Often, we do not think about the simple reusable things we have right in our households. While recycling your soda bottles is admirable, saving the environment and all of that, you may want to hold onto a few or more and think about using them for the following:

Food storage (short term) – I’ve seen many people suggest that you can easily store food in a 2-liter bottle and while I agree, it’s not a 100% perfect solution and shouldn’t be considered viable for long-term foods. That said, could you easily store bulk foods for years on end without trouble? Sure. I wouldn’t worry too much about it at all.
Block of ice – I’d imagine many of you expect to keep your refrigerated food viable for longer using ice in coolers. You can easily accomplish this by freezing water in 2-liter soda bottles creating a nice block of ice. Just be sure to fill it about 90% full to avoid bursting the soda bottle since water expands as it freezes.
Emergency drinking water – When that block of ice melts, you now have a portable source of potable drinking water. I would suggest you clean the bottle first with soap and water and then simply fill it with tap water. Of course, you don’t have to freeze water stored in 2-liter soda bottles but it’s a nice benefit. Beyond that, they’re FDA-approved, shouldn’t degrade, and very durable. It’s a win-win.
Fish trap – Though I’ve never tried this one, apparently you can create a makeshift fish trap too.
Upside-down planter – Bored with growing your plants right-side up? No problem! Flip it around!
Hand washing station – You can easily makeshift a hand washing station by hanging a 2-liter soda bottle upside-down and unscrewing the cap ever-so-slightly such that a trickle of water escapes thereby allowing you to wash your hands and conserve water.
Water filter – Create your own bio-sand filter in nearly any container, including a 2-liter soda bottle. Just pile the appropriate amounts of gravel, activated charcoal, and sand and you’ll have a viable makeshift water filter in no time! Well, you do have to wait a week or two for the biolayer to form but, hey, who’s counting?
Mini greenhouse – If you’re trying to get your plants started in the spring but are unsure about the weather, you can cut the bottom off a 2-liter soda bottle and help to protect vulnerable plants.

There are more ideas over on My Family Survival Plan. You can even view videos with easy to follow instructions for any of the above projects – and others!

You drink the stuff anyway… Oh come on, you know you do! So why not take advantage of what the bottle offers and enjoy the benefits that apply to a prepper, homesteader, and survivalist lifestyle! The soda bottle is indeed our friend.