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
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.
Here is an inner seal from a large 'can' of coffee. I have been saving these things for quite some time. I save them because they are so tough and durable. I'd like to find a good use for them. With all you members, especially the ladies, coming up with great ideas for crafts and reuse of items, I'm hoping to get a couple ideas about how to put these seals to good use.
Any ideas, Y'all?Doug
Hmm... IF you have a garden you could punch a hole in the little tab and hang the disk on your garden fence to deter birds or other critters.
You could also form the disk over a cup of tea/coffee/drink to keep it hot or cold.
You can use them as coasters to prevent spills or stains on furniture when you place a cup down on them.
You can fit them over an open small paint can if you are painting a project.
You could place them under a potted plant (and even shape them to the bottom of the pot) to prevent water from spilling out or staining the table.
How about any of those ideas? :)
Donna
Mockingbirds are pecking holes in all my tomatoes. I hung a few of these seals on each plant. It did nothing to deter the birds.
I have some indoor plants in 'designer' shiny black plastic pots.
Use these to line the inside of bird cages for the winter..would make great insulation..also wrap around rocks/stones to place in garden..
I save the bags from empty cereal, they are super to use to take camping to use as bowls, or cereal. When used, fold up to carry home to discard.
Use cookie packs to make handbags, this is great for kids to use, for storing your shopping receipts, etc. I have used the 2 packs back to back and belting material.
I sometimes get packaged molasses cookies at the DT. They have the coolest plastic containers that I often reuse.
Does anyone know a craft using the thin, clear plastic cookie dividers that come with Oreo cookies? I have a bunch of them. Some are from my friend who wanted me to save them for her, but now she has moved. So I really don't want to just put them in the recycling container, if there's another use for them first. Any ideas will be appreciated.
By Helene from San Antonio, TX
Off hand the only thing I can recommend is using them for craft supplies. I use the ones I get from the dollar stores for just that and they work great.
I have a big stack of clear plastic dividers used for Oreos. Does anyone know if there is a craft or other use for them? I hated to just stick them in my plastic recycle bin if they can be used again for something.
By RHS
I would like to know how to get rid paint markings on flour bags?
By Joy from Philippines