In past issues, we’ve already reused all kinds of food packaging, such as pickle jars, metal cans and plastic bags. This time, the plastic container is our repurposing item.
As I’ve mentioned already in earlier Eco Tips, avoiding food packaging is the best way to deal with it. And a few plastic containers can be quite helpful for that. By bringing a bunch of them on your regular shopping trip you can avoid getting new ones, especially if you buy over-the-counter items that are freshly packaged.
Instead of buying Tupperware or other new containers, collect all the cream cheese, butter and yogurt containers that you’ll buy (and can’t avoid) over time and clean them thoroughly after finishing their contents. You’ll soon have a collection of containers in different shapes and sizes that can be used for storing food without spending additional money. You can also repurpose these containers in other ways, especially old, long-used plastic containers. Instead of throwing them away, just give the containers a fresh new start. Plastic containers make great lunch, gift or storage boxes, and you can decorate or repaint them to your liking.
One great way to reuse small plastic boxes is to create your own sewing kit. All you need is glue, a small container with a lid, a fresh sponge and, of course, sewing tools. Cut off a thick slice of the fluffy (usually yellow) side of the sponge — thick enough to stick needles in it. At the same time, leave enough of the porous material on the sponge so that you can still use it. Then glue the sponge slice on the top of the plastic box’s lid. Put all your sewing utensils into the box and stick the needles into the sponge on the top.
Plastic containers can also be used as seed starter containers for those with a green thumb. If you keep a plastic container filled with soil and seeds moist and in a warm place, your seedlings will have already sprouted when you need them for planting.
If you have some good tips of your own, just let us know at businesstech.martlet@gmail.com.
Pictures of Eco Tip realizations are definitely welcomed as well!
