I’ve never met a container I couldn’t use for something else after its original purpose was completed. Probably comes from having parents who grew up during the Depression and thus had a “waste not” mentality, but it has come in handy over the years.
Now some of you might be wondering what a parenting blog has to do with recycling containers, and I’ll tell you: Reusing containers are a great way to teach about not being wasteful, about using what you have, about finding unique ways to be careful with our possessions, and about taking care of the environment through recycling.
So here are some ideas about repurposing containers in your home. (And yes, we do shop at Costco a lot!).
Costco-sized animal cracker containers with lids
- These are great for storing small toys, like trains, trucks and those ubiquitous fast-food toys.
- Also handy when you need a to-go toy container. Each of our boys gets one to pack with toys for camping and other trips.
Costco-sized nut or chocolate-covered raison containers with lids
- These are the perfect size for storing crayons, colored pencils, markers and other art supplies.
- Also great for storing batteries
- Homemade instant oatmeal (great size for easy handling by kids)
Baby food jars (glass) with lids
- These are wonderful for organizing your tools. Nails, screws and other small things are easily kept in these jars.
Yogurt containers
- Small ones can be used as seed starters for your summer vegetable or flower gardens.
- Larger ones with reusable lids can have a second life as leftover holders, especially good for freezing soups and sauces.
Plastic beverage bottles, all sizes
- 2-liter soda bottles can be turned into rain gauges.
- Smaller sizes can be used to take homemade salad dressing on the go.
- Okay, I think these are some of my favorite storage containers. I use them to store rice, dried beans, carob powder, homemade granola, etc.
- Also great for all sorts of nonfood things. You can find a host of ideas to use these as gifts, too.
These are just some of the containers we reuse in our house. If you’ve reused a container of any sort for a purpose different than what it was originally created for, leave a comment on the blog—we’ll all benefit from learning new ways to use old things!
Until next time,
Sarah
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