How do I upcycle a 1 gallon milk jug?

Patricia
by Patricia
  5 answers
  • DesertRose DesertRose on Dec 01, 2019

    Some people cut off the bottoms to use them to put over spring garden plants when there is a fear of frost, or even to help give a little "green house" effect to new plants in the garden (take off lids each morning after sun is up and return lids at night if there is frost warning).

    They could also be used in flower gardens etc. We cut off part of the front (opposite the handle) to use them to water from our rain barrel. They wear out eventually packing so much water, so the extras we get from milk jugs come in handy.

    Some people cut out the flat surfaces of plastic to make crafts. With holes in the bottom they can become temporary planters for starting plants. Hope this helps, Patricia.

  • Allison Allison on Dec 01, 2019

    You could use them to catch the cold water that runs down the drain when waiting for the hot water to get to the kitchen sink or shower. For my house it's 1/2 gal for sink and a full gal for the shower. I do this and can water all my house plants and animals, make coffee and what not. It's a good conservation measure.

    • Patricia Patricia on Dec 01, 2019

      Thank you, Allison ... I do catch the water in the AM ... (waiting for hot) in a 2 liter bottle ... Use later or keep for emergency or outside work (mix cement, etc.) Another helpful use: cut bottom off ... Place under shoe heel while driving ... It saves the heel. THANKS!! Patricia

  • Darlene Williman Darlene Williman on Dec 01, 2019

    I hadn't thought about saving the cold water while waiting for the hot. That is a good idea and I'm going to do it. I have also punched holes in the sides and bottoms of the cartons/containers, dug them into the ground up to almost their tops and put water in them for slow watering in the garden. Works well to get the water down deeper than just spraying or drip hose and I can put fertilizer in it for the plants too.

    • See 1 previous
    • Patricia Patricia on Dec 01, 2019

      Thank you, Darlene! Excellent use! Patricia

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 01, 2019

    Hi there,

    They can be used to make magazine holders by cutting them to shape or in a child's room or craft room as containers (decorated or not) They can be used in a garage or shed. They could be used in the garden to collect and hold water for when it is dry- Make holes in the cap , nice easy amount to water plants with....Hope that is of help Patricia..

  • Anna B Anna B on Dec 01, 2019

    I cut the opening and handle along with an extra inch or two from the jug and fill them 1/3 full of sand or kitty litter. I place either lit candle votives or LED tea lights on the top of the filling and line one or both sides of our driveway and walkway with the jugs for the trick-or-treaters on Halloween and to decorate at Christmas. The higher side of the jug protects the flame from the wind. I set them outside at dusk and let them burn until 10:00 p.m. or so. They create a lovely glow and the jugs themselves aren't visible in the dark. I gather mine up each morning, not necessary, but I think it looks nicer not to have out in the light of day.