How to Reuse Berry Containers

Member

By HS Schulte
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(13 Ratings)

Reuse Berry Containers

Berry containers, also called clamshell containers, are usually made from polystyrene. Polystyrene, plastic #6, is not accepted for recycling in most areas. So how can you reuse your berry container and avoid sending it to a landfill? Below are 5 ways to reuse berry containers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Reuse them to store berries from your own trees, garden, or local farms.
Step 2

Reuse them to pack picnic lunches. Them make great containers for transporting sandwiches, muffins, carrots, celery, or napkins.
Step 3

Reuse them for household storage. They are perfect for storage because you can see through them and they have a secure lid. Here are a few ideas for reusing them around the house:
*Garage - screws, nails, batteries or small tools
*Kitchen – jar lids, plastic silverware, baby bottle caps and nipples
*Children’s Art Supplies - crayons, cards, stickers, markers, glue sticks and pencils
*Craft Supplies - Scrapbook items, ribbons, cards, scissors, pictures, or decorations
*Bathroom – Cosmetics, personal care items such as tweezers and clippers, children’s bath toys
Step 4

Decorate and reuse them as a container for gifts, or baked goods.
Step 5

Give them to schools or churches for craft projects.

Tips & Warnings

Use caution when storing food in plastic containers. Studies by two organizations, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and the Environmental Work Group, have shown that certain types of plastic can leach into food. For long-term storage of food, or microwaving food, it is safer to use glass.

Resources

Comments

prism said

Flag This Comment

on 11/14/2008 Great ideas! I use mine to start plant seeds - especially for low growing plants (works great for Alyssum!) or that you plan on transplanting into a bigger pot or outdoors later. They create a nice moist environment for starting seeds.