Reinvent it: 9 Uses for Plastic Bottles from 1956

I'm quite liking this great illustration from the June 1956 issue of Popular Science, which shows 9 interesting ways to re-use your plastic bottles. Not sure of the picture's scientific credentials exactly - using a bottle to spray paint could technically be called pouring... and I will personally hand over good money to anyone who can dust their prized model car by squeezing the air from an empty bottle at it :-)

But I do love the spirit of it and it's a great way of illustrating how, with just a little thought and imagination, you can re-use what you've got and reduce how much you throw out. Plastic bottles for instance - light, unbreakable storage receptacles for pretty much anything you can get into a bottle. Perhaps you buy in bulk because it's cheaper, useful for storing washing-up liquid or washing powder, or even rice or lentils? Or cut down they could be planters for herbs on your window sill? Seed storage? Spare petrol in the boot of your car? Skittles?

Check out this video produced for Earth Day 2008 which has more ideas for bottle re-use (including putting one in your loo to save water. Yes, really.)

If you've been recycling or re-using your stuff, or doing any other Use It Up thing, tell us what and we'll pop you into our weekly prize draw. All you have to do is Add A Story by 26 June for the chance to win ITunes vouchers worth £25!

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