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I reuse the tops of plastic containers, such as yogurt and sour cream and such, to hold trash bags closed. I came up with this idea after looking at the little plastic things that hold bread bags closed and deciding I wanted one of those for the garbage bags. I take the lid and cut it half way into the center. At the center, I make a small pea sized hole, then come out very close to the last cut. Now I can put this on the trash bag. The dogs can't get into it, but I can get into it in a hurry if I have to without untying the bag itself or twisting off those twisty ties.
By Robyn Fed from Hampton, TN
I hate just recycling the yogurt containers in the recycle bins, so here are a few things I use them for:
By laidback arcing from Charleston, SC
Fill empty yogurt containers 3/4 full of water and freeze. This makes very large ice cubes that will keep a drink cold for hours. They can also be used in vacuum bottles to keep drinks cold all day. To remove the ice, simply hold the container under running water for a few seconds. The ice will slide right out and the container can be refilled to use again.
I have been doing a lot of paper gluing and then covering the objects with a solution of glue and water. The yogurt containers are perfect for mixing the glue with water in small amounts. They are also great for doing papier maché projects as one can mix smaller amounts for small projects, then just throw away the unused portion.
I save these containers for any project that I know I will only use a small amount of glue, paint or any other medium. Also perfect for mixing a new color of paint to try out before making a larger amount. One can even save the small bits for a couple of days if necessary by putting a piece of clingwrap over the top.
I love turnip salad but have to limit the amount I eat as it contains vitamin K which I can't have a lot of due to taking blood thinner. So when freezing it, I freeze it in small amounts so it will not get wasted.
I know most yogurt containers are recyclable these days, but I still dislike throwing out things that could be repurposed. I am reusing my empty yogurt containers for starting my spring garden seedlings.
I don't throw anything away. The other night my Brownies were making mobiles. Instead of buying hangers, I used the empty yogurt containers.
I use them for craft projects. They are great as paint, water, or glue containers for the kids.
I like to reuse yogurt cups for holding water when painting. I especially like to use the kind that come with the plastic dome lids (like YoCrunch or any other yogurt that comes with toppings).
I open cans of fruit and divide it into yogurt containers. My husband looks forward to his fruit every evening as a snack. Sometimes there is enough for three or four days.
Homemade Recycled "To-Go" Cup. No matter how many drink "to go" cups I buy, there never seem to be enough.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I'm looking for interesting uses for everyday objects like yogurt containers.
Gloria from California
you can start seeds in them or you could put a piece of construction paper or wraping paper around them and put pens and pencils or paper clips q-tips cottonballs anything small would look good and you can keep your stuff organized
I use them to freeze individual servings of foods...especially something my DH don't like....I buy large gallon size cans of food...divide it up in individual servings...like applesauce...and freeze....the large size cans are much, much cheaper....I also use a butter tub to freeze food that I'll use more of.....
My sons & I always used yogurt cups for making a holiday gift for his teachers. It is a mini Christmas Tree. Start by wrapping the yogurt cup's outside with pretty wrapping paper, folding the top into the cup if necessary. We then filled it with dirt. Then we put in small cut branches of evergreen. Next we tied a bow of ribbon onto many of the evergreen tips. (We used the thin curling ribbon for gift wrapping.) It then resembles a miniature Christmas Tree.
I make jello or instant pudding and pour it in them to make individual servings with a lid.
I reuse them as lunch box food containers. I use (& reuse) the press and seal stuff in addition to the lid to guard against leaks. Not only will you be recycling but, the containers help keep lunch from being crushed!
...drinking cups for the grand kids
...put water in them for rinsing paint brushes
...great for favors. Any craft that uses terra cotta pots can be adapted to the humble yogurt cup: Pilgrim hats, snowmen heads, etc.
have you seen that http://guavajellyforkids.com site - lots of ideas there!
Editor's Note: Although there are some free projects, many are for members only.
I found some Krylon spray paint made for plastic and painted my washed yogurt containers & lids for holiday cookie containers. No need to buy tins!
A quick and super cute decoration for your Christmas Tree. Especially great for any home with young children.
