10 Reuse Ideas For Food Packaging

3 of 5

Photo: Beckie, Infarrantly Creative, infarrantlycreative.net

Nothing says “I’m thinking of you” more than a hand-written note. And cutting down food storage boxes into postcards is a fun and functional way to show all your friends you care.

Check out the USPS size requirements for postcards, and start snipping up some boxes and sending some love via snail-mail. If you need a little help with your crafting, Midwestern mom and craft maven Beckie offers a great tutorial on her blog, Infarrantly Creative.

To ditch the transportation emissions associated with mailing a letter, try delivering your postcards by hand the next time you visit friends and family members. Or use the same method to turn food boxes into fun, conversation-starting place cards for your next dinner party.

6. Freshen your rooms

Essential oil diffusers are popular alternatives to plug-in air fresheners for keeping your rooms smelling sweet. But these trendy deodorizers can sell for more than $30 a pop at home décor retailers. If you can’t afford the hefty price tag, try using some old food packaging instead. We bet your nose will never know the difference.

Single-serve aluminum tins – often used to package pudding, yogurt and apple sauce – make great oil diffusers. Clean your tin well and fill it halfway with water. Then add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice, and enjoy the yummy scent for weeks to come.

Standard diffusers usually use sticks of wood to gradually absorb oil and diffuse it into the air. If you’re looking to recreate a similar design, a shallow tin may not be the best bet for you. Try using the small glass jars used to package herbs and spices instead. The next time a spice is used up, clean out the container and fill it with your favorite essential oil. Use some clean ice-pop sticks (you can usually find them at a local crafts store for less than a buck) to soak up your oil, and breathe in the sweet smell of victory.