Recycle, Upcycle - Just Do Something with Your Trash!
By Donna Stark
It seems like the busier we become as a society, the bigger the need for pre-cooked and takeout meals becomes. But what do you do with all of those black plastic containers with clear lids that your food comes in? In addition to being such a waste to just throw them away, it’s also not very earth-friendly. Recycling is always a good option, but if you want to be a little more creative with ways to use them, try to upcycle!
Upcycle Your Trash
Upcycling is when you repurpose your used containers into something that is often better than the original form. Reusing your old food containers will not only get you more bang for your buck, so to say, but will also give you a chance to brag to friends and family about how talented and creative you are. Here are some ideas on how to upcycle the containers that once held your single-serve meals.
- Coffee - Still using the kind of coffee machine that requires ground coffee and not those fancy pods? Store your coffee grounds in one of these containers. With an air-tight seal and its mess-free, scoopable quality, it’s sure to become an added benefit to your kitchen.
- Food containers - Sure, this isn’t really upcycling, but it will save you from spending tons of money on expensive Bento boxes by using these instead! Use them for packed lunches or snacks for work, school, or even the community pool. They are easy to carry around and much better for little hands to share.
- Potting containers - Want to spruce up your patio or backyard? Head on over to your local garden store and grab some potting soil, succulents, herbs, or flowers. Just be sure to pop some holes in the bottom to let the water drain through.
- Traveling containers - We’ve all been there … spending hours trying to minimize and organize everything we need for the trip ahead of us. These containers are perfect to use for toiletries, jewelry, makeup, or snacks. You can also use them to hold crayons or little toys for your young ones to pull out while on the plane.
- Banks - This is a perfect little craft to busy your child with when they have just finished telling you, for the umpteenth time, that they are bored and there is nothing to do. Hand them a container, some stickers, glue, glitter … and whatever else your magical craft box holds … and let them have at it! Cut a hole in the lid when they are finished and voila! A new penny bank has been made.
Plenty of Ideas to be Found
It’s not that difficult to find a cute, perhaps even innovative use for your used food containers. You just need to use your imagination. And if you run out of ideas, do a quick search on Pinterest or any other DIY craft website. The possibilities are endless!
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