Did you know that over 8 million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans each year? Single-use plastic is one of the biggest pollution sources, and continues to pose a significant threat to marine life and the overall health of our oceans.
Help alleviate single-use plastic pollution by trying this eco-friendly Valentine’s Day craft! Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly craft, or want to create something special for a loved one, this Valentine’s Day activity is a simple, easy, and fun reuse plastic!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Clean plastic water bottles
- Scissors
- Permanent markers (Red, pink, or your favorite colors)
- Needle and thread
- (Optional): Dowel, sticks, or pencils.
Directions:
- Grab a few plastic water bottles (any size) and remove the labels, making sure both the inside and outside are clean.
- Use a pair of scissors to “slice” the bottle into thin rings, cutting across the bottle horizontally.
Photo by: Hometalk – Amaryllis
3. Once you have the rings, use the permanent marker to decorate them––get creative and have fun! You can draw hearts, stripes, flowers, or even write on them.
Photo by: Hometalk – Amaryllis
4. Once all of the rings are decorated, take each one and pinch the top to form a heart-shape (pictured below).
Photo by: Hometalk – Amaryllis
5. Once your hearts are formed, pass the needle and thread through the top of each, tying a knot below the pinch.
Photo by: Hometalk – Amaryllis
6. When you’re finished, hang your Valentine’s Day garland wherever you like!
7. [OPTIONAL] Make a cross with two materials of your choice (Dowels, sticks, pencils, etc.) to tie together and hang the garland from!
Photo by: Hometalk – Amaryllis
Sources:
Science – Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean
Hometalk – How to Make a Hearts Mobile with Plastic Bottles
This craft is easy, fun, and eco-friendly! Finding ways to repurpose single-use water bottles is just one way to help keep plastic out of our oceans and protect our planet.