Plastic bottles are everywhere. They contain everything from filtered water to coffee and tea, and much more. However, they also end up in oceans and forests, harming wildlife. Despite this, plastic bottles can be incredibly useful for survival. Here are a few creative recycling tips that just might save your life.
1. DIY Shower
Transform a plastic bottle into a simple solar shower. Paint a bottle black or cover it with mud to absorb heat from the sun, and then fill it with water. Suspend the bottle overhead using cordage, and when you're ready to rinse, simply tip the bottle over. You can also poke holes in the cap or unscrew it slightly to control the water flow.
2. Fishing Trap
Create a fishing trap using a large juice bottle and a two-liter soda bottle. Cut the top off the soda bottle and fit it inside the juice bottle. Cut holes in the bottle to allow water to flow in, and add a weight to the juice bottle to keep it in place. Tie a rope to the bottle to prevent it from drifting away. Add bait, and when fish swim inside, they won't be able to escape thanks to the funnel-like design.
3. Firestarter
Remember burning ants with a magnifying glass? You can use a clear plastic bottle in the same way to start a fire. On a sunny day, fill the bottle with water and focus the sunlight onto dry tinder to ignite it. This simple tool can be life-saving in survival situations.
4. Makeshift Shoes
If you're in a survival situation and need to protect your feet from sharp objects, plastic bottles can be used to create emergency shoes. Find two bottles the size of your feet, flatten them using your feet as molds, and tie them together using string, cordage, or plastic bags. These makeshift shoes can help keep you moving without foot injuries.
5. Backup Refrigerator
Freeze water in a few two-liter bottles and store them in your freezer. These can serve as makeshift ice blocks to keep things cool in case of a power outage. You can place one in the fridge to help maintain a low temperature until the power is restored.
6. Survival Rope
Use a bottle cutter (made with a razor blade, nails, and a 2x4) to cut the bottom off a soda bottle and pull out the plastic string. Braid this string together from several bottles to create a strong, durable rope that can be used in survival situations.
7. Flotation Devices
Plastic bottles are great flotation devices. Simply fill the bottles with air and tie several together to create a raft or even a makeshift life vest. Use 6 soda bottles to make a life vest—three on the front and three on the back—to stay afloat in water.
