Alexei Volkov
Plastic fruit containers are versatile and can be reused for a variety of purposes. They can be used for storage and organisation, such as keeping ribbons, threads, and craft supplies tangle-free, or even as a hiding spot for candy. They can also be used as leftover containers for dry foods or as protective packaging when shipping fragile items. In the garden, these containers can be used as mini-greenhouses or to protect growing fruit from animals. With some creativity, they can even be used to make homemade jewellery. Reusing plastic fruit containers is not only practical but also eco-friendly, reducing waste and giving new life to these items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Storing leftovers, cakes, bakery food, homemade sauces, candy, etc. |
| Storing craft supplies like ribbons, threads, yarn, etc. | |
| Storing gardening twine | |
| Protecting growing fruits and vegetables from animals | |
| Packing fragile items while moving | |
| As a give-away container for friends | |
| As a mini greenhouse for propagating plants | |
| Recycle |
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What You'll Learn
Use them as storage for craft supplies
Plastic fruit containers can be reused in numerous ways, and one of the most popular ways is to use them for storing craft supplies. These containers are ideal for organising craft supplies and keeping them in order. Their height and width can fit about seven rolls of 1-inch ribbon, with enough room to allow the rolls to move as the ribbon is dispensed through its own drainage hole. Simply line them up vertically in the box, but as you do so, thread some of the ribbon out of the bottom or top holes. Just make sure that they're all going in the same direction. Once you close the box, you now have a ribbon dispenser to make crafting and avoiding tangles much easier.
Similarly, you can use these containers to store unruly supplies like yarn and thread, which can easily become a tangled mess. The snap closures on the clamshell lid secure the rolls, and the clear sides let you quickly find what you need. However, if you're using this trick for thinner supplies like thread or small balls of yarn, the spools and bundles may rattle and tangle together inside the box.
You can also use these containers to store gardening twine. Thread the end of the twine through the drainage hole and use a bit of heavier masking tape to hold the end of the twine to the wall of the plastic container. This trick also works as a dog-waste bag dispenser.
Leftover plastic fruit containers can also be used as storage for other craft supplies like glue sticks and rubber stamps.
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Protect growing fruit from animals
Leftover plastic fruit containers can find new life in your garden by being upcycled into protective coverings for your growing fruits. Here are some ways to repurpose them to safeguard your produce from hungry animals:
For Small Fruits & Berries:
- Create Individual Shields: Place containers over young berry bushes or small fruit-bearing plants. Simply turn the containers upside down and push them gently into the soil, ensuring they cover the entire plant without touching the leaves. Secure them in place by pressing the surrounding soil onto the container's rim. This method provides a physical barrier, protecting the fruits from birds and small mammals.
- Construct a Netting Framework: Connect several containers to form a framework over which you can drape bird netting. Cut off the bottoms of the containers, and use a hot glue gun or strong adhesive to join them together, creating a structure that resembles an open-bottomed box. Place this framework over your berry bushes or small fruit plants, securing it with stakes if needed. The netting will prevent birds from reaching the fruits while allowing pollinators access.
For Larger Fruits:
- Build a Fruit Cage: For larger plants like apple or pear trees, or grapevines, create a sturdier structure by cutting off the bottoms of several containers and gluing them together to form arches. Connect these arches to form a tunnel-like cage. Place your fruit-bearing plants inside this structure, ensuring it is tall enough to accommodate their growth. Cover the cage with bird netting to protect the fruits.
- Make Fruit Guards: For individual fruits like apples or pears, cut the containers into strips and use them to create protective guards. Cut a strip long enough to wrap around the fruit's circumference, then cut a second strip to act as a belt, securing the first strip in place. Ensure the strips are wide enough to cover a significant portion of the fruit's surface, denying pests access.
Remember to clean the containers thoroughly before using them in your garden. Also, be mindful of removing the coverings once the fruits are ripe to avoid over-ripening or rot. By repurposing plastic fruit containers in these ways, you can not only protect your harvest but also reduce waste.
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Use as packing material for fragile items
Plastic fruit containers are a great eco-friendly alternative to single-use packaging materials. They are lightweight, typically made of thin plastic, and their shape can withstand pressure and prevent small fragile items from getting crushed. Here are some tips on how to use plastic fruit containers as packing material for fragile items:
Choose the Right Container
Select containers that are in good condition, with no cracks or holes. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before using them for packing.
