We all accumulate them: tiny jars, diminutive tubs, compact boxes. Empty small containers are a ubiquitous part of modern life, arriving with everything from spices to cosmetics to craft supplies. Instead of automatically tossing them into the recycling bin (or worse, the trash), consider the immense potential for creative reuse. Giving these containers a second life not only reduces waste but also sparks creativity and adds a touch of personality to your home organization. This article explores a wealth of inspiring ideas for repurposing those empty small containers, transforming them from trash to treasure.
Organization Solutions: Small Containers, Big Impact
One of the most practical uses for empty small containers is organization. Their size makes them ideal for corralling tiny items that often get lost or scattered. Think of them as miniature storage units, ready to bring order to chaos.
Bathroom Bliss: Organizing Cosmetics and Accessories
The bathroom, often a battleground for clutter, can greatly benefit from repurposed small containers. Empty eye cream jars, for instance, are perfect for holding individual cotton swabs or makeup sponges. Small tubs that once contained lip balm can house bobby pins, hair ties, or even tiny earrings. Grouping similar items together in these containers makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your bathroom counters clutter-free. Consider lining a drawer with these repurposed containers to create custom organizers tailored to your specific needs.
Kitchen Command Center: Spice Up Your Storage
The kitchen is another area where small containers shine. Empty spice jars are a natural choice for refills, allowing you to buy spices in bulk and save money. Don’t limit yourself to spices, though. Small containers can also store baking sprinkles, dried herbs, and even small candies. Labeling is key to a well-organized kitchen. Use a label maker or simply write on the container with a permanent marker to clearly identify the contents. You can also get creative and decorate the containers to match your kitchen decor.
Craft Room Chaos Control: Taming Tiny Supplies
Craft rooms are notorious for their abundance of small, easily lost supplies. Beads, buttons, sequins, and glitter all find a perfect home in repurposed small containers. Empty film canisters (if you can find them!) are ideal for storing embroidery floss, while small tubs can hold paint palettes or brushes. Consider sorting supplies by color or type for maximum efficiency. This not only makes it easier to find what you need but also inspires creativity by showcasing your materials in an organized way.
Office Oasis: Desk Organization Made Easy
Even in the digital age, desks tend to accumulate small items like paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, and push pins. Small containers are perfect for keeping these items organized and within easy reach. Empty mint tins can double as portable storage for charging cables or headphones. Personalize your containers with paint, stickers, or washi tape to add a touch of personality to your workspace.
Creative DIY Projects: Unleashing Your Imagination
Beyond organization, empty small containers can be the foundation for a wide range of creative DIY projects. Let your imagination run wild and transform these humble containers into unique and beautiful objects.
Miniature Gardens: Bringing Nature Indoors
Small containers are perfect for creating miniature gardens, also known as terrariums or fairy gardens. Use empty jars, tubs, or even boxes to create a tiny ecosystem. Fill the container with soil, add small plants like succulents or cacti, and decorate with rocks, moss, and miniature figurines. These miniature gardens make wonderful gifts or add a touch of greenery to your home decor. Consider using different types of containers to create a variety of garden styles.
Candle Holders: Adding Ambiance to Any Room
Turn empty jars into charming candle holders. Simply clean the jar, add a tealight candle, and decorate the outside with paint, ribbon, or twine. For a more rustic look, use jute rope or burlap. Experiment with different colors and textures to create candle holders that match your personal style. You can also add essential oils to the melted wax for a personalized aromatherapy experience.
Homemade Beauty Products: All-Natural and Budget-Friendly
If you’re interested in making your own beauty products, empty small containers are essential. Use them to store homemade lip balms, salves, lotions, and scrubs. Ensure the containers are clean and sterilized before use to prevent contamination. Label the containers clearly with the product name and ingredients. Making your own beauty products is a fun and rewarding way to control the ingredients you put on your skin.
Travel-Sized Essentials: Perfect for On-the-Go
Small containers are ideal for creating travel-sized versions of your favorite products. Transfer shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other essentials into small jars and tubs. This saves space in your luggage and allows you to comply with airline regulations regarding liquid containers. Remember to label the containers clearly to avoid confusion. Travel-sized essentials are also great for gym bags or overnight stays.
Practical Uses: Beyond the Obvious
Beyond organization and creative projects, there are many other practical uses for empty small containers. These often-overlooked applications can help you save money and reduce waste.
Seed Starters: Giving Plants a Head Start
Small containers are excellent for starting seeds indoors. Fill the container with seed-starting mix, plant the seeds, and water gently. Keep the containers in a warm, sunny location and water regularly. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. Starting seeds indoors gives your plants a head start and allows you to extend the growing season.
Paint Storage: Preserving Leftover Paint
If you have leftover paint from a project, store it in small containers to prevent it from drying out. Ensure the containers are airtight to prevent the paint from solidifying. Label the containers with the paint color and date. Storing leftover paint in small containers allows you to touch up projects later without having to buy a whole new can of paint.
Petty Cash Containers: Organizing Small Change
Use small containers to organize your petty cash. Designate one container for pennies, one for nickels, one for dimes, and one for quarters. This makes it easier to count your change and keeps it from getting scattered around. This is especially useful for small businesses or for keeping track of household expenses.
Emergency Kits: Preparing for the Unexpected
Small containers are perfect for creating mini emergency kits. Fill them with essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and a small flashlight. Keep these kits in your car, purse, or backpack for easy access in case of an emergency. Being prepared for the unexpected can provide peace of mind and help you handle minor injuries or inconveniences.
Cleaning and Preparation: Ensuring Safe Reuse
Before repurposing any small container, it’s crucial to clean and prepare it properly. This ensures that the container is safe to use and free from any residue that could contaminate its contents.
