Q: So, I live in a place where only type 1 and 2 plastics can be recycled, and yogurt almost always come in type 5 containers. Do you know of any creative uses for them?
Sent by Kyle
Editor: Kyle, we have a few ideas! Check out this post from The Kitchn for more:
• Quick Tip: 5 Ways To Reuse Yogurt Containers
A few recommended ideas in this post include using them as freezer containers, bulk bin containers, spice storage, to-go containers to send home leftovers with friends, and container garden uses. However, due to the fact that plastic breaks down, we'd hesitate using them for long term food storage, and of course, never heat food in them.
A better idea perhaps is to recycle them. How, you ask? Through Preserve's Gimme 5 Recycling Program. Choose from a list of participating retail locations that accept drop off, or mail them back to Preserve.
But perhaps our favorite idea is to make yogurt yourself at home, thus eliminating the plastic containers altogether. Check out this How-To post for instructions. It's surprisingly easy!
Other ideas for Kyle?
>> Have a good question? Email us!
(Image: Emma Christensen for The Kitchn)
Olivia's Life in London…On a Budget 
Aftermarket Resources for Customizing IKEA Furniture 
Like us on Facebook
RSS Feed (Atom)
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Bracken Ridge Rug 13
12 Recipes to Know By Heart
How To Make Cake Pops
Comments (11)
Well, I currently have one serving as holder for my kitchenware - serving spoons, peeler, chopping knives, etc
And I use another one to hold stuff before going to compose. This way I don't have to walk outside in the freezing cold everyday just to use the composing bin =)
Maybe using it for a small potted plant, if you cut some holes in the bottom, would also be an ideia.
When I was younger, we used them for art projects. In kindergarten, they were used to hold paint for our latest projects and other crafts or to clean paint brushes. Try getting in touch with a local teacher or day care. I am sure they will be able to come up with a creative use. If you can't recycle, re-use
I've gotten rid of my yogurt containers and oatmeal cylinders through my local Freecycle group. Right now, I'm saving them up for an Art teacher. I also have a contact for our hole-y jeans. Does anyone out there have a good idea for plastic prescription bottles?
Oops! I just did a Re-Nest search for "prescription bottles" and found some solutions!
Some Whole Foods stores accept #5 plastics. And you can always check Earth911.org to see what your other local options are.
Give them to an art class!
I use mine to store pantry goods, and leftovers that don't need re-heating. I have friends who use a large container to hold their compost goodies before they go outside. I've also used mine to start seeds.
Seedling containers! Poke a few holes in the bottoms and fill with potting mix and a seed. They are a great size for seedlings before they get transferred to the outside garden.
How about using them to freeze and store handy-sizes of homemade chicken stock?
I use the large yogurt containers to decant paint into for house painting projects, and its always nice to have a few around to send home full of leftovers when we have guests over for dinner.
I use the larger ones with lids to store used batteries until I have enough to bring somewhere to recycle.
Hi, I have 2 ideas, with the container: cover it with wrapping paper and put some styrofoam on the bottom place 2 bunches of $1.00 silk flowers in it and you have a little gift for a friend just because she is wonderful!!!, same idea with an oasis deeped in water and place some fresh flowers so they can keep fresh for a couple of days, and then with the lid, this is a great idea, also you can use the old Christmas cards you have, you can make a Christmas tree ornament, cut the card the same size of the lid and then glue it on the front part of the lid, on the other side you can glue another card, if the card is too small, use some pretty paper in a nice color, maybe something from a magazine and glue the card on top, you can even leave it blank and write something for a special friend or for one of your kids, you can add a picture of them too, you can decorate the top with a ribbon and bow and you can hang it from the tree.
You can use the lid as a picture frame, and glue a couple of magnets in the back (great for your refrigerator, you can glue in the front a picture or a pretty birthday card. so many ideas so little time, hugs,
D.