2.2.12

Reusable Plastic Containers

I hate single use plastics.   I took a pledge to limit my single use plastic and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse.  Unfortunately there are still some single use plastics that I haven't gotten out of my life.  I save a lot of household items to use for our crafting so I've been saving those little plastic containers from our strawberries, blueberries and fresh figs.
Check out these cute boxes we made- They are sturdy and fulfill the motto of using the single use plastics more then once. 

We used recycled paper from the 99 cent store and newspaper, white glue, paint brushes and plastic containers. 
We cut the paper in strips and made a milk like liquid by mixing one part glue to four parts warm water
And we wrapped the plastic containers in paper
It took a few days for them to thoroughly dry and once they did we were ready for the second part-
Using Mod Podge, paint brushes and tissue paper we ripped up the tissue paper and glued it on.



We tried to seal all the edges and over lap colors to create new ones-
The results are glossy, sturdy reusable boxes- that would make cute gifts.


Questions to consider while creating:
What materials are we using? Where do they come from?  What is it made of?
Is this recycled art?  Why?
I took this opportunity to go over the concept of  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse.
What colors are we using? Are you making a pattern?
What are warm colors?  Cool colors?
What materials are we reusing and what materials are new? 

Do you have any creative uses for grocery store single use plastic containers?

17 comments:

Blue Eyed Night Owl said...

These look lovely:) What a fun idea!

Well, I mostly use one of those foldable reusable bags so I don't have to use any plastic ones. When I do though, I save them up and drop them off at our eco-supermarket to reuse there. There was a time I kept the cool ones too cut up one day too crochet, but I couldn't find the time. I do plan on trying it one day though:)


P.S. Haha, yeah. And I'm a bit worried because I have a cat too, but I really want to make it work with the hamster as well:)

David Toms said...

This is another great idea that I have gotten from your ever so informative blog!

cpcable said...

Awesome project! I also love that you include awareness about materials in your "questions to consider while creating." The relationship between art and sustainability is very dear to my heart...I wrote my master's thesis on it!

Feed in Tariff Program said...

what a great idea! really like this post and your blog!


Reusable Containers

Nat said...

This is a great idea! I hate waste so recycling or reusing anything like that is fantastic...

erleichda said...

a pretty good idea! hre in Norway things are easier ( and therefor less creative...) we HAVE to recycle! we separate the garbagge at home and other people do the rest ; )

Karumen said...

luv the creatives that the kids do :))

happy year of dragon to u n ur family!

drollgirl said...

they are so cute -- they look so fab and can be used for many years to come!

it is all about recycling and reusing as much as possible. like i needed to tell you that! :)

Mama Gone Green said...

cool! love to see these re-use projects that can be done with the kiddos!!

A Crimson Kiss said...

What a great way to refuse plastics you can't avoid!

Getrealmommy said...

Terrific idea! I love it.

Crystle said...

What an awesome project! I'm filing it in the future kids folder. :)

tulpen said...

Love these! Will save our berry containers from now on... my daughter is obesessed with all things crafty and would be soooo into doing this.

Carrie said...

What a wonderful project and lesson. I would like to invite you to share at our sharing party at http://craftymomsshare.blogspot.com/2012/02/sharing-saturday-6.html. Thank you!

Clair said...

Passing on the lessons of recycling.
The results are beautiful AND
useful.
You are a great teacher!

MiaB said...

NICE!! I love this creative idea. Thanks for sharing it with us at Sharing Saturday. hope to see you again this week.

~MiaB
www.mamamiasheart2heart.com

Unknown said...

hey guys keep up the good work . you guys are setting up a great example. will be looking for more updates.

Reusable Containers

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