7 Inventive Ways to Reuse Glass Bottles

Did you know that the average household throws out about 480 pounds of glass every year? Even if you don’t quite meet the national average, your fridge is still probably full of sauces, beverages and condiments chilling in glass containers. Good thing there are plenty of great ideas out there for reusing them. Learn how to reuse glass bottles and jars of all shapes and sizes in simple but spectacular ways.

7 Inventive Ways to Reuse Glass Bottles

1. Wine Bottle Bird Feeder

With an empty wine bottle, some wood, a few screws and a piece of wire rope, anyone with a little DIY know-how can construct this beautiful bird-feeder. The seeds will filter out bit by bit and once the bottle is empty, simply loosen the rope to pull it out for a refill.

2. Healthy Spray Bottle

Just transfer the spray nozzle from the original plastic bottle to a glass one. Spray bottles are handy for multiple household chores, but plastic can leech harmful chemicals into whatever it holds. Luckily, glass bottles of vinegar, juice, soda and other beverages with twist-off lids typically fit the average spray nozzle.

3. Homemade Holiday Decorations

With some paint, Epsom salts and Mod Podge, you can reuse glass bottles of any type to create one-of-a-kind holiday décor. Fill them with fresh pine branches, glittery craft plants, candles or anything else your own creativity suggests.

4. Upcycled Lamp

Head to your local hardware store for a glass/tile drill bit and a lamp holder, then choose a lampshade and you’ll be ready to light up your home the DIY way. This project is best-suited to those with some past DIY experience and the tool kit to match.

5. Chalkboard Storage Canisters

Everybody could use more labelled storage containers. This simple way to reuse glass bottles serves a practical purpose while creating something nice enough to put on display. All you need is the bottle of your choice and some chalkboard paint.

6. Beautiful Bottle Tree

Bottle trees, once believed to trap evil spirits before they could enter your home, are a lovely way to reuse glass bottles. Simply slip a slew of bottles over the limbs of a tree or wooden frame to brighten your garden. Blue is traditional for bottle trees but many people today use a variety of colors.

7. Self-Watering Herb Garden

Do you love fresh herbs but lack the green thumb to keep them growing? With a little elbow grease, you can turn old bottles into planters that water themselves. You’ll have to cut your bottles in half, which you can accomplish using one of these methods or by purchasing something like the Kinkajou —ideal if you want to try out other projects that require cutting bottles. Then, all you need is a small piece of screen and a thick string to start an effortless windowsill herb garden.