Maya Ellison
Plastic containers are extremely versatile and can be reused in many ways. With a bit of creativity, you can give your old plastic containers a second life and help reduce waste. From food storage and organisation to DIY projects and gardening solutions, there are endless possibilities for repurposing old plastic containers. Whether you have plastic bottles, small or large plastic containers, there are eco-friendly ways to reuse them and benefit the planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse plastic containers | Store food, granola, sauces, ribbons, gift cards, business cards, etc. |
| Repurpose plastic containers | Use as makeshift buckets and bins, magazine or notebook holders, measuring cups, piggy banks, watering cans, scoopers, etc. |
| Recycle plastic containers | Contact your local recycling center to understand what types of plastic containers are accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Use plastic containers for storing food scraps for composting
Plastic containers are versatile and can be reused in numerous ways. One environmentally conscious way to repurpose old plastic containers is to use them for storing food scraps for composting. Composting food scraps reduces methane emissions by keeping wasted food out of landfills and helps build healthy soils.
To use plastic containers for storing food scraps for composting, start by collecting a few containers of various sizes, such as plastic milk jugs, yogurt containers, or ice cream tubs. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before using them for food scrap storage. If using larger containers, consider cutting them down to size to make them more manageable. You can also decorate the containers with paint or stickers to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Drill or poke small holes in the top and bottom of the containers for ventilation. These holes will allow air circulation and help prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to mould or unpleasant odours. Place a layer of absorbent material, such as torn-up cardboard or paper, at the bottom of each container to absorb excess moisture and provide a base for the food scraps.
When adding food scraps to the container, bury them a couple of inches below the absorbent material. This will help control odours and keep pests away. Add a variety of food scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods, as these can attract pests and cause odours.
Once your container is full, seal it tightly and store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use the food scraps for composting. You can create your own compost pile or find a local community garden that accepts food scraps for composting. Remember to regularly clean your plastic containers and replace the absorbent material to maintain a hygienic and odour-free scrap storage system.
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Transform containers into magazine or notebook holders
If you have old plastic containers lying around, there are plenty of ways to repurpose them. One idea is to transform them into magazine or notebook holders. This is a simple and effective way to keep your magazines, notebooks, catalogues, files, and papers organised and easily accessible.
To transform a plastic container into a magazine or notebook holder, start by choosing a container that is the right size for what you want to store. Then, cut the upper part of the container about one-third of the way down. This will create an opening for your magazines or notebooks to slide in and out easily. You can decorate the container by wrapping it in seasonal paper or ribbons, or even painting it.
If you're feeling creative, you can cut the sides of the container diagonally to give it a unique look. This will also allow for easier access to your magazines or notebooks. You can also add labels to the containers for easy identification of the contents.
These holders can be placed on a table, inside a cupboard, or even hung on the wall. They are perfect for the kitchen, office, or any other space where you need to organise your reading materials. You can also use them to store children's artwork, drawing books, or extra notebooks.
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Make a plastic bottle piggy bank
Plastic bottles can be used for a variety of creative projects, including making a plastic bottle piggy bank. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:
Firstly, gather the required materials: an empty, clean plastic drink bottle; acrylic paint; a paintbrush; scissors; pink craft paper; a marker pen or googly eyes; glue or double-sided tape; four extra bottle tops; and a craft knife (for adult use only).
Now, let's begin crafting! Cut a strip of pink craft paper to wrap around the middle section of the bottle. Mark a small, coin-shaped rectangle in the centre of the strip and stick the paper to the bottle. Ask an adult to cut along the marked rectangle to create a coin slot in the bottle and the paper. Paint the lid of the bottle pink, and once dry, draw or paint two nostrils on the lid with the marker pen. You can stick googly eyes on the bottle, or draw them on with the marker pen, positioning them between the lid and where the ears will go.
Next, cut out two ear shapes from the pink paper and glue them to the bottle, positioning them near the spout. Cut a short length of pipe cleaner and twist it into a loose spiral, then glue it to the bottom of the bottle to create the pig's tail. Finally, glue the four extra bottle tops to the base of the bottle to serve as legs. Your piggy bank is now ready to start receiving some coins!
This is a fun project to do with kids, helping them learn about saving money while also being environmentally conscious by reusing plastic bottles.
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Use containers for storing small items like craft supplies
Plastic containers can be used to store small items like craft supplies. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Organise craft supplies
Use plastic containers to sort and store craft supplies such as ribbons, scrapbooking paper, yarn, and art supplies. Clear containers are ideal for seeing the contents at a glance, and smaller containers can be used to divide drawers and keep items like paper clips, push pins, and batteries organised.
Store leftover craft supplies
Instead of tossing them in the trash, use plastic containers to store leftover craft supplies, such as beads, sequins, glitter, or paint. This way, you can easily access them for future projects and avoid the hassle of searching for specific items.
Create a portable craft kit
For those who enjoy crafting on the go, plastic containers can be transformed into portable craft kits. Fill a container with essential supplies, such as scissors, glue sticks, markers, or paintbrushes, and easily transport it to your desired crafting location.
Gift-giving receptacles
With a bit of creativity, plastic containers can be transformed into attractive gift-giving receptacles. Cover the containers with decorative paper, fabric, or paint, and fill them with handmade treats or crafts to create unique and eco-friendly gifts.
Seedling starters
For gardeners, plastic containers can be upcycled into mini-hothouses for starting seedlings. Use clear containers to provide a greenhouse effect and monitor the growth of your seedlings. Poke holes in the lids for ventilation, and remember to transplant your seedlings to larger pots or your garden once they've outgrown their plastic homes.
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Use containers for storing toys and kitchen gadgets
Plastic containers can be used to store toys and kitchen gadgets in a variety of ways. Firstly, you can use plastic containers to organise drawers. For example, ice cube trays can be used to store small items like thumbtacks, nails, screws and buttons. You can also use plastic containers to store larger items, such as toys. Plastic storage bins are versatile and can be used anywhere, from the bathroom to the playroom. Clear plastic bins allow you to easily see what is inside, while decorative storage baskets can add style to your home.
When storing toys, it is helpful to use smaller boxes inside larger boxes to keep all the little parts organised. Compartmentalised cases are perfect for storing action figures and cars, while larger containers can keep Lego pieces separated. Soft storage bags are also a good option for toys as they are easier for children to move around and muffle the sound of sifting toys.
In the kitchen, plastic containers can be used to store dry goods such as pasta, rice, and cereal. Clear, airtight containers keep food fresh and allow you to see what you have at a glance, reducing overbuying. Plastic containers can also be used to store leftovers, homemade sauces, and other food items.
Additionally, plastic containers can be used for kitchen organisation. For example, plastic containers can be used as spice racks or drawer organisers for utensils, cutlery, and small gadgets. They can also be used to create additional storage spots in the kitchen, such as floating shelves or freestanding wire shelving units.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose plastic containers, such as using them for storage or organisation. For example, you can use old ice cube trays to store small items like thumbtacks, screws and buttons. You can also use plastic containers as scoops for pet food, or for cleaning products if you make your own.
Plastic containers can be used for storing food, especially leftovers or homemade sauces. You can also use them to store small toys, kitchen gadgets and other items.
Plastic bottles can be used as makeshift buckets and bins, or you can cut them and decorate them as you like. You can then fill them with seeds and soil. You can also use them as a piggy bank, or as a watering can by drilling or punching holes in the cap.
![ArtBin 6953AB ClearView 6" x 6" Box Art & Craft Organizer, [1] Plastic Storage Case, Clear](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81DHIoeM84L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
