Repeat process on remaining bottle end and zip together to create a water or food container for pets.

5. Save plastic yogurt containers and lids for storing small items like buttons, keys, matches and more. Place a label on top and organize in a cupboard so you can locate items easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when using plastic bags around small children. Bags can cause children to suffocate or choke if improperly used.

References

• Earth 911: Plastic Recycling Facts
• Pet Bottle Purse: Zitta Schnitt
• Earth 911: 8 Ways and Whys to Reuse Plastic