Thorough Cleaning: Removing Residue and Odors
Wash the containers thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Use a scrub brush to remove any stubborn residue. For containers that held food, consider soaking them in a solution of baking soda and water to remove any lingering odors. Rinse the containers well and allow them to air dry completely.
Sterilization: Eliminating Bacteria
If you plan to use the containers for food storage or beauty products, sterilize them to eliminate any bacteria. You can sterilize containers by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by placing them in a dishwasher on the sanitize cycle. Allow the containers to cool completely before handling them.
Label Removal: Creating a Clean Slate
Removing labels can be a challenge, but there are several effective methods. Try soaking the containers in warm, soapy water or using a hairdryer to soften the adhesive. You can also use a specialized label remover product. Once the label is removed, clean the container thoroughly to remove any remaining adhesive residue.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Repurposing empty small containers is a simple but effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By giving these containers a second life, you’re diverting them from landfills and conserving valuable resources.
Reducing Landfill Waste: Minimizing Environmental Impact
Landfills are overflowing with waste, much of which could be recycled or repurposed. By repurposing empty small containers, you’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, minimizing your environmental impact. This is a simple way to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Conserving Resources: Reducing the Need for New Products
Manufacturing new products requires raw materials, energy, and water. By repurposing existing containers, you’re reducing the demand for new products, conserving these valuable resources. This helps to minimize pollution and protect our planet.
Promoting a Circular Economy: Keeping Materials in Use
Repurposing empty small containers is a key principle of the circular economy, which aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible. By extending the lifespan of these containers, you’re reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable economic system. Embracing the circular economy is essential for a healthy planet.
Conclusion: Embracing the Potential of Empty Containers
Empty small containers are far more than just waste. They are untapped resources waiting to be transformed into something useful and beautiful. By embracing the ideas and techniques outlined in this article, you can unlock the potential of these humble containers and contribute to a more organized, creative, and sustainable lifestyle. So, next time you find yourself with an empty small container, pause before tossing it away. Consider the possibilities and let your imagination guide you. You might be surprised at what you can create.
What are some simple ways to reuse empty spice containers in the kitchen?
Empty spice containers, particularly those with shaker tops, are perfect for organizing small items in your kitchen drawers. Use them to store things like paper clips, rubber bands, toothpicks, or even spare buttons. Their small size and often clear design allow you to easily see what’s inside, keeping your drawers neat and efficient. You can even label them for better organization.
Beyond drawer organization, spice containers can be repurposed for crafting or DIY projects. Fill them with different colored sprinkles or edible glitter for baking decorations. Alternatively, they can be used to store small beads, sequins, or glitter for crafting. Cleaning them thoroughly is key to ensure no lingering spice aromas affect the new contents.
Can I reuse empty cosmetic containers like eyeshadow palettes or lip balm tubes?
Absolutely! Empty eyeshadow palettes can be transformed into custom palette organizers. Clean out any remaining product and use magnetic strips or glue dots to adhere individual eyeshadow pans from other broken or unwanted palettes. This allows you to consolidate your favorite shades into a single, organized palette.
Lip balm tubes, after thorough cleaning and sterilization, can be refilled with homemade lip balm. There are numerous recipes available online for creating your own lip balms using ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils. This is a great way to reduce waste and create a personalized lip care product.
How can I repurpose empty yogurt containers or small plastic tubs?
Empty yogurt containers and similar small plastic tubs are excellent for starting seedlings. Simply wash them thoroughly and poke drainage holes in the bottom. Fill them with potting soil and sow your seeds. Their small size is ideal for nurturing young plants before transplanting them to larger pots or the garden.
These containers are also handy for organizing small items in your garage or workshop. Use them to store nails, screws, washers, or other hardware. Their stackable nature makes them ideal for maximizing storage space on shelves or in drawers, helping to keep your workspace tidy and efficient.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when reusing containers?
Always ensure containers are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before reusing them, especially if they previously held food or chemicals. Use hot soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any residue. For containers that held strong odors, consider using a baking soda paste to neutralize the smell.
When repurposing containers for food storage, verify that the plastic is food-safe. Check for a recycling symbol on the bottom indicating the type of plastic and whether it’s suitable for contact with food. Avoid reusing containers that show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or scratches, as these can harbor bacteria.
What are some unique ways to reuse glass jars, like those from jam or pickles?
Glass jars, especially those from jam or pickles, make charming and rustic storage solutions. Clean them thoroughly and remove any labels. They can be used to store pantry staples like dried beans, rice, or pasta. Their transparency allows you to easily see what’s inside, and they add a touch of vintage style to your kitchen.
Beyond food storage, glass jars are perfect for creating DIY home decor. Paint them, wrap them with twine or lace, or fill them with fairy lights to create unique vases, candle holders, or decorative accents. Their versatility allows for endless creative possibilities.
How can I reuse empty medication bottles or pill containers responsibly?
Empty medication bottles can be used for organizing small craft supplies like beads, buttons, or sequins. Their secure lids help prevent spills and keep items neatly contained. Ensure you remove any labels and clean the bottles thoroughly before repurposing them.
If you choose not to reuse them for craft or storage purposes, it’s crucial to dispose of medication bottles responsibly. Check with your local pharmacy or recycling center for proper disposal methods. Many pharmacies offer medication take-back programs, which often accept empty pill bottles for recycling or safe disposal.
What are some garden-related uses for empty containers?
Empty containers, from plastic tubs to glass jars, can be used as mini greenhouses for seedlings. Place the seedling inside the container and cover the top with plastic wrap or a lid to create a humid environment. This helps to protect young plants from frost and encourage growth.
Larger containers, such as old buckets or storage bins, can be transformed into raised garden beds. Drill drainage holes in the bottom and fill them with potting soil. These are ideal for growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers, especially if you have limited space or poor soil conditions.