Despite my husband's concerns that I'm becoming an episode of Hoarders, I like to save the waxed paper bags from cereals and other boxed foods. I use them when I microwave frozen veggies and other small dishes. I just slip the bowl into the waxed bag and fold the excess under the bowl to create a steam bag. I don't need to use any water with the frozen veggies, making them healthier.
And, you can wash them out and use them again. Yes, I said, use them again. Why not? It's only veggie steam that's come in contact with the bag. I just rinse it out with very hot tap water, turn it upside down in the dish-drying rack, and there you go.
I don't like using plastic cling wrap in the microwave, so this is a better alternative. And best of all, it's free and keeps some junk out of the landfills for a while. There are lots of other uses for these bags if you give it some thought.
Really frugal or really cheap? You decide.
By ~gloria from Western NY
Since I eat cereal for breakfast, I have the wax paper bags left over when the box is empty. This wax paper is just as good as the paper you buy in the roll.
For several years we've been Costco members. We mostly purchase food items from them, especially prepared meals sealed in vacuum bags and also packaged in sturdy black plastic trays that have no lids. I've been using the trays as desk drawer office supply holders (the trays are the right size for pens, paper clips, little note pads, etc.), but I now have accumulated way more of these trays than I need.
If I still created water colors I could use some of the trays for rinsing paint brushes, I guess, but I no longer paint.Perhaps you could donate some of your trays to your local schools for students to use in their art class or to nursing homes to use for the elderly to make of in activities. Also to church's at VBS time. Children are making things and could possibly use them.
You can use them for winter sowing seeds. Cover with plastic and make some vents.
Maybe a senior center can use them as paint trays or for crafting!
YES!!! This is the answer!!! I vote for this one! I do this all the time--write letters and send emails to companies asking them to reduce their plastic uses and have packaging with less impact on our world. Sadly most either never respond, or I get the form, "thank you for you comment" message. I think if the more people expressed this request, and showed they are serious by buying less at these stores, they would get the message. We have significantly reduced shopping at places that we feel are poor environmental stewards. Sadly we can't eliminate it completely because some are places that we need to go for prescriptions.
As an aside and to answer your immediate question--There is a very small resale market for these items...I found one sold listing for people selling a lot of 4 13 3/4" x 10 1/2" (on eBay) for 16.99 which included SELLER paying shipping.
These items make a great drainage system for plants that you water in your home. You can sit the plants in them and when watered the tray will collect the excess water. I would also use the trays to start new plants with. You can also grow small herb gardens in your kitecne in you use two trays.
A necklace I made using smashed Nespresso capsules and glass beads.
These are 10 oz. containers with recloseable lids. They are dishwasher safe and can be sanitized.
You know those sturdy wooden crates that you buy mandarin oranges in? I paint them, decoupage nice pictures on the sides and use them for storing items in the bathroom. I put it on the counter or on the tank of the toilet.
Recycle a soda pop cup into a plastic bag keeper. This is an easy recycled craft project for kids and adults. Here is the picture tutorial link with step-by-step instructions.
My wife buys Dole mandarin oranges for my son. The jars the oranges are packed in are a durable plastic, and the label is the kind that can be easily and completely removed.
I recently purchased a four pack of tomatoes. I was headed for the recycling bin when I realized the value of this little container. I can put four balls of crochet thread or yarn inside, and they have been kind enough to even put four holes in the top for me!
Don't throw out the plastic trays from cookie and cracker bags! They work great as holders for beads or paper pieces for your crafts, but you can also use them as mini-green houses and flower pots.
A great way to store things without spending a lot of money is to use the tubs that butter or cookie dough comes in. When the butter is all used up, I microwave the container for 30 seconds to melt away all the leftover butter.
Does your glue gun make a mess on your work surface? I wash up the plastic sheet that comes under a pound of bacon and I place it under my glue gun and the drips will peel right off and your work surface will stay clean!