8 Ways to Reuse Plastic Containers

• Talenti Gelato Containers
• Folgers Coffee Bins
• EarthBound greens Plastic Bins
• Plastic Berry Boxes
• Baby Wipe Plastic Boxes
• BetterBody Foods Quinoa Containers

• Before you reuse plastic containers, make sure they are washed and clean.
• If you are going to reuse a plastic container that a cleaner was packaged in, be sure to give it an extra good washing out. Sometimes, trace chemicals may remain in the container so do not use it to store anything edible or that you will rub on your body. If the plastic container stored a harsh chemical cleaner, I would not reuse it at all, in order to be on the safe side.
• Single use plastic bottles should not be reused for food or drink purposes.

Check out the various ways that you can use containers to keep the chaos in your home at bay.

Plastic containers are great for organizing all those little toys that otherwise end up scattered all over your floor. Since these containers come in various shapes – round, rectangular and square – and sizes, you can use them to organize toys of all sizes including puzzles, doll accessories, card games, etc. To make clean-up time easier for your kids, label the containers and tell them not to open one until they have put the last one away. Stack the containers on top of each other in a bookcase or on a playroom table for a space-saving advantage.

Pantry

Organize your pantry with food safe plastic containers to store bulk items such as pasta, rice, beans and flour.

Refrigerator

As a time saving tip, I suggest preparing healthy snacks ahead of time in bulk. I like storing them in reusable food safe containers in my refrigerator to keep them fresh and easily accessible. So you can wash and place grapes, for example, into reusable food containers in the fridge for grab and go snacks.

Drawer

You know drawers can become a hodge podge of items that can cause a huge mess. Avoid that by using containers without the lid to organize your drawers. This works especially great for the kitchen, and for sock and underwear drawers.

Desk

Use small, round containers to hold various office supplies like paper clips, thumb tacks and staples. To hold crayons, markers, pencils and pens consider using large rectangular containers as they can be used to hold larger items. For additional organization, use a separate container to hold any memo pads, post its or business cards.

Crafts

Sort your paper scraps and various other craft supplies such as glue, glitter, fabrics, buttons, etc. into a container style of your choice and stack them in your craft drawer. Keeping all your craft items in one place will help keep you and your kids organized and well-prepared for the next school project or craft.

Bathroom

Using containers to organize your bathroom cupboard helps eliminate clutter and keeps your space neat and organized. Place your various bathroom accessories into their own container and label each according to their category (hair care, medical items, beauty supplies etc.).

Closet

Belts, scarves, small purses, hats and mittens can all be stored neatly in large plastic bins on the top shelf of your kids closet. Using these can help you maximize your storage space and keep your seasonal clothes safe until they’re ready to be used.

How have you used plastic containers to contain the chaos in your home?

You can check out more of Scarlet’s Green Living Ideas on Family Focus Blog.

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