How to use your plastic waste in creative projects

Recycling plastic waste has become an excellent way to protect the planet and, at the same time, unleash creativity.

While many people associate recycling with industrial processes, there are numerous ways to reuse plastics at home or in art projects.

Transforming waste into useful, decorative or even functional pieces.

The importance of reusing plastic

Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in landfills or in the oceans, seriously affecting ecosystems.

Reduce, recycle and reuse are the three “R’s” that can make a difference.

Reusing plastics not only reduces the amount of waste, but also reduces the need to produce new materials.

This implies lower consumption of energy and natural resources.

At Baidal, we promote the circular economy by recycling industrial and household plastics.

Demonstrating that every piece of plastic can have a new life.

Types of plastics that you can reuse

Before starting any creative project, it’s important to identify the types of plastic you have available.

  • PET (beverage bottles): Clear, durable, and easy to cut. Ideal for crafts and gardening.

  • HDPE (detergent or milk containers): Very durable and perfect for creating resistant objects.

  • PP (lids, straws, food containers): Flexible and lightweight, excellent for decorative pieces.

Knowing the properties of plastic will help you select the right material for the type of project you want to complete.

Creative ideas for reusing plastic waste at home

Here we share some simple but very effective ideas to give new life to your plastic waste:

Ecological pots

Cut plastic bottles in half, decorate them, and use them for your plants or herbs.

Source: www.handfie.com

Handmade lamps

With PET bottles and a little paint you can create unique lamps for your home.

Organizers and boxes

Large plastic containers can be turned into practical office or toy containers.

Recycled jewelry

Melted plastic caps and pieces can be transformed into colorful necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

Light furniture

With hard, durable plastics, you can build stools or small tables ideal for outdoors.

Thematic decorations

Halloween is coming up in a few days, and a great plan to do with the kids is to create special decorations for the occasion using plastic waste.

 

These initiatives not only reduce the environmental impact.

But they also encourage sustainable design and personal creativity.

How to integrate recycling into school or business projects

Environmental education or corporate social responsibility projects are an excellent opportunity to promote the reuse of plastic.

Schools, universities, and businesses can develop creative recycling workshops, sustainable design competitions, or plastic collection campaigns.

The future of recycled plastic

Plastic doesn’t have to be an enemy of the environment.

With responsible management, it can become a valuable raw material.

Technological innovation and civic engagement are driving the creation of high-quality recycled plastics.

Used in the automotive industry, construction and even fashion.

At Baidal, we advance this vision through advanced industrial recycling and plastics transformation processes, offering solutions that benefit both the planet and companies committed to sustainability.

Reusing plastic waste in creative projects is more than a trend. It’s a necessity for building a sustainable future.

With a little imagination and commitment, every piece of plastic can have a second chance.

14 October, 2025 Uncategorized No comments yet

Recycled Plastic vs. Recyclable Plastic: What’s the Difference?

Plastic remains one of the most widely used and debated materials.

Terms like “recycled plastic” and “recyclable plastic” often cause confusion.

Although they sound similar, they do not mean the same thing and have very different implications for the environment.

If you want to better understand these concepts and how they affect our consumer decisions, continue reading our blog.

What is Recyclable Plastic?

Recyclable plastic is plastic that has the potential to be recycled.

That is, it can be processed to become a new product or material.

However, just because a plastic is recyclable does not guarantee that it will actually be recycled.

Some factors that influence its recyclability include:

✅ Plastic type:

Not all plastics are equally recyclable.

The most commonly recycled are PET (water bottles) and HDPE (detergent containers).

✅ Recycling infrastructure:

If there are no adequate recycling centers or if plastic is not collected effectively, it will end up in landfills or in the environment.

✅ Cleaning conditions:

Plastics that are dirty or contaminated with food residue, oil, or other materials may be rejected by recycling plants.

🔹 Examples of recyclable plastics:

Soft drink bottles (PET), milk containers (HDPE), yogurt containers (PP), some packaging plastics.

