Omar Khalid
Plastic yogurt cups are often made of polypropylene or #5 plastics, which are durable and can withstand high temperatures. However, many recycling programs do not accept these plastics, making it essential to find creative ways to reuse them. From using them as seed starter kits or paint containers to making musical instruments or Christmas decorations, there are numerous ways to upcycle yogurt cups and reduce waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Plant pots, candle holders, craft containers, bath toys, food storage, musical instruments, Christmas decorations, seed starter kits, bubble containers, paint pots |
| Recycle | Check the number on the bottom of the container to identify the type of plastic and consult your local curbside recycling program |
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What You'll Learn
Make musical instruments
Making musical instruments from plastic yoghurt cups is a fun and simple activity to do with children. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Drums
You can make a mini taboo drum by taking a yoghurt cup and placing clear tape over the mouth of the cup from one end to the other. Be sure to leave at least half an inch over the edge to ensure the tape stays in place. Rotate the cup and repeat this process until the entire mouth is covered. Cover the cup with electrical tape, adding a nice pattern with different colours if you like. You can make a larger drum by using a family-size yoghurt container.
Maracas
Following the same instructions as for a water bottle music shaker, you can make a maraca by adding a handle to a yoghurt cup. You can make a handle by attaching two spoons with tape, one on each side, or use a paperboard tube, a wooden dowel, or anything else that is lightweight and long enough. Decorate the maraca with paint, tissue paper, or stickers.
Handheld Shaker
Wash a yoghurt cup and fill it with dry beans, rice, pasta shells, small toys, or any other item that will make an interesting sound when shaken. Place a thin line of glue on the inside edges of the cup and carefully screw the lid back on. Decorate the outside of the cup with paint, tissue paper, or stickers.
Flowers
Make some plastic flowers by cutting lines in a yoghurt cup with regular scissors and spray-painting it. Once it's dried, attach the cup to a dowel using a thumbtack.
Chimes
Make some chimes by putting holes in yoghurt cups of different shapes and sizes and dangling metal washers inside. Then, string the cups together so they make noise when they move in the wind.
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Use as seedling pots
Plastic yoghurt cups are a versatile resource that can be reused in many ways, especially for gardening and craft activities. One of the most popular ways to reuse yoghurt cups is as seedling pots. This is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. It is also a simple and effective way to start plants from seeds.
To use yoghurt cups as seedling pots, start by washing the cups with hot, soapy water to remove any residue. Poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup to allow for drainage and then fill the cups with potting soil. Place your seeds in the soil and water them gently. Keep the seedlings indoors until the risk of frost has passed, and then transplant them into your garden. This method works for almost any type of seedling.
Yoghurt cups are a good size for starting seeds and can be used to create a seed starter kit. They are durable and can be decorated or painted to add a personal touch. This activity is also a fun project for children, who can learn about gardening and plant care while reusing materials and reducing waste.
It is important to note that yoghurt cups are typically made of polypropylene or #5 plastic, which some recycling programs may not accept due to low recyclable value. Reusing these cups for gardening or other purposes is a more sustainable option than discarding them.
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Paint with kids
Plastic yoghurt cups can be reused in many ways to paint with kids. Here are some ideas:
Paint Containers
Add paint to the bottom of the yoghurt cups and let your kids get creative. These cups can also be used as "rinse" cups to clean paintbrushes.
Stamping
Turn the yoghurt cups into a painting tool by dipping the top into paint and stamping it on a blank piece of paper. Try stamping with the other side of the cup and see what patterns your kids can create.
Christmas Decorations
With the holidays approaching, yoghurt cups can be spray-painted and decorated by children to make unique Christmas decorations.
Plastic Flowers
Cut the yoghurt cups into petal shapes with scissors, then cover the print with spray paint. Once dry, attach the cup to a dowel using a thumbtack to create a plastic flower. These can be used as table decorations or planted in the garden.
