Well yes, since plastic bottles have the property of floating in water, there is nothing simpler to make than a boat that recycles them, to allow us to sail on board their plastic, lakes, rivers and seas. . And it's really easy! Furthermore, with the self-construction of one's kayak, a gesture is perpetuated that originates from far away and that is lost in the mists of time, when the peoples of the ice in the far north made by hand the traditional "clothes with which to move in the 'water ”, that is precisely these ancient single-seater boats with a tapered shape.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Plastic bottles have now become our favorite object of creative recycling. We have done everything and more with them, from the wedding dress to the filter jug. But also one tent, convenient containers or cookie cutters. And even a sofa! Because making this planet a better place is not that difficult and throwing PET bottles in the bin (especially undifferentiated) is a serious, very serious mistake: a little patience and a lot of imagination are enough to reuse them creatively and intelligently. Because often the garbage we throw away is not always real "garbage". On the contrary. It can become a great resource to accomplish many other things. Such as ... a "eco-kayakDo it yourself!
Well yes, since plastic bottles have the property of floating in water, there is nothing simpler to make than a 'boat that recycles them, to allow us to sail on board their plastic, lakes, rivers and seas. And it's really easy! Furthermore, with the self-construction of one's kayak, a gesture is perpetuated that originates from far away and that is lost in the mists of time, when the peoples of the ice in the far north made by hand the traditional "clothes with which to move in the 'water ”, that is precisely these ancient single-seater boats with a tapered shape.
Let's see how to create the creative and, at the same time, simple construction of a kayak with plastic bottles.
needed:
- Wire mesh (ask for it at a construction site or use the grates from an old bird cage)
- Plastic bottles (the number depends on the size of your kayak) perhaps collected by friends, relatives and neighbors
- Waterproof fabric
- Scrap materials of wood, plastic or metal (cans, hooks, old utensils, and any other scrap. But also pieces of furniture and wooden furnishings)
- Scotch tape
- Rope
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions
With the wire mesh, build the framework on which you will later insert the plastic bottles, necessary to keep the boat afloat. First of all, you have to decide what the size of your kayak will be and cut the base accordingly. Then measure, with the help of a couple of bottles, the number of containers needed on each side of the kayak, in order to estimate the total number of bottles needed, knowing that at least 3 or 4 layers will be needed.
Now check all the bottles, making sure they are empty and clean. Secure the bottles, tightly closed with their caps, to the metal mesh with ropes and adhesive tape. It is essential to add weight to the widest part of the boat: you can do it with materials such as plastic, metal and wood, perhaps saved from the garbage.
After you have finished building, use a tarp, or any other plastic material, to seal the bottom of the kayak. After taking the measurements, cut the fabric and glue it, without letting the air pass, with glue or tape. However, before sealing the base with the tarpaulin, it is recommended that you take the kayak for a test ride and make sure the boat bears the weight of your body. Final touch, the paddle. Obviously, you can only choose materials to be recycled "ad hoc" for the purpose, such as old pieces of wood or a metal pole.
Easy isn't it? And now, "on the wave" of “Plastiki” catamaran, built with 12.500 plastic bottles, which from San Francisco had crossed the entire Pacific Ocean to Australia, all aboard ready to sail, in our own little way, on the “do-it-yourself” bottle kayak! Maybe not entire oceans will be crossed, but with a stroll close to the water's edge, to show the world that plastic bottles can have a new life, the eco-kayak will still make a good impression! It is insured.
If you want, if you prefer, you can also follow these instructions for an alternative version of your kayak (the one in the cover photo).
Roberta Ragni
Also read 10 fun ideas from the world to recycle plastic bottles
Read also 10 practical ideas for recycling plastic bottles