What is Recycled Plastic?

Recycled plastic is plastic that has already gone through a recycling process and has been reused to make new products.

That is, it is not only recyclable, but it has already been recycled and turned into something new.

Using recycled plastic has important benefits, such as:

♻️ Reduction in the use of virgin plastic

Demand for oil and other natural resources used to make new plastic is decreasing.

♻️ Less waste in landfills and oceans

Help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up polluting the planet.

♻️ Smaller carbon footprint

The manufacturing process with recycled plastic typically requires less energy than producing new plastic.

🔹 Examples of recycled plastic:

Clothing made from recycled PET bottles, street furniture made from recycled plastic, and packaging that indicates it has been manufactured with “X% recycled material.”

Which is Better for the Environment?

The answer depends on several factors, but generally speaking, recycled plastic has a more positive environmental impact than recyclable plastic.

  • Recyclable plastic that isn’t recycled ends up in landfills or the ocean, where it can take hundreds of years to degrade.

  • Recycled plastic has already been reused, reducing the need to produce more virgin plastic.

However, recycling is not the only solution.

It’s also essential to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable packaging.

Although the terms “recycled plastic” and “recyclable plastic” may seem similar, they have key differences.

A recyclable plastic has the potential to be recycled, but this depends on factors such as recycling infrastructure and cleaning.

On the other hand, recycled plastic has already been processed and reused, which reduces its environmental impact.

To contribute to a more sustainable world, it’s not enough to simply choose recyclable plastics.

We must ensure that they are actually recycled and encourage the use of recycled materials.

Furthermore, the best option will always be to reduce the consumption of unnecessary plastics and opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

15 April, 2025 Uncategorized Comments Off on Recycled Plastic vs. Recyclable Plastic: What’s the Difference?

The impact of microplastics on our lives

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter that have become an environmental and public health concern.

These tiny particles come from a variety of sources, including the degradation of larger plastic products and intentional release in industrial and consumer products.

Their ubiquity in water, air, and food has generated growing interest in understanding their effects on ecosystems and human health.

Sources of microplastics

They can be classified into two main types:

Primary microplastics:

These are those intentionally designed for specific products.

Such as facial scrubs, toothpastes, and industrial pellets used in the manufacture of plastics.

Secondary microplastics:

They are generated from the degradation of larger plastic products.

Microplastics

Such as bottles, bags, and synthetic textiles, due to exposure to sunlight, friction, and other environmental factors.

Environmental impact of microplastics

Microplastic pollution seriously affects marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

These particles can be ingested by aquatic organisms, entering the food chain and affecting biodiversity.

In addition, they can act as vectors of toxic substances by adsorbing chemical contaminants present in water, such as heavy metals and pesticides.

Effects on wildlife include:

  • Blockage of the digestive tract of marine animals.
  • Reduction in feeding and growth capacity.
  • Alterations in the reproductive patterns of aquatic species.

In terrestrial ecosystems, they have been found in agricultural soils.

In that case, they can affect soil fertility and nutrient uptake by plants.

Impact of microplastics on human health

Human exposure to microplastics occurs primarily through:

  • Water and food consumption: They have been found in drinking water, fish, shellfish, table salt, and even fruits and vegetables.
  • Inhalation: Plastic fibers in the air can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs.
  • Contact with everyday products: cosmetics, synthetic textiles, and plastic packaging can release microplastics over time.

Microplastics

While the exact impact on human health is still being investigated, some studies suggest they may cause:

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress in cells.
  • Hormonal changes due to the presence of endocrine disruptors.
  • Possible neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects.

Solutions to reduce microplastic pollution

Reducing the presence of microplastics in the environment requires a joint effort between governments, industries, and citizens.

Some key strategies include:

  • Responsible use of plastic: reduce consumption of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives.
  • Recycling improvements: Promote proper recycling of plastics to minimize their breakdown into smaller particles.
  • Stricter regulations: banning their use in cosmetic products and encouraging the development of biodegradable materials.
  • Research and technology: developing effective methods to filter microplastics from water and improving waste management.

