Chloe Zhang
Plastic containers are versatile and can be reused in numerous ways. While recycling is a great way to dispose of plastic responsibly, reusing plastic containers is even more beneficial as it helps to reduce the need for new products. One way to reuse plastic Gerber containers is to employ them for storage and organisation. They can be used to store food, toys, bathroom accessories, and other items. It is important to ensure that the containers are washed and clean before reusing, especially if they previously held harsh chemicals. Additionally, some plastic containers with specific numbers, such as #2, #4, and #5, are considered safe for reuse with food. To extend the lifespan of plastic containers, avoid exposing them to excessive heat or sunlight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse ideas | Storing arts and crafts materials, propagating plants, storing food scraps for composting, storing food in the fridge, storing bulk food items, storing office supplies, storing bathroom accessories, storing clothing, storing toys |
| Recycling options | Gerber® Free Recycling Program, local curbside recycling services, municipal recycling drop-off locations, Whole Foods |
| Safety considerations | Do not reuse containers that previously held harsh chemical cleaners, avoid using plastic containers for food or drink, avoid plastic containers with numbers #1, #3, #6, and #7, avoid heat exposure, do not use after the expiration date |
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What You'll Learn
Use them to store food scraps for composting
Plastic containers are a great way to keep your home neat and organised. They are reusable, help minimise the need to purchase new organisers, and are easily stackable. Before reusing a plastic container, ensure it is washed and clean.
Firstly, ensure your plastic containers are food-safe and suitable for storing food scraps. These containers are great for storing food scraps in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and easily accessible. For example, wash and place grapes or other fruit into the containers for a quick snack.
Secondly, consider using these containers for composting. Composting can be done using plastic containers, and it is a great way to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. The ideal size for a compost container is around 18 gallons, with a lid, and holes for aeration. You can use a drill to create holes in the container, and these should be around 1-2 inches apart, on all sides, and in the bottom of the top bin. This allows for air circulation, helping the compost decompose faster.
You can use these containers to collect food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, rinsed eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and grass clippings. Chop the scraps into small pieces to speed up the composting process. Every day, give the container a quick shake to aerate the contents, and if the scraps are very wet or smelly, add some shredded paper or leaves to dry them out.
Finally, you can use another plastic container to store your finished compost. Sift the compost through a wire mesh to separate any large pieces, and store the dark, crumbly compost in a container for later use. You can then use this compost in your garden to improve soil quality and nutrient levels.
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$12.25 $15.03
Use them to store toys
Plastic containers are a great way to store toys and keep your home neat and organized. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can pick the perfect container for the job. For example, you can use larger plastic containers to store bigger toys, such as stuffed animals or building blocks. Smaller containers can be used for tiny toys, like Lego pieces or Matchbox cars.
Gerber plastic containers are especially useful for storing toys as they are easy to open, which is perfect for babies and young children who are developing their fine motor skills. You can also use these containers to make simple toys for babies, such as homemade rattles. To make these, simply fill the containers with items such as rice, sand, toothpicks, or bells, and then glue the lid on. You can even paint the inside of the containers to give them a fun look!
Another way to use Gerber plastic containers for toy storage is to create a sensory bin. Fill a large plastic bin with taste-safe moon sand and add some Gerber containers and toys that your child can scoop and dump. This type of activity is great for fine motor, gross motor, and tactile stimulation. Just be sure to place the bin on a blanket or somewhere that is easy to clean.
As your child gets older, you can use Gerber containers to teach them about object permanence. Simply partially hide a toy under a blanket and ask your child to find it. As they start to understand the concept, you can increase the difficulty by hiding the entire toy.
To ensure the safety of your child, always wash and clean plastic containers before reusing them. If the container previously held any harsh chemicals, it is best to avoid using it for toy storage. Additionally, always supervise your child during play and ensure that small toys or objects are not a choking hazard.
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Use them to organise your bathroom cupboard
Plastic containers are a great way to organise your bathroom cupboard and eliminate clutter. Before using your plastic Gerber containers, make sure to wash them thoroughly. If they previously contained non-edible items, do not use them to store anything you will eat or put on your body.
