8 Smart Ways to Repurpose Plastic Around Your Home, According to Pros

April is Earth Month, which means there’s never been a better time to brainstorm ways to reduce household waste and live more sustainably. Recycling everyday household items like plastic is an easy way to make a difference in your everyday life. Plus, finding creative uses for plastic items that would’ve otherwise hit the landfill can save you money on your grocery bill in the long run.

Here are eight smart and creative ways to repurpose plastic around your home so you can lead a greener lifestyle.

Reuse Bottles and Containers in the Garden

With spring officially upon us, it’s a great time to repurpose plastic bottles and containers in the garden to start seedlings or pot your plants.

“Cut the top off plastic water bottles and use them as seedling starters," says Sara McDaniel, renovation and DIY expert behind Simply Southern Cottage. "The bottle can serve as a mini greenhouse incubator."

Larger plastic food containers also make great planters (just don't forget to poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage).

Use Shopping Bags for Garbage

“This may seem simple, but rather than purchasing trash bags for my smaller bathroom cans, I reuse plastic shopping bags,” says McDaniel.

Plastic shopping bags can also be used for several other waste products around the home, such as pet waste (never buy pet waste bags again), diaper pail liners, and more. The best part is that you can officially cross small garbage bags and garbage liners off your grocery list and save some money in the process.

Weave an Outdoor Rug

If you’re feeling crafty, Dan Dillon, CEO and founder of CleanItSupply.com, says plastic bags can be woven to create a colorful and water-resistant outdoor rug. While this may sound complicated, it’s actually pretty simple to do.

All you need is lots of plastic bags, some time and patience, and a pattern, which you can easily find with a quick Google search. If a rug feels too overwhelming, try weaving small outdoor placemats instead to get a feel for the project.

Use Milk Jugs as Scoops

Empty milk jugs can be repurposed and made into DIY scoops. All you need is a utility knife or a pair of scissors.

“With a little precision and patience, they can be an excellent scoop for gardening soil or pet food,” says Rocky Vuong, professional organizer, cleaner, and founder of Calibre Cleaning Limited.

Cut off the bottom of the jug, leaving the handle intact and the lid on the top. Then, use it to scoop pet food, bird seed, soil, or even pantry items like flour, oats, sugar, and more.

Create a DIY Bird Feeder

Reuse your plastic water bottles and make a simple DIY bird feeder.

“Clean and remove the labels from the bottle," says Sabrina Tretyakova, an ISSA-certified cleaning technician with Fortador USA. "Cut the opening, allowing birds to access the seeds, and add perches below each opening."

Then, fill the feeder with seeds and hang it securely in your garden for the birds to enjoy. This easy DIY is perfect for the whole family.

Craft a Vertical Garden

Similarly, Tretyakova says that plastic water bottles and pop bottles can also be reused to make a charming vertical garden for small flowers or herbs. Cut openings in the bottles, fill them with soil, add your plants, and secure them to a vertical structure (such as a piece of wood, ladder, etc.). Vertical gardens are great for maximizing your garden space and adding a touch of greenery to any corner of your yard or patio.

Repurpose Containers as Drawer Organizers

Plastic containers make great drawer organizers for small items like office supplies (think paperclips, thumbtacks, and pens), kitchen items, and more, says Dillon. Think old food containers, takeout containers, empty yogurt tubs, and more. Your freshly organized drawers will thank you.

Reuse Soft Plastic as Packing Materials

Nick Valentino, VP of Market Operations of Bellhop Atlanta Movers, advises that soft plastic items like grocery bags, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and cling can be saved and used as packing materials for a move.

"Crumpled-up plastic bags can provide great protection for fragile items, and a wrap in plastic will help keep containers of liquid from spilling in transit,” he says.

Read Next: 6 Clever Ways to Reuse Cardboard Boxes So They Don't Pile Up in Your Home

Read the original article on The Spruce.