Bubble Containers
Yoghurt cups are a great size for children to hold and play with bubbles.
Bath Toys
Bring yoghurt cups into the bath for scooping and pouring water, or poke a few holes in the bottom for a fun "shower" effect.
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Store food in the freezer
Plastic yoghurt cups can be reused in many ways, including as food storage containers in the freezer. Here are some tips for reusing yoghurt cups to store food in the freezer:
Firstly, ensure that your yoghurt cups are clean and dry before reusing them. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water to remove any residue. This is especially important if you plan to store food in the cups for a prolonged period.
Secondly, consider the type of plastic the yoghurt cups are made from. Most yoghurt containers are made from polypropylene (PP) or #5 plastic, which does not contain bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical. However, it is recommended to avoid reusing #7 plastic, as this type may contain BPA. Check the bottom of the yoghurt cup for a recycling symbol and a number to identify the type of plastic.
When using yoghurt cups for freezer storage, consider their size and shape. Larger yoghurt containers are perfect for storing items like rice, beans, pasta, and spices in the pantry or freezer. They can also be used to store pre-measured portions of food, such as soup, sauce, or vegetable stock, making it easy to defrost and use exactly what you need. Smaller yoghurt cups are ideal for freezing individual servings of foods like yoghurt, smoothies, or juice popsicles. Simply fill the cups with your chosen liquid, cover with foil, insert a wooden popsicle stick, and freeze.
To organise your freezer effectively, label each yoghurt cup with its contents and date. This helps you identify the frozen items and their freshness. Use a sharpie or freezer tape to write on the container lid. Stack the yoghurt cups neatly in your freezer to optimise space.
Remember, while reusing yoghurt cups is a great way to reduce waste, it is recommended to avoid reheating food in plastic containers, as they are not microwave-safe. Always transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish before reheating. Additionally, avoid placing hot food in plastic containers, as heat can intensify the release of chemicals.
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Make plastic flowers
Plastic yogurt cups can be reused to make beautiful plastic flowers. This is a simple craft idea that children can also do. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make plastic flowers using yogurt cups:
Firstly, mark the yogurt cup. You can use a pen or pencil to draw lines or patterns on the cup, which will serve as a guide for cutting. Feel free to get creative with the design and make it as intricate or simple as you like. You can also choose to skip this step and start directly with cutting if you prefer a more spontaneous approach.
The next step is to cut along the lines or patterns you have drawn on the cup. Use regular scissors to carefully cut out the sections of the cup that you have marked. Be cautious while handling scissors, especially if children are involved, and always provide supervision.
After cutting, you can choose to paint the cut-out sections of the cup. Spray paint is a good option, as it will give an even coat and dry quickly. You can cover the print on the cup or leave it as is, depending on your preference. Both options will look great, so feel free to experiment and express your creativity.
Once the paint is dry, it's time to assemble the flower. Attach the cut-out sections of the cup to a dowel using a thumb tack. This will form the petals of your flower. If you don't have a dowel, you can use any straight and thin stick that can support the structure.
Finally, you can add any additional decorations or embellishments to your flower. You can use glitter, stickers, ribbons, or any other craft supplies you have on hand to make your flower unique and personalized.
Your plastic yogurt cup flower is now complete! This is a fun and easy way to reuse yogurt cups and create beautiful garden or plant décor. Enjoy your handmade creation and feel proud of your resourcefulness and creativity!
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic yogurt cups can be reused in a variety of ways for children. You can use them for painting, as toys in the bathtub, or to hold bath crayons. You can also use them to make musical instruments, such as drums, or plastic flowers for the garden.
Plastic yogurt cups can be used for storage in a variety of ways. You can use them to store small amounts of paint for touch-up projects, or as a holder for glue bottles. They can also be used as seed starter kits for plants, or as a funnel.
Plastic yogurt cups can be decorated and used as Christmas decorations or candle holders.
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