On a daily basis, we accumulate an abundance of plastic waste from every-day things like single-use plastic bottles, packaging, children’s toys and so much more. The team at BRITA came together to find an alternate solution to help beat plastic pollution in a fun and creative way - by making use of trash and giving it a second life through upcycling!
Our team unleashed their creativity, and in groups, were given 1 hour to design and produce masterpieces using plastic waste around the home.
They did not disappoint! Each team created extraordinary masterpieces repurposing everyday consumable items that would normally be thrown out. Here’s each of the team’s amazing creations including what they had to say about sustainable practices:
Filtered Watering Can and repurposed container planter
We created 2 items!
- A 3-stage filtering watering system that can be used to water your plants using an old on-off tap and single-use plastic bottles!
- A repurposed detergent container as a hanging or standing planter container (with drip-capillary watering system).
Why? Given the increased popularity of indoor plants coming out of COVID, we can save money on buying new pots and repurpose everyday consumable items that would normally be thrown out to created unique homes for new plant babies.
How did this inspire us to promote sustainable practices moving forward?
Reduce or reuse is the key. Many detergent bottles now have a refill (concentrate option) rather than buying a replacement bottle. The concentrates can offer multiple fills for a lower cost and “depending on the brand” can be environmentally friendly too. One reusable bottle for multiple refills. If the bottle can only be used once for its original purpose, try finding a new use for it like we have in our filtered water solution and plant holder “now with drip irrigation”.
Blue Suede Sweet Stash
Using left over containers, water bottles and children’s toys, Blue Suede Sweet Stash is your best friend as a stash or repository for sweet treats. Paying homage to Elvis's musical legacy while emphasizing the delightful contents of the cookie jar, everyone needs a Blue Suede Sweet Stash in their lives!
How did this activity inspire you to promote sustainability?
A lot of plastic is used in kids toys to packaging and one-time use products. With school holidays coming up, it’s an awesome time to use old materials to create something fun and engaging with the kids, we are often throwing away broken plastic toys this is a reminder to think before we buy and invest in better quality for longevity.
How can you reduce your dependency on plastic moving forward?
Educate the children about cheap plastic toys - these teeth literally broke the day we got them, and the glow sticks and bubbles are single use. This is a great activity to give a second life to these items but also help to educate the next generation.
Scandinavian sustaina-fashion
A fashionable outfit recreated using various reusable totes and shopping bags.
This creation highlights the impact of plastic waste and fast fashion in landfill and our environment. Synthetic fibres can be recreated into new fashion items.
How can you implement sustainable practices to minimise the consumption of single-use plastic moving forward?
By reusing and combining unconventional materials with fast fashion items, we can prolong the usage and interest of said materials instead of going to landfill.
In July, by going through our wardrobes and finding clothes that are no longer of use either by fit, style or damaged we can repurpose, recreate and mend them to extend their life. Save the turtles!
Kaleidoscope dream catcher
We created a colourful dream catcher using left over craft materials, single-use plastic bottle and repurposing props from home.
A lot of waste can be generated from gift wrapping and crafting, and of course, single-use plastic bottles. This was our visual representation of the impact that single-use plastic bottles and non-sustainable gift wrapping practices can have on landfill and the environment, while also extending creativity and sensory learning with our children.
How can you reduce your dependency on plastic moving forward?
More mindful recycling and reading of labels. Also, cut use of snap-lock bags!
Filtered Watering Can and repurposed container planter
We created a BRITA-inspired watering can for plants using a broken BRITA carafe system, and single-use plastic bottle and food container, effectively filtering water using a microdisc filter which is perfect for plants! We made pot plans from soda bottles. We also created a nightlight using left over wrapping paper, plastic, soft drink bottle and old tea-light candle to complete the look.
How did this activity inspire you to promote sustainability?
We tend to generate and collect heaps of broken products and plastic waste. This was our visual representation of the impact that single-use plastic bottles and many fast homewares can end up in landfill, and that sometimes could be turned into useful things, if we put our minds to it!
Desk organiser
Using left over containers, we have created the ultimate desk organiser to store anything and everything you need at arms’ reach.
How did this activity inspire you to promote sustainability?
We generate a lot of single-use plastic waste from plastic bottles. While we can reuse, it shows the impact that single-use plastic bottles have on landfill and the environment.
How can you reduce your dependency on plastic moving forward?
For July I will purchase alternative products which don’t use plastic packaging in favour of alternative sustainable packaging. I will also consciously buy refills when possible, to avoid or lessen the use of unwanted plastic packaging. Plus, they’re kinder to the back pocket too!
Our ongoing commitment to sustainability
To show our ongoing commitment to sustainability, BRITA has partnered with some influential and well-respected brands for a cleaner, more sustainable future. For more tips and sustainable practices, visit the Plastic Free July website today.