Prepare the Container
Line the inside of the container with insulating or cushioning material such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or shredded paper. This will provide extra protection for your fragile items. Place the item inside the container and close the lid securely.
Combine with Other Packing Materials
For extremely fragile items or long-distance moves, consider combining plastic fruit containers with other packing materials such as cardboard boxes, packing tape, and foam inserts. Wrap each fragile item individually with packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam sheets to provide an additional layer of protection.
Fill Empty Spaces
Fragile items should be surrounded by cushioning material on all sides, including the top and bottom of the container. Use crumpled packing paper, plastic grocery bags, old clothes, or towels to fill any empty spaces in the container and between individual items. This will help prevent shifting and provide extra cushioning during transport.
Secure the Container
Before sealing the container, gently shake it to check for any movement. If you feel any shifting, add more cushioning material to secure the items in place. Strengthen the container by wrapping extra layers of packing tape along the seams and corners.
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Use as containers for leftovers
Plastic fruit containers can be reused as containers for leftovers. They are perfect for storing random assortments of leftovers that have no other home. However, they are not suitable for freezing or microwaving, as they are typically not made with high-quality plastic.
When storing leftovers, it is important to consider the type of food being stored. Plastic fruit containers are ideal for storing dry foods as they often have holes that allow moisture to escape. To prevent drips and crumbs, you can line the container with parchment paper.
Plastic fruit containers can also be used for packing and transporting food. They are lightweight and can protect fragile items from getting crushed. You can also use them to transport baked goods or meals to friends and family without worrying about getting your containers back.
Additionally, plastic fruit containers can be used in the garden to protect growing fruit from birds and other animals. The clear, ventilated container allows sunlight and airflow to reach the plant while providing protection.
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Make a 3D seek-and-find game for kids
Plastic fruit containers can be reused in a variety of ways, including as storage containers for toys, craft supplies, or delicate items. They can also be used for packing leftovers or fragile items when moving. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a 3D seek-and-find game for kids using leftover plastic fruit containers.
Step 1: Prepare the Container
Start by removing any labels from the plastic fruit container. You can decorate the container with paint or stickers to make it more appealing, especially if you're crafting with kids.
Step 2: Gather Small Objects
Collect a variety of small objects to hide inside the container. These can include toys, knickknacks, beads, small figurines, or other assorted items. If you're making this game for younger children, ensure that the objects are large enough to avoid any choking hazards.
Step 3: Fill the Container
Place the small objects inside the plastic fruit container. You can fill it with rice, pasta, or colourful plastic pellets to make it more challenging and sensory-engaging for the players. Securely close the lid of the container to prevent spills.
Step 4: Create a Checklist
Before sealing the container, take a picture of all the items inside or make a written list. Print out multiple copies or create a simple checklist that players can use to tick off or circle the items as they find them.
Step 5: Play the Game
Give the sealed container to the players, along with the checklist or picture of the hidden objects. Set a timer and challenge them to find as many items as possible within a certain time frame. This game can be played individually or with multiple players, taking turns to find the hidden objects.
Variations and Tips:
- You can create different themes for the game, such as a treasure hunt, "I Spy," or "Where's Waldo."
- For older kids, you can add an extra challenge by asking them to identify the objects without a checklist, testing their memory and attention to detail.
- If you have multiple containers, you can create several identical sets of objects for a competitive version of the game, where players race to find the items first.
- To make it more engaging, include a unique item, such as a penny, for players to seek and find, similar to the "Find It" game by Amazon.
- You can also use this concept for a travel-friendly game by gluing the lid shut and filling the container with rice or pasta to prevent spills during transportation.
By reusing plastic fruit containers for this 3D seek-and-find game, you're not only creating an engaging activity for kids but also promoting eco-friendliness and creativity.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to reuse plastic fruit containers, including:
- Storing items such as USB cables, craft supplies, or gardening twine.
- Protecting growing fruit from animals.
- Packing material for fragile items.
- Containers for leftovers or baked goods.
Plastic fruit containers can be used to organise craft supplies such as ribbons, yarn, and thread. The drainage holes in the containers can be used to dispense ribbons and prevent tangles.
Yes, plastic fruit containers can be used to protect growing fruit from animals. They can also be used as mini greenhouses for propagating plants.
Plastic fruit containers are good for storing dry leftovers or baked goods. They are not suitable for freezing or microwaving.
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