Plastic Melts -Moldable

Make cordage from that mountain of plastic, or boil water in a bottle.



Of course you can take these tips into new territory using heat and plastic to mold or repair, plug holes or shape fishing nets or traps.


Creativity and base knowledge are key in survival, I've found.

Boiling Water in Plastic Bottles!

It works. Our experiment last night was very interesting and exciting. If one can boil water in a bottle, that means, using the same procedure, a person could cook stew or soup in a plastic container, suspended over the fire.

I was fortunate enough to find a green branch sturdy enough for such an experiment. The Rhododendron hung out over a suitable campfire spot and by keeping it small enough, I could easily keep it fed.

Also exciting is the cordage I used. By cutting 6 Walmart plastic bags into long strips about 5 inches wide each, and then tightly braiding it, I made a plastic cord strong enough to guy tarps and hang water bottles. The heat from the fire didn't burn it either, as I had feared. It actually seemed to solidify it into tougher cordage.

The cowboy coffee this morning was excellent as well. Fill a empty coffee can with water, build the fire around it, still keeping it small and manageable. Place a metal lid on it to keep ashes out. When the water comes to a boil add plenty of ground coffee (not instant) and allow to boil another 5-6 minutes. I used about one tablespoon of coffee per 12 ounces water. Remove from the fire so that the grounds settle out to the bottom. Slowly pour from the can using a pot holder. The ridge in the metal can keeps the grounds from pouring out.

Save this can for the next trip, or recycle and take a clean one.