Maya Ellison
Plastic containers are versatile and can be repurposed in numerous ways. While some plastic containers can be recycled, many are not biodegradable and end up in landfills. To reduce waste, plastic containers can be upcycled for various purposes, such as storing food, organizing drawers, or even as craft projects. For example, large plastic containers can be used for storing food scraps for composting, while smaller containers can be used for arts and crafts supplies or as a DIY piggy bank. With a bit of creativity, plastic containers can be transformed into something useful and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse for storage | Store food scraps for composting, laundry detergent, art supplies, sewing supplies, screws, ribbons, etc. |
| Repurpose for arts and crafts | Use paper mache, decorate with paint, glue paper circles, or fill with rice and small toys to create homemade dispensers and shakers |
| Use for food | Store dry goods like rice, pasta, dried beans, granola, crackers, etc. |
| Recycle | Send to Terracycle as part of the Rubbermaid program |
| Upcycle | Cut the bottom off a large plastic bottle, fill with seeds and soil to create a DIY planter |
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What You'll Learn
Use it for food storage
Large plastic containers can be used for food storage in a variety of ways. Firstly, you can use them to store food scraps for composting. Mark a line on the container to indicate one serving, making it easy to measure out food for your compost heap. You can also use a large plastic container to store bulk food items, such as coffee beans, cereal, or rice. This will keep them fresh and ensure they last longer.
If you have a large plastic container with a tight seal, it can be used to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. It is important to note that not all plastics are freezer-safe, so always check the label before freezing food in a plastic container. Plastic containers can also be used to store food in the microwave, but again, it is important to check that the container is microwave-safe. Some containers may leach harmful chemicals or nanoplastics into food when heated, so always use containers specifically manufactured for microwave use.
Large plastic containers can also be used to store pet food. Measure out one serving of food and mark the level on the container with a marker. This will make it quick and easy to serve your pet the correct amount of food at each meal.
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Make it into a piggy bank
If you have a large plastic container, you can easily repurpose it into a piggy bank. This is a fun and straightforward DIY project that can be done in a few simple steps.
First, you'll need to cut a slit on the side of the container, ensuring it's long and wide enough to fit coins. You can use scissors or a knife for this step, and if you're using a plastic bottle, consider warming it with a hairdryer first to make the plastic more pliable and less likely to crack. Next, place the container on its side, with the slit facing upwards. Give your piggy bank some legs by attaching four sections to the bottom. You can use thumbtacks, small items like pebbles or toothpaste caps, or even rolled-up paper glued to the base. If you have an egg carton, you can cut out four sections and glue or tape them to form the legs. Alternatively, wine bottle corks or screw-top jar lids can also work as legs.
Now, it's time to decorate your piggy bank! Cut out two triangular shapes from pink paper, card, felt, or craft foam for the pig's ears and glue them to the top of the container. You can also add a curly tail by using a pink pipe cleaner or cutting a spiral from paper, card, or craft foam. Draw or stick on two eyes, and don't forget to add some nostrils to the lid!
Once you're happy with your design, it's time to start saving! Your new piggy bank will not only be a fun and functional creation but also a great reminder to save money and care for the planet by reusing plastic.
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Use it for arts and crafts
Plastic containers can be used for a variety of arts and crafts projects. Here are some ideas for ways to use a large plastic container for arts and crafts:
Storage and Organisation
Large plastic containers can be used to store art and craft supplies, keeping them organised and tidy. For example, one large container could hold all your paint pots, with smaller containers for crayons, markers, feathers, and beads. You could also use a large container to store ribbons and strings, feeding them through small holes in the container to prevent tangles.
Night Light
Turn a large plastic container into a night light by decorating it with decoupage. You can use an infinite number of designs and colours to create a unique night light for your bedroom.
Vase
Large plastic containers can be decorated and turned into vases for flowers. You could use an assortment of shells and glitter or clusters of imitation flowers to decorate the container. Alternatively, you could explore the ancient Greek art form of mosaics to create a beautiful mosaic vase.
Maracas and Rhythm Shakers
Make some noise with your large plastic container by turning it into a musical instrument! All you need is a stick and some seeds, beans, or rice. Decorate the container and you're ready to make some music.
Terrarium
Create a mini ecosystem inside your large plastic container by turning it into a terrarium. You can find many tutorials on YouTube showing you how to make one. Get creative and decorate your container to make it your own.
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Use it for laundry detergent
If you make your own laundry detergent or buy it in bulk, a large plastic container can be useful for storage. You can decant from the large container into a smaller, more manageable one for everyday use. This will also help to reduce mess and spillages.
To avoid mess when using the large container, tip it so that the spout is at the top and nothing can drip. You can also wipe up any spillages with a piece of laundry or a towel. Alternatively, place a small handled jug under the large container to catch any drips. You can then use this to dispense your detergent.
If you're buying laundry detergent in bulk, look out for design features that might make a mess. For example, deep creases and sharp curves on the bottle can cause issues with vacuum suction when you dispense the detergent.
If you're making your own laundry detergent, you could use a powder formula and store it in a large plastic container with a scoop.
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Turn it into a planter
Turning a large plastic container into a planter is a fun and eco-friendly project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Prepare the Container:
Start by choosing a large plastic container that is sturdy and has a shape suitable for a planter. If the container has a lid, you can remove it or keep it to create a closed terrarium-style planter. Give the container a good rinse to remove any dirt or residue. You can also use sandpaper to scuff the surface, creating a rough texture that paint can adhere to better.
Decorate Your Planter:
Get creative and decorate your planter! You can use spray paint or flexible acrylic paint to add colour and design. If you're using spray paint, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding to the next step. You can also add decorations like stickers, rope, or other craft materials to make your planter unique.
Create Drainage Holes:
Using sharp scissors or a knife, carefully puncture several holes in the bottom of the plastic container. These holes will allow excess water to drain, preventing your plant from sitting in soggy soil. Make sure to create at least three holes and consider using a soldering iron or gun if you have one, as it can make the process easier and safer. Always exercise caution when working with sharp tools and hot equipment.
Prepare the Planting Materials:
Place a plant saucer or water tray inside your planter to catch excess water and protect the surface below. Now, it's time to add some potting soil! Fill the container about one-third of the way with soil, and gently pat it down to remove any air pockets. Choose a plant that suits the size and shape of your container. Succulents, herbs, and small flowers are excellent options for a planter of this size.
Planting and Care:
Carefully remove your plant from its original pot and loosen the root ball gently. Place the plant in the centre of your container and fill in the sides with more potting soil. Give your plant a good drink of water and let it rest for a few minutes. You can add more soil if needed after watering. Place your new planter in a spot that receives adequate sunlight and follow the care instructions for your specific plant. Enjoy your upcycled planter and remember to water and care for your plant regularly!
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Frequently asked questions
Large plastic containers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing food scraps for composting, as a scoop for pet food, or for storing laundry detergent. They can also be used for arts and crafts purposes, such as creating a DIY piggy bank or decorating them to create pretty storage containers.
Large plastic containers can be used to store and organise various items such as art and craft supplies, sewing accessories, snacks, and pantry items like spices, rice, pasta, and other dry goods. They can also be used to store leftover food and keep bags of chips and other snacks fresh.
Plastic containers can be used to create sensory bottles for kids by filling them with rice and small toys, such as buttons, Lego pieces, or marbles. They can also be used to store candy or treats as rewards for kids.
Large plastic containers can be decorated in various ways to give them a new purpose, such as covering them with paper or magazine cut-outs using a basic paper mache technique. They can also be painted, decorated with ribbons or stickers, or transformed into vases by adding a bow and a gift tag.
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