Microplastics represent a major environmental and health challenge.

Their ubiquity in the environment and their potential impact on human health make it urgent to implement effective solutions to reduce their presence.

Raising awareness and adopting sustainable practices are essential to mitigating the negative effects of these pollutants and protecting both current and future generations.

2 April, 2025 Uncategorized Comments Off on The impact of microplastics on our lives

Summer crafts with recycled plastic

Summer is a perfect season to explore our creativity and enjoy outdoor activities.

In today’s article, we propose a series of summer crafts using recycled plastic, offering fun and environmentally friendly ideas.

Not only will you keep yourself busy during the warmer months, but you will also contribute to reducing your environmental impact.

So get to work and enjoy a creative and eco-friendly summer!

Pool Toy Boat:

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice dip in the pool on hot summer days?

With recycled plastic, you can create toys to enjoy in the water.

You can make toys like boats using plastic bottles and other recycled materials.

Take note:

  1. Wash and dry a large plastic bottle with a lid.
  2. Poke a hole in the center of the lid large enough to pass a thin string through.
  3. Decorate the bottle by painting it with acrylic paint or sticking on stickers.
  4. Make a sail for the boat by cutting a triangular shape out of a plastic bag or waterproof paper.
  5. Thread the string through the hole in the top and tie one end to a stick or small branch to make the neck.
  6. Attach the sail to the mast using waterproof tape.
  7. Your toy boat is ready to sail in the pool!

Give free rein to your imagination and have fun in the water in a sustainable way!

Garden lamps and lanterns:

Take advantage of the warm summer nights and create a cozy atmosphere in your garden with lamps and lanterns made from recycled plastic.

Gather transparent bottles of different sizes and colors and put LED lights inside.

You can hang them on tree branches or place them on the ground to illuminate pathways.

You only need:

  • bottle lamp:
    1. Wash and dry a clear glass bottle.
    2. Insert a string of LED lights inside the bottle.
    3. Make sure the wire from the lights comes out of the opening in the bottle.
    4. Place the bottle upside down on a flat surface.
    5. Connect the lights and enjoy a beautiful bottle lamp that will illuminate your garden at night.
  • Plastic Lantern:
    1. Gather several clear plastic bottles of the same size.
    2. Cut the bottles in half and discard the bottom.
    3. Decorate the tops of the bottles with acrylic paint, permanent markers, or stickers.
    4. Attach the tops of the bottles together using strong plastic glue or clear tape.
    5. Place an LED candle inside the lantern.
    6. Light the LED candle and enjoy a bright and ecological lantern in your garden.

In addition to being a great way to recycle plastic, these lamps will add a magical touch to your nights outdoors.

Pots and planters:

If you love gardening, summer is the perfect time to grow your own plants.

Instead of buying new pots, you can create your own pots and planters using recycled plastic.

Reuse food containers, such as jars or cups, and give it a creative touch by painting or decorating them with natural elements such as seashells or stones.

Indications:

  • Bottle pot:
    1. Wash and dry an empty plastic bottle.
    2. Cut the top of the bottle, just below the part where the neck begins.
    3. Decorate the bottle with acrylic paint, colored paper, or any other decorative material.
    4. Poke small holes in the bottom of the bottle to allow water to drain.
    5. Fill the bottle with soil and plant your seeds or small plants.
    6. Place the pot in a sunny location and water it regularly.
  • Cup planter:
    1. Wash and dry a disposable plastic cup.
    2. Decorate the mug with acrylic paint, permanent markers, or stickers.
    3. Poke several holes in the bottom of the cup to allow water to drain.
    4. Fill the cup with soil and plant your seeds or plants.
    5. Place the planter in a suitable place and water it according to the needs of your plants.

These recycled pots will not only be a home for your plants, but also an expression of your creativity and commitment to the environment.

Enjoy the creative process and have fun with these summer crafts using recycled plastic!

