Chloe Zhang
Empty plastic formula containers can be reused for a variety of purposes. Some people use them for arts and crafts, such as making drums, stackable toys, or storage for art supplies. Others repurpose them for household storage, such as for dry leftovers, laundry detergent, or screws and nails. They can also be used for gardening, as planters or to store plastic bags. If you don't plan on reusing them, it's best to recycle the containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Storing art supplies, laundry detergent, cereals, screws, crayons, markers, stickers, pacifiers, etc. |
| Recycling | Throwing them into the recycling bin |
| Donation | Donating them to schools for art projects |
| Gardening | Using them as planters |
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What You'll Learn
Use them for arts and crafts
There are many ways to use empty plastic formula containers for arts and crafts. Here are some ideas:
Holiday Treat Baskets
Empty formula containers can be used to create holiday treat baskets. Pick a themed paper, cut it to size, wrap it around the can, and secure it with glue or tape. Then, make a hole on opposite sides of the can and thread a handle made of ribbon, wire, or string through the holes to create a festive bucket for treats.
Vases and Planters
Formula containers can be used as vases or planters. Pick a paper or paint a design on the container, then place your plant inside. You can use real or artificial plants. This is a great way to save money on expensive vases and planters.
Cookie Tins
If you're planning to bake and deliver treats to your neighbours, friends, or family, you can use an empty formula container as a cookie tin. Simply pick a wrapping paper, cut it to size, wrap the tin, fill it with cookies, and put the lid on.
Storage
Empty formula containers can be used for various storage purposes. You can use them to store art supplies such as crayons, markers, and stickers, or small items such as pacifiers, hair ties, coins, or small toys. You can also use them to store dry goods in the kitchen, such as crackers, to prevent them from going stale.
Charging Nook
You can repurpose an empty formula container into a charging nook for your cell phone. Cut the bottle to the size of your phone, decorate it with paint or paper, and secure it against the wall to hold your device securely while it charges.
Planter
You can also upcycle an empty formula container into a planter for herbs or small plants. Cut the bottom off a container, paint it, add decorations, and fill it with seeds and soil. You can even add a self-draining mechanism to ensure your plants thrive by minimising the chances of overwatering or underwatering.
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Store dry food in them
Plastic formula containers can be reused to store dry food for both humans and pets. Before refilling the containers with dry food, it is important to wash and dry them to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. It is also important to note that plastic containers can easily react with highly acidic or oily foods, leading to the release of harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is advised to avoid storing foods rich in vitamin C, tomato sauce, citrus fruits, and fatty meats in plastic containers. Instead, opt for food-grade containers designed specifically for food storage.
When storing dry food in plastic containers, ensure that the containers are clean, dry, and have tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent pests, external moisture, and air from compromising the quality of the food. It is also recommended to store dry food in a cool, dry, and dark place, as excess heat or moisture can cause nutrients to break down. The storage temperature will determine the length of storage; the higher the temperature, the shorter the storage time. For example, most dried fruits can be stored for 1 year at 60ºF and 6 months at 80ºF.
Additionally, it is important to maintain hygiene and cleanliness when using plastic containers for dry food storage. Daily cleaning with warm soapy water will help to control the occurrence of mold, bacteria, and foul smells. It is also advised to use a different scoop for each type of food to prevent cross-contamination.
When storing pet food, it is recommended to keep the original packaging, including the UPC code, lot number, product name, manufacturer, and "best by" date, either taped to the outside of the container or stored with the food. This information is crucial in case of a product defect or recall and can help identify when and where the product was made.
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Use them for gardening
If you're looking to put your empty plastic formula containers to use in the garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose containers that are free from potentially harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA). Look for containers with recycling codes #1, #2, #4, or #5, as these are generally considered safer for plants.
When using plastic containers for gardening, try to keep them out of intense sunlight, as heat can cause the release of potentially harmful chemicals. Opt for light-coloured containers, as they will reflect more sunlight and stay cooler. Additionally, consider using potting mediums with a high amount of organic material, as this can act as a filtering system to catch and collect chemicals, preventing them from reaching the roots of your plants.
Some recommended types of plastic for gardening include HDPE, PP, and polylactic acid (PLA). HDPE is a safe option for growing vegetables and can also be used as food-safe sheeting for garden beds to protect plants from treated wood. PP has a high melting point and is approved for food contact, making it suitable for growing plants. It can also be used as a cover to protect sprouts from frost. PLA is a newer type of plastic derived from renewable resources and is considered a safe and compostable option for planters.
While there are concerns about the potential leaching of chemicals from plastic into the soil and plants, scientists generally agree that the amount of chemicals absorbed is minimal and unlikely to affect plant health or the taste of the produce. However, it's always a good idea to follow safety guidelines and use plastics that are approved for food contact to ensure the healthiest environment for your plants and yourself.
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Donate them to schools
If you're looking for a way to give your empty plastic formula containers a new lease of life, why not consider donating them to your local school? Schools are always in need of supplies, and these containers can be a great resource for teachers and students alike. Here are some ideas on how schools can put these donations to good use:
Art and Craft Supplies
Empty formula containers can be a godsend for art classrooms. They provide a perfect storage solution for art supplies such as crayons, markers, stickers, and index cards. With their secure lids, they can keep art materials organised and accessible. Before donating, consider wrapping the containers in colourful duct tape or construction paper to make them more visually appealing and fun for the kids.
Science Experiments
These containers can be used for simple science experiments, such as creating homemade lava lamps or growing plants from seeds. They can also be used to store science supplies like pipettes, measuring cups, and safety goggles.
Classroom Storage
In addition to art supplies, formula containers can be used to store a variety of other classroom essentials. For example, teachers can use them to hold small manipulatives, game pieces, or reward stickers. They can also be used to organise classroom libraries, with containers for different genres or types of books.
Donation Preparation
Before donating, ensure the containers are clean and free from any residue. You might also want to remove or cover up any labels, creating a blank canvas for the teachers and students to personalise. It's a good idea to check with the school first to confirm their interest and any specific requirements or suggestions they may have.
By donating your empty formula containers to schools, you're not only reducing waste but also contributing to a child's education and creativity. It's a simple act that can make a meaningful impact on the learning environment.
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Use them for storage
Empty plastic formula containers can be used for storage in a variety of ways. They can be used to store dry leftovers, such as cream of wheat or oatmeal, to prevent pantry moths from getting into the food. They can also be used to store extra pacifiers, crayons, markers, stickers, and other small items. In the classroom, they can be used to store art supplies, such as crayons, markers, and index cards.
For those who enjoy crafting, formula containers can be covered with fabric or construction paper and used to store makeup or other small items. They can also be covered with fancy duct tape and used for storage in the home, such as for cotton balls, screws, or nails.
Formula containers can also be useful for storing laundry detergent or other cleaning powders, as the scoop can be kept in the lid. They can even be used to store plastic bags, with a hole cut in the lid to dispense the bags easily.
For those with green fingers, formula containers can be used for gardening purposes, either as planters for small plants or for storing gardening tools and supplies.
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