Tricks and Tips– Empty Plastic Bottles

These days, we use so much plastic and then once we’re done, what do we do with it? Recycle? Yes if it’s possible but in some places you can’t so it ends up in the landfill with the rest of the garbage.

So what then?

How use it to dispense pancake mixture? I found this tip at Real Simple and I really think it’s smart! Simply wash out the old ketchup bottle and fill it with the pancake mixture. Not only does it reduce the mess of spooning the mixture into the pan, you can create a big batch and then keep it in the fridge to use the next day (I used my Google-fu and apparently pancake batter can last well up to a week in the fridge. It may get a bit discoloured but it’ll be fine. If it gets too thick, just add a bit more milk). It’s a quick and easy way to get breakfast in if you don’t have enough time to mix it all up right then. You can mix it up the night before, put in the fridge and then you’re good to go for the next morning!

This next tip is my favourite though. I haven’t tried it but I fully intend to because I think it’s an awesome idea and very versatile. All you need is a water bottle. From Apartment Therapy, this tip allows you to seal a bag and still have easy access to the contents. Yes, in a perfect world we wouldn’t use plastic, but let’s face it, that’s not reality and this can be a simple solution. All you have to do is cut the bottle around the neck of it. Slip it over the plastic, pull the plastic bag through the neck and over the edge and then cap it.  Easy peasy. You now have a bag you can reseal.

Do you have other tips when dealing with plastic?