A Money Saving Tip: The Endless Uses of Foam and Plastic Containers

Trying to pinch pennies in these hard times, I have found an endless use for the foam containers that packaged meat is sold in. Not limiting myself to those alone, there are many uses for the plastic containers that salad, or deli products come in. I am including many of my own uses, but the ideas are never ending, depending on your household.

When I open a package of meat, I immediately wash the foam container with soap and water and let it dry. The larger ones are perfect for little ones to do a craft on. The glue, paint and whatever medium they are using are in one place. It also serves as a great work area for art and craft projects for any age. When you are done - simply throw it out.

I cut others into the proper shape to hold my sponges in the kitchen and the bathroom. I cut a shape to place my honey, jam and maple syrup containers on. They eliminate the endless dripping of these containers. Best of all they are replaceable and no cost to you!! Cut out one and your have a disposable spoon rest for each and every meal.

At a picnic, they are perfect to place the condiments on for the picnic table. Place a sheet of foil over the container and you have the perfect means to transport hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs from the grill to the table.

Traveling with a pet, bring a few with you. They are perfect to place a meal on, provide a drink of water or a few pet treats. When they are done, cleanup is a breeze, you just toss it out.

The larger containers are just perfect to put little boots on during a rain or snow storm. It eliminates tracking through the house and when the boots are dry - rinse the container off and reuse it or simply dispose of it. They can be placed outside the door or just inside.

On rare occaions I will purchase a salad, once again, I save that container and use it to exchange goodies with my friends and neighbors - if they don't briing the container back - I have not lost a thing. These containers can also be used to pack your own lunch for work. Most of them are microwaveable. You can store leftovers in them, use as a pet bowl. You can even make a low flower arrangement in them. Start your spring seedlings in them until you are ready to transfer them to pots.

As you can see, these containers are invaluable and will save you money, time and effort. Try thinking up some of your own - you will be surprised.