Recycled Milk Carton Projects: Top Ten

Every time we empty another plastic milk jug, I wonder if there's a new way we can put it to re-use. We haven't yet created a plastic wasteland around our home, but we do harbor reincarnated milk jugs here and there. I'm curious if anyone notices what they are, or were?

Some of our recycled milk jug projects have included greenhouses, a clothes pin holder, watering can, chicken feed scoop, garden stakes, and even a recover collar (cone) for our kitten. In perusing the internet for more ideas, I came across the following top ten inspiring ideas:

10.
Twice Creations makes fabulous, unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry using recycled milk jugs. Jewelry comes in the form of circles, loops, swirls, and wonderful geometric shapes. It's definitely a shop worth checking out.

 

9.

This is a popular link that's been circulating, but I couldn't resist including it. Apartmenttherapy provides a brilliant tutorial on how to transform a milk jug into a reusable lunch box.

8.

Recycled milk jug lights actually look sleek and modern. Instructables offers tips on how to use LED lights with these plastic light shades.

7.

Try making an indoor igloo entirely out of recycled milk jugs. Use one cap color for a consistent, clean look, or a number of colors for a playful fort in a children's playroom. Leave the igloo half open, or close it in for a more private appeal.

6.
You can't afford a wedding dress? Don't fret. What about making your wedding dress with recycled plastic milk bottles? You will certainly be the talk of the decade.

5.
Sun Ergos uses old plastic milk bottles for molds to create papier mache sculptures. This is an excellent idea for a children's art camp!

4.
The Junk Wave shows us how to weave hand bags with recycled plastic milk containers. These can be used for Easter, Halloween trick-or-treating, or perhaps as a simple gift for Mother's Day.

3.
These beautifully handcrafted clocks are made first by cutting old plastic milk bottles into thin strips. The strips are then quilled to create spiral patterns. The spirals are attached to a recycled wooden board.

2.
The uniquely South African chair was designed by Cape Town-based industrial designer Haldane Martin and comprises a basket seat woven from recycled milk bottles and a bent stainless steel frame.

As always...

Last, but not least...

1.
These gorgeous, playful bracelets are made by Harriet Estel Berman. Recycle is a new series of jewelry constructed from post-consumer recycled plastic containers such as milk, orange juice and shampoo bottles; take out trays, plastic packaging inserts, and more.

Do you have any projects to add to this top ten list? If so, please leave a comment!

Happy New Year!