Firstly, take stock of your bathroom accessories and group them into categories, such as hair care, medical items, and beauty supplies. Then, place each category into its own container and label accordingly. If you have opaque containers, be sure to clearly label what is inside. Transparent containers are ideal for easily identifying what you need, but you can also use coloured glass containers to add a harmonious look to your space.
If you have a lot of small items, such as bobby pins, hair elastics, or lip balm, consider using a small bowl to house them. Alternatively, you can use small containers without lids to organise drawers and keep them tidy. For larger items, such as extra toilet paper or towels, use baskets or large plastic bins to maximise your storage space.
You can also use adhesive hooks to hang items such as hairdryers or brushes, saving counter space. If you have a lot of brushes, consider repurposing metal votive holders with patterned paper to sort them. For nail tools and makeup, use acrylic holders or small glass jars so that each item has its own place.
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Use them for DIY cleaning products
Plastic containers are a versatile resource for storing and organising items in your home. Before reusing plastic containers, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried. This is especially important if the container previously held harsh chemicals, cleaners, or food.
Gerber plastic containers can be reused to store DIY cleaning products. First, ensure the containers are washed and dried. You can do this by hand with warm soapy water, or in the dishwasher. If there is an odour or stain, there are several natural methods to remove them:
- Baking soda: add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the container with just enough warm water to form a paste. Spread the paste over the bottom and sides of the container and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the paste away, then wipe down the container with a soft cloth. Wash with hot soapy water and air dry.
- Sugar and ice: add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the container, and drizzle with a bit of dish soap. Cover with five to six ice cubes and let sit for one hour. Pour out the contents and use the remaining sugar as an exfoliant to loosen the stain from the plastic.
- Bleach: for liquid stains, use a mild bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with 1 cup of hot water. Let the container soak for 40-45 minutes, then discard the solution. Wash with hot soapy water and air dry.
- Hand sanitiser: for tomato-based stains, pour enough liquid hand sanitiser into the container to cover the stain. Let it sit for 45 minutes, then pour out the hand sanitiser and wipe away the stain with a soft cloth. Wash with hot soapy water and air dry.
Once your Gerber containers are cleaned, they can be used to store DIY cleaning products. For example, you could make a natural, eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner by mixing 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 5 drops of lemon essential oil. This can be stored in a reusable container and used on kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
You could also make a DIY laundry detergent, using 1 cup of borax, 1 cup of washing soda, 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of Castile soap, and 20 drops of essential oil. This can be stored in a large container and will last for many loads of laundry.
Gerber containers could also be used to store smaller containers of DIY cleaning products, such as natural, solid shampoo and conditioner bars.
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Use them for storing bulk items in your pantry
Plastic containers are a great way to keep your pantry organised. Before using them for food storage, make sure they are washed and clean. If the container previously stored harsh chemical cleaners, it is best to avoid using it for food storage.
Plastic containers are ideal for storing bulk items in your pantry, such as pasta, rice, beans, and flour. They keep your food fresh and easily accessible. You can also use them to prepare healthy snacks in advance, such as washing and cutting grapes and storing them in the refrigerator.
To save space, look for containers that are easily stackable. Clear containers are ideal as they allow you to see what is stored inside. If using opaque containers, use clear labels so you know what is stored in each container.
You can also use plastic containers to organise your drawers. For example, use containers without lids to organise your kitchen drawers or sock and underwear drawers. Small containers can be used to hold paper clips, thumbtacks, and staples, while larger containers can hold crayons, markers, and pencils.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic Gerber containers can be reused to store food, such as snacks in the refrigerator, or bulk items like pasta, rice, beans, and flour. They can also be used to organize items such as toys, office supplies, or bathroom accessories.
Before reusing plastic containers, ensure they are washed and clean. If the container previously held a cleaner, give it an extra good wash. Avoid using containers that stored harsh chemical cleaners.
Plastic containers should not be used in close contact with food, especially after the expiration date. All plastic products can leach toxic chemicals when heated or damaged, so avoid exposing containers to excessive heat or sunlight. Recycle containers when they show signs of wear, such as cracks, scratches, or discolouration.
