How to Keep Plastic Bottles out of Landfills and Lakes: Make These Adorable Planters

When I was younger, I had no interest in saving the Earth. For some odd reason, I didn’t think the Earth needed to be saved. 

People asked me to think of my future kids and how my choices now would shape their future. But kids?! I was still one, and I wasn't planning on having any of those. Fast forward to 20+ years and two kids later, life sure has a way of making you laugh.

I'm glad to say that, even though I still struggle with recycling, I’ve grown to understand the importance of taking care of our planet and the actions — big or small — that should be taken.

I'm equally glad to be raising and teaching my kids to value, protect and take care of the world they live in. They're still pretty young, but I like to use creative projects as ways to have teachable moments with thoughtful conversations. Like this fun and super easy DIY recycled kitty planter, made with empty water bottles.

What you need:

• Empty plastic water or pop bottles (for larger sized planters)
• Scissors
• White paint (or colour of your choice)
• Paint brush
• Colourful markers
• Seeds or pre-potted plants
• Soil

How It's Made

Start by cutting the bottles in half, but while you cut, make sure to form two ears. In our case, we went with a cat and a rabbit — so, pointy triangle ears for the cat and longer oval-shaped ears for the rabbit. It’s best that this part be done by the adult, because it's the most technical.

Next, paint the bottle with the colour of your choice.

Once the paint is dry (it must be dry, and for us it took about 30 minutes), you can use your markers to design the faces.

Now, add a bit of soil in your newly designed planter and then place your plant inside, making sure it’s well positioned. (Or, plant your seeds in the soil, water and watch them grow.) 

Now, you have not only turned trash into something cute and usable, but you’ve given your kids a valuable lesson about reducing, reusing and recyling. And that's what I call winning!