Always remember to be aware of the environment and properly recycle the materials used.

 

 

 

26 July, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Summer crafts with recycled plastic

Spring crafts with recycled plastic

We are already in Spring and the Easter holidays are very close to us with the children at home for two long weeks.

It is the perfect moment for us to encourage ourselves to make a craft to bring joy to our home and we will also have the little ones entertained.

In today’s blog we bring you a few Spring crafts made with recycled material.

The importance of recycling

Plastic is a material widely used in our daily lives, but it is also one of the materials that pollute our planet the most.

That’s why recycling plastic is so important to reduce the environmental impact of its production and disposal.

From Baidal we always encourage recycling those materials whose recycling is possible.

We can also reuse them to give them a second life.

With plastic we can make a multitude of crafts like the ones we tell you about below.

Spring crafts with recycled plastic

Some creative spring craft ideas you can make using recycled plastic.

plastic bottle flowers

Flower craft made with recycled plastic

Plastic bottles are one of the most common materials that can be recycled.

To make flowers, we simply cut off the top of the bottle and then cut the petals at the bottom.

We can paint them with acrylic paint and stick them to a wooden toothpick to make a nice bouquet of flowers.

Butterflies from plastic bags

butterfly craft made from plastic bags

Plastic bags are another material that can be easily recycled.

To make butterflies, we cut a plastic bag in the shape of a butterfly and attached it to a rod or wire so that they can move.

We can also paste several butterflies on a mural to give our house a spring touch.

plastic pots

Plant pot craft made with recycled plastic bottles

Plastic pots are very useful for planting flowers and plants.

We can make our own recycled plastic pots using plastic bottles cut into the desired shape.

We just have to paint the pots with acrylic paint as we like and put them in the garden or at home.

Bird feeders with plastic bottles

bird feeder craft made from recycled plastic bottles

Plastic bottles can also be used to make bird feeders.

We cut off the top of the bottle and make holes in the sides so that the birds can access the food.

We can paint the bottle with bright colors to attract birds and hang the feeder on a tree or on the balcony.

plastic lamps

We can also use plastic bottles to make decorative lamps.

We cut off the bottom of the bottle and put a candle inside.

We painted the bottle with bright colors to give it a spring touch that will look great.

These are just a few spring craft ideas that can be made using recycled plastic.

Remember that recycling plastic is an important way to reduce our environmental footprint and do our part to protect our planet.

If you want more information about plastic recycling, visit our website.

30 March, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Spring crafts with recycled plastic

Summer crafts with recycled material

Summer has arrived and with it, the school holidays. Crafts are usually an activity that children love and also quite entertaining.

In today’s post we show you some typical summer crafts that are made with recycled material.

Take notes and have fun.

Piñatas with recycled material

There is nothing that children like more than a piñata.

The thrill of being able to open it and collect everything that is inside is something very fun for the little ones.

Also, making a piñata at home is very easy, we will only need:

  • A cardboard box.
  • Paper or fabrics that we have at home. If we don’t have we can buy tissue paper.
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • The sweets or toys that we want to put inside.

How to make our piñata from recycled material?:

  • We choose the shape we want for the piñata: ice cream shape, watermelon slice, beach ball…
  • We cut recycled cardboard.
  • We glue the strips of fabric or paper all over the cardboard.
  • We introduce surprises. We must remember to leave an open space in the box to put the surprises, then we close it.

Fuente: https://www.pinterest.es/pin/140806229600366/

We already have our piñata made of recycled material, now we just have to have fun.

little fish with plastic bottles

This craft is very simple and we need very few materials:

  • Empty plastic bottles.
  • Permanent markers.
  • Gomaeva

To make our fish with recycled material we just have to cut the bottom of the bottle to shape the mouth of the fish.

Then we cut the flaps with foam, although we can also make the flaps with plastic from another empty bottle.

We paint and decorate our fish with the colors that we like the most.

