Top 5 ways to reuse plastic bottles

My young plants were suffering because of cold weather and garden pests, but I couldn't get to a garden centre to buy a cover. Instead, I took a two-litre plastic bottle from my recycling bin. I trimmed off the top and placed it over my plants. Now they're protected and I haven't spent a penny. Malcolm Brodie, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

As my cats Bobby and Sparky love treats, I thought I'd make them work for their snacks. I found an empty plastic bottle, and made a small hole in the bottom before filling the bottle with their favourite treats. Then, I threaded some string through a hole I made in the bottle top. Finally, I hung the bottle around their climbing tree. Sparky soon got the hang of getting the treats out! Lesley Lea, Chardstock, Devon

We needed to top up the oil in our car one afternoon, but had no funnel. After rummaging through our recycling box, my wife found an empty plastic bottle. I cut it in half and used the top half as a makeshift funnel. It worked so well, I've left it in the garage ready to use again. Russell Griffin, Warmley, Bristol

When I received a second bunch of flowers for my birthday, I had no vase to put them in. Instead, I cut the top off a two-litre plastic bottle and filled the bottom half with water. It was the perfect size for the bunch I'd been given and I can wash it out and use it again. Sara Sweeney, Hucknall, Nottingham

My daughter Megan, nine, uses the nature trail near our home a lot, but was fed up with stepping in or riding through dog poo. So, she made these dog poo bag dispensers by cutting a plastic bottle in half and placing the bags inside. She spent loads of time and effort making them — and even went out in the rain to attach them to posts with cable ties. I hope dog walkers take the hint and use them! Trina Goulding, Abertillery, Gwent