10 Reuse Ideas for Takeout Waste

3 of 5

heart, red, hearts, necklace, jewelry, handmade, homemade, recycled, plastic, shrinky, dinks, dink, takeout, container, containers, cup, cups, reuse, craft, crafts

Reuse Idea #6: Transform your plastic takeout boxes and cups into funky jewelry. Photo: Sarah Wilson/Compulsive Craftiness

5. Wear takeout container jewelry

Hey, ’80s kids! Remember Shrinky Dinks? More than two decades later, this fun method is still a great way rethink your non-foam plastic #6 products, from takeout cups to clamshells.

While you may think of Shrinky Dink-inspired jewelry as more of a kids craft, stay-at-home mom and Compulsive Craftiness blogger Sarah Wilson found a way to bring this time-honored tradition out of the toy box and into the modern girl’s closet.

Check out her tutorial for transforming your plastic #6 takeout boxes and cups into eclectic statement jewelry fit for even the most style-saavy green gal.

If you have a few pieces left over from your takeout box necklace, use the same method to create some bling for your best friend with this Shrinky Dink pet ID tag tutorial from Instructables.

Bet You’ll Love: PHOTOS: Couture Jewelry Made From LEGOs

6. Take advantage of free storage solutions

Foam and non-foam plastic #6 is the packaging material of choice for many restaurants. But another popular pick for eateries is containers made from plastic #1 or #2 that even include lids, which is basically free storage.

Save your resealable takeout containers every time your order in, and reuse them for storing packed lunches, leftovers or household odds and ends. Before reusing your containers, turn them over and take a look at the numbered plastic. Only some plastic grades are safe for repeated use in storing food (check out Earth911′s reuse safety guide to find out why).

Generally, containers made from plastic #1, #2, #4 and #5 are safe for food storage. So, use these containers to pack snacks for the office, store leftovers and keep food fresh in your fridge. Use containers that aren’t recommended for repeated use with food as small-item storage solutions in the garage, office, craft room or kids’ room.

Related: Recycling To-Go Plastics