Fuente: https://es.pinterest.com/pin/366480488411823947/

With plastic bottles we can also make a very nice octopus and complete our marine fauna.

https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/7e/15/97/7e15970ee24b49d1b64d9e8c6d9b27c4.jpg

Fuente: https://www.pinterest.es/pin/AS0kHMtKDu8xvRSxo4dtjXqTV2mDCJDuiLnKCf0CmN2RkHVfG8yUPbk/

Mermaids with spoons of recycled material

Summer is the time for barbecues and gatherings with family and friends.

Many of us use disposable utensils to save ourselves from washing up afterwards.

Before the vast majority were made of plastic, now there are other materials that luckily we can reuse again.

But we can also give them another use once used.

With spoons, for example, we can create fun little mermaids.

Fuente: www.pinterest.es

We just need:

  • disposable spoons
  • Cardboard, fabric or any element that we have at home that we can use to make the hair and tail of the mermaids.
  • Felt pens.
  • glitter (optional)
  • Glue

The wide part of the spoon is the mermaid’s head and all we have to do is glue the different elements to make her hair and tail.

We can decorate it with glitter.

Boats with tetrabrik containers

Another thing that is always at home is some food or drink in tetrabrik.

Well, this material can be very useful for us to create beautiful boats with which our children will have a blast.

Need:

  • Tetrabriks
  • Markers or watercolor paints
  • A long toothpick, (like the one used for skewers)
  • Cardstock or fabric to make the candle
  • Glue

Making the boat is very simple:

We put the container horizontally and cut out a part to create the interior of the boat.

On the side we cut out two circles to make the windows.

Then we paint and decorate it as we like.

We make a candle with the toothpick and with the cardboard or the fabric that we have chosen and we stick it on the tetrabrik.

We already have our boat.

There are many crafts that we can do with recycled material and objects that we have at home, so be imaginative and have fun 😉

If you know any summer crafts with recycled material, share it with us!

 

28 June, 2022 Uncategorized Comments Off on Summer crafts with recycled material

Decorate your house for Halloween with recycled materials.

You don’t need to buy plastic things to have fun on Halloween!

In today’s blog, we want to give you some ideas for Halloween costumes or decorations from recycled materials.

Let’s go there

Plastic bottle skeleton

First of all, we had the fantastic idea of ​​creating a skeleton made from recycled plastic bottles.

Use one bottle for the head or skull, one for the rib cage, and then 2 or 3 more to create the legs, feet, arms, and hands.

Source: Creaciones Rosario Contreras

Can ghost

Second, ghosts can be created out of plastic cans or containers.

Paint the cans white, turn them over, and paint the eyes and mouth black.

Add strips of white fabric to hang from the can.

Source: Artes Manuales Maymig

spiders with recycled plastic

Take the plastic containers where the frozen ones are packed and paint it black, creating a spooky spider.

Then, take the plastic rings that hold the sodas together and create a stunning spider web.

It will be terrifying!

Ghost lights with plastic bottles

Line up some milk bottles, add black paint to draw their faces, and then put white Christmas lights inside.

It’s a line of ghosts!

Also, on the internet, you can find numerous templates to illustrate the face of ghosts.

Source: Scrappingparados

Frankenstein with recycled bottles

Take two large, empty soda bottles, cut out the bottom of each bottle and join the two parts.

On the top, paint the hair and eyes, then paint the mouth and some screws on the bottom.

Finally, take the bottle caps and wrap them in silver foil; They will look like two screws that you can stick in the bottle simulating the ears.

Source: Ecobrisa Manualidades con Reciclaje

Bats with bottles of liquid yogurt

Save the bottles of liquid yogurt you have at home and paint them black.

Also paint the occasional straws black to simulate the bat’s legs. Draw the wings on a piece of paper, paint them black, and glue them to the bottle.

Just add the eyes!

Today’s blog ends here. We hope you liked it a lot!

You can follow us on our social networks if you want to see more about us.

See you!

 

9 November, 2020 Uncategorized Comments Off on Decorate your house for Halloween with recycled materials.
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