10 Tips for Reusing Plastic Milk Jugs
This article was originally published on greenstudentu.com.
According to the National Geographic documentary Human Footprint, Americans consume about 989,985,594,240 half gallons of milk over the course of a lifetime. Good news—Americans clearly enjoy this healthy beverage. Bad news—waste is a growing issue for all of us.
Recycling plastic products is one of the most responsible actions we can do to help reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills where it can take years—even decades—to break down. However, even in 2012, not everyone has a recycling program or center within his or her neighborhoods’ reach. And, of course there are some who like to recycle used containers and materials on their own, finding new creative uses for them. Here are 10 ideas for that used gallon of milk container in your fridge—and, perhaps a few ideas for your school’s art teacher.
Yarn Dispenser
Cut the top of the milk container off just enough so a ball of yarn and your hand can fit into the hole. Once the ball of yarn is in, take the end of the yarn and bring it through the handle of the milk jug. This is a great way to keep the yarn from getting tangled!
Scooper
For an easy way to scoop up kitty litter, dirt, or anything else, cut off the top of milk jug right above the handle. You can then hold onto the handle and scoop up whatever you need to.
Bird Feeder
Instead of buying an expensive bird feeder, try making your own! Check out these Milk Jug Bird Feeder Instructions for an easy way to feed the birds.
Funnel
This is one of the easiest homemade funnels to make. All you need to do is to cut off the bottom of the milk jug right below the handle, turn it upside down, and pour.
Piggy Bank
With the lid on the top of the milk jug, cut a small slit opposite the handle and drop in your change. You can use markers, paint, or stickers to decorate your piggy bank.
Plant Base
Instead of buying a potted plant base or saucer, you can cut off the bottom of the milk jug and place the pot inside.
Meat Separator
It’s never good to see your hamburger patties sticking together once they’ve been in the freezer. To prevent this from happening, you can cut the milk container into small circles or squares and place them between the patties.
Plastic Bag Dispenser
Cut a small hole across from the handle and then put in your plastic bags. You can take the bags out one by one from the hole whenever you need one.
Toilet Bowl Brush/Plunger Holder
Cut a hole across from the handle that’s big enough for the toilet bowl cleaner or plunger to fit through.
Dustpan
With the lid still on, turn the milk jug container upside down and cut the top off at an angle. This is a great alternative to traditional dustpans.
