Try these simple green hacks!
A green hack is something really simple to do but it makes a big difference to our planet. Give these three simple green hacks a go and you'll never have to throw away a plastic bottle or a milk carton again!
Hack one: Plastic bottle greenhouse
You might think a greenhouse has to be a huge building with loads of fruit, veg and plants growing in it, BUT here's a nifty hack for you to make your very own miniature version by recycling a single-use plastic bottle...
What you'll need:
A used plastic bottle
Scissors
Some peat-free compost
Seeds
Making the bottle greenhouse couldn't be easier! Get an adult to help you cut around the bottle to split it into two equal parts. Fill the bottle half way with the compost and the seeds. Pour a little water over the seeds, pop the top of the bottle back on, and place it carefully on a windowsill.
That's all there is to it! You don't even need to remember to water the seeds because there are no draining holes in the bottle - you want to keep all that water inside! Just like in a real greenhouse, the sunlight will warm the air inside the bottle which helps the seeds grow.
Get creative
Paint or decorate your bottle before filling it to create a bright, beautiful greenhouse for your seeds!Â
Hack two: Ecobricks
Are you sick of single-use plastics ending up in a landfill? It's always best to avoid them altogether...but when you can't, why not make an ecobrick?
These little plastic-packed bottles are super strong and can be used to build things like furniture, ponds or even houses! By storing this plastic and putting it to good use, you are preventing it being processed, entering the earth's biosphere (every part of earth where life exists) and causing pollution.
So, want to make your own ecobrick? Here's how...
What you'll need...
An old plastic bottleÂ
Lots of single-use plastic such as sweet wrappers, plastic packaging, straws and crisp packets
A wooden spoon (or something long to poke into the bottle!)
Grab all the single-use plastic you can find. This could be sweet wrappers, clingfilm, crisp packets, plastic bags or anything else you can't recycle. Use a wooden spoon to push them really tightly into the plastic bottle until the whole bottle is filled up to the brim! And voila, your ecobrick is complete!
Top tips
Wash and dry all your plastic before putting it into the bottle - you don't want bits of mouldy food in there!
Take the label off the bottle and use that as part of the filling too
Don't fill your bottle with metal, glass, paper or biodegradables
For the brick to be useable it needs to be super heavy. A one litre bottle needs to weigh at least 300g.
Certain companies encourage people to donate their ecobricks to use as part of a big building project. Ask an adult to check out their websites to make sure your bricks are made correctly before you give them away.
You could even encourage your whole class to get involved, make ecobricks and see what you can build!Â
Hack three: Milk bottle watering can
So you've got your little seeds, flowers or veggies growing and they're looking pretty swell... BUT when it's time to water them wouldn't it be ace if you had your very own home made watering can?!
Well, it's your lucky day because our third green hack is how to turn a used milk bottle into a beautiful watering can and guess what? It's SUPER easy!
What you'll need...
An old plastic milk carton with lid (washed out well)
Sharp scissors or a thick needle
Acrylic paints for decoration
First you'll need to ask an adult to poke some holes into the lid of the milk bottle. This will help the water sprinkle out like a real watering can! Once your bottle lid is full of little holes, fill your bottle with water and you're all set to get watering!
Get creative
If you want to disguise your milk bottle, why not add your own colours, patterns and designs? You can use special paint called acrylic which will stick to the bottle really well so you can decorate to your heart's content!
Want to go one step further and help the environment EVEN more? Well, it's time to get your family involved! Instead of filling up your watering can from the tap, you can ask your family to recycle water that would normally get poured down the drain. Ask whoever is doing the dishes to save the water for your watering can...the seeds or flowers won't know any different!Â
Bonus hack!
We couldn't let you go without a special bonus hack could we?
Well this one is super simple AND super cute...all we need to say is bunny plant pots and you know it's going to be good!
These adorable little pots are also made from milk bottles. Just ask an adult to help you cut them to size and poke some draining holes in the bottom. You will need to sit them inside a tray or saucer or you may get a little puddle!
Then you get to do the fun part...the decorating! You could make them into bunnies like we have or let your imagination run wild and choose any animals you like!Â
Do you know any more simple green hacks? Share your ideas in the comments below and help everyone become a little more green!
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