2 DIY Recycling Projects: Providing step-by-step guides for creative recycling projects that members can try at home.

1. Wine Bottle Planters

Materials Needed:

• Empty wine bottles

• Glass cutter or a bottle cutting kit

• Sandpaper

• Potting soil

• Small plants or seeds (succulents work great)

• Protective eyewear and gloves
  

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Area: Clear a workspace and put on protective eyewear and gloves for safety.

2. Score the Bottle: Use a glass cutter to score a line around the wine bottle approximately 4-6 inches from the bottom.

3. Heat and Cool: Dip the scored section in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, then quickly transfer it to a bowl of cold water. Repeat this process 2-3 times or until the bottom separates.

4. Sand Edges: Take the sandpaper and smooth out any sharp edges on the cut bottle to ensure a safe, smooth finish.

5. Fill With Soil: Place potting soil into the bottom section of the bottle until it is about three-quarters full.

6. Plant: Plant your small plants or seeds into the soil.

7. Water: Water the plants as needed, being careful not to overwater as the bottle does not have drainage holes.

8. Display: Place your new wine bottle planter in a spot with appropriate sunlight for your chosen plants.
   

2. Tin Can Lanterns

Materials Needed:

• Empty tin cans (soup or coffee cans work well)

• Hammer and nails or a drill

• Paint and brushes (optional)

• Wire for handles (optional)

• Candles or LED tea lights
  

Steps:

1. Clean the Cans: Remove labels and adhesive from the tin cans and wash them thoroughly.

2. Fill with Water: Fill the cans with water and place them in the freezer until the water is completely frozen. This will prevent the cans from denting when you're punching holes in them.

3. Design Your Lantern: While your cans are freezing, sketch out a design of where you want the holes to be on a piece of paper that you can wrap around the can as a guide.

4. Punch Holes: Once the water is frozen, use the hammer and nails or a drill to punch holes following your design. Remember to make two opposite holes near the opening of the can for the wire handle if you choose to have one.

5. Thaw the Ice: Allow the ice to thaw and drain out the water.

6. Paint: Paint your tin can lantern with any color or design you like. This step is optional but adds a personalized touch.

7. Add Wire Handle: Cut a piece of wire long enough to make a handle. Thread each end through each of the two opposite holes near the top of the can and twist to secure.

8. Add Light: Place a candle or an LED tea light inside the can and light it up to see your lantern glow.

3. Plastic Bottle Vertical Garden

Materials Needed:

• 2-liter plastic soda bottles

• Scissors or a craft knife

• String or twine

• Soil

• Seeds or seedlings (herbs, flowers, or small vegetables)

• Drill (for drainage holes)

Steps:

1. Clean the Bottles: Remove labels from the bottles and wash them inside and out.

2. Prepare the Bottles: Cut around the bottom third of the bottle to create an opening where your plants will go. Keep the bottle cap on to prevent soil from falling out.

3. Drill Drainage Holes: Drill a few small holes in the bottom of the bottle for water drainage.

4. Thread the String: Punch or drill two holes on each side of the bottle, near the cut edge. Thread a piece of string or twine through the holes to create a hanger for the bottle.

5. Add Soil and Plant: Fill the bottom two-thirds of the bottle with potting soil. Plant seeds or seedlings in the soil.

6. Hang Your Garden: Find a sunny spot to hang your vertical garden. Make sure it is a location that can get wet when you water the plants.

7. Maintain: Water your plants regularly, being careful not to overwater, and enjoy your homemade vertical garden.

These creative recycling projects not only provide a functional new use for household items, but they also promote sustainability by reducing waste. Happy crafting and gardening!