How to Recycle Plastic Bottles: 7 Crafts You Can Explore!

Research from Sustainable Waste Indonesia (SWI) shows that plastic waste recycling in Indonesia is still below 10% [1].

This certainly needs some improvement, one of which is by engaging in plastic-wise actions like recycling plastic bottles by AQUA. In addition, you can also participate in reducing plastic waste in the world by making crafts from used plastic bottles.

Although seemingly simple, these activities can save the environment. You can start small by creating crafts from used AQUA bottles at home.

For instance, mineral water bottles can be turned into piggy banks. Isn't it helpful and practical? Let's learn more about how to recycle plastic bottles here! 

Examples of Crafts from Plastic Bottles

Not only considered a creative practice, but making crafts from plastic bottles may increase environmental awareness. Here are various kinds of crafts from plastic bottles you can try:

1. Piggy Banks from Used Bottles 

The first idea you can try is recycling plastic bottles into piggy banks. You can engage in this activity with your little one to make it more exciting. Here’s how to make a piggy bank from a used plastic bottle:

1. Prepare a free-size used plastic bottle.
2. Make a coin hole, approximately 3 cm, in the center of the bottle. This hole serves as a place to insert coins or banknotes.
3. Paint the bottle as you like it.
4. Decorate the bottle into a cute piggy bank. You can shape it into an animal by adding a nose on the bottle cap, eyes, ears, legs, and a tail on its back.
5. The piggy bank from the used mineral water bottle is ready to use.

2. Flower Vase from Used Bottles

Do you have a lot of used AQUA bottles at home? Instead of throwing them away, turn them into flower vases! Aside from reducing plastic waste, you can use this creation to decorate the room. 

You can choose flowers that can live indoors, such as ivory betel and tulips, for easy maintenance. Here's how to make a flower vase from a plastic bottle:

1. Prepare a used 1.5-liter AQUA bottle.
2. Cut the bottle into two parts. Use the bottom piece to make a vase and save the top piece (which contains the cap) for other crafts.
3. To make it more interesting, make the former pieces jagged.
4. Add decorations to elevate the appearance.
5. Fill the vase with water until half full, then insert the flowers.
6. The vase is ready to be placed on the table!

3. Plant Pots from Used Bottles

It's time to decorate the house exterior by turning a used bottle into a plant pot on your terrace. All you need is the remaining pieces of the flower vase from the previous creation. Yup, it's the part of the bottle with the lid. Crafting this creation is relatively easy; here's how to do it: 

1. Prepare a bottle cutout with a lid.
2. Fill the bottle pieces with soil and plants, then pour a little water.
3. Place the pot on a patio, such as the floor and grass, or hang it. 

4. Pencil and Pen Holder from Used Bottles

The next example of a plastic bottle craft is pencil and pen holders. For those who often lose their stationery, this special craft may make a difference. See how to make pencil and pen holders from plastic bottles here:

1. Prepare a free-size plastic bottle.
2. Cut the bottle into two parts. Take the bottom piece of the bottle and save the part with the cap for other crafts.
3. Decorate the plastic bottle pieces accordingly. You can use felt or paint to make the design more interesting.
4. Pencil and pen holders are ready to use. 

5. Baskets from Used Bottles

You can transform the bottle cap into valuable goods, such as baskets. These baskets can store clothes, children's toys, and many more. Here's how to make it:

1. Collect as many plastic bottle caps as possible.
2. Prepare a hot glue gun.
3. Glue one bottle cap with another to form a circle. Repeat this step until you have 20 circles.
4. Stack all the circles. Make sure that each circle has been glued when stacked. The body of the basket is now finished.
5. Then, make the base by attaching one cap to another bottle cap in a circle. Additionally, attach a bottle cap in the center.
6. Attach the basket base to the basket body.
7. The basket is ready to use. 

6. Food Containers from Used Bottles

You can recycle plastic bottles into food containers. By storing your food in containers, you can save space in your refrigerator. Put cooking ingredients, such as chili, shallots, and garlic, in their respective containers. Here's how to make it:

1. Prepare used 1.5-liter AQUA bottles.
2. Cut the bottle into 3 parts. Use the bottom part. You can keep the other parts for another craft.
3. Heat the cut using a lighter to dull the surface and hurt the skin less.
4. The container is ready to use. 

7. Bird Feeders from Old Bottles

Not only can humans benefit from this plastic waste recycling, but birds can also experience the goodness! Yup, recycled crafts from used AQUA bottles can be used as feeders for wild birds. Learn how to make bird feeders from used bottles here:

1. Prepare a medium or small AQUA bottle, 1 plastic spoon, and a hot glue gun.
2. Make two small holes in the bottle cap to attach a string for hanging.
3. Make small holes in the front and back of the bottle (the front hole should be aligned with the back hole).
4. Insert the spoon through the holes. Tape the spoon to the holes using a hot glue gun.
5. Fill the bottle with bird feed.
6. Close the bottle tightly and hang it in the yard or porch.
7. The birds will perch on the spoon to get their food. 

Plastic bottles can be made into creative items and are useful for reducing plastic waste. So, ask your family members and children to participate in this environmentally friendly action.

In doing so, make sure you and your family drink #AQUADULU before starting the activity so that you stay focused and maintain your concentration.

For your information, you can order various products from AQUA through AQUA Home Service (AHS). Contact directly via WhatsApp to find the nearest AHS from home with official AQUA gallon prices.

You can also search for the nearest authorized AQUA agent from your location and place an order directly.

Reference:

1. Ajak Konsumen Kelola Sampah, Danone-AQUA dan Alfamart Luncurkan Reverse Vending Machine - Open