I dislike grocery shopping, particularly in the wintertime. I get a head start during the summer. I watch for sales on staples. The more I buy now, the less I'll have to lug home in the sleet and snow.
I mix my own laundry concoction, and really like it. I use ½ of a popular laundry detergent and ½ of a non chlorine fabric whitener/brightener. Often these powders are lumpy when I first buy them, and even lumpier after being on the shelf for a while.
I measure equal amounts of these two into a plastic bucket, stir for a second, and then funnel the lot into clean and dried coffee creamer containers. I keep these filled containers in the laundry room, and at the kitchen sink, where I wash my dish towels in scalding water. (Tip within a tip: I don't use fabric softener on my dish towels. It tends to leave a film on glassware).
The lumps do not reform in these plastic containers. I can dispense a little through the pour spout or remove the lid to measure a cup or so. This idea may not be practical for large families, but for a small crew, it should work well.
Also, I stock up on wild bird seed. I transfer the contents of a 10 lb. bag of seed into these containers. When refilling my several feeders, it's much easier dispensing from these containers, rather than a 10 lb. bag. With a home made inner seal of foil, the seed will stay fresh and bug free.
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Great idea! I love reusing items that would normally go in the recycling. Thanks!
Another great idea from likekinds! You got my vote! I love the ideas for reusing the coffee creamer containers, and wish I knew someone who throws them out, since I don't drink coffee!
Note to Pixie Dust, who doesn't use creamer. You can do the same thing with Mayonnaise jars. I also use peanut butter or spaghetti sauce jars for storing other things.
Yes---good idea. I like to reuse those plastic jars that you get nuts in from Sams Club or Costco for rice or beans also. I make a "lid liner" from a circle of waxed paper to make the lid fit more snugly, and put a couple of bay leaves in for good measure.
Suggestion for obtaining empty containers. Advertise on your local craigslist, for them. Many people save these types of things, and will probably give them to you so they feel like they are helping by keeping plastic out of landfills. You also must be willing to pick them up. Some people would prefer to meet you somewhere than to let you know where they live.
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