Five Eco-friendly Ways to Reuse Shoe Boxes

In this day and time, it seems that everything that consumers purchase comes in some form of box. Shoes are one of those items. Once you remove the shoes from their box, what do you do with their former home? Do you throw the box into the trash can, place it in your recycling container, or reuse it? Here are five ways in which that shoe box can come in handy:

Use it as a storage box for school or office supplies.

As a homeschool teacher, this author has an abundance of pencils, pens, colored pencils, erasers, and other such school items. In order to store all of these supplies, she utilizes a shoe box that is perfect for holding these necessary tools.

Use it as a planter box for small plants or herbs.

A shoe box is the perfect size for planting small plants and growing herbs. You can get some organic potting soil and plant the seeds of your favorite herb or transplant your favorite small plant in it.

Create a diorama or art project within it.

If your child is studying about the different biomes (habitats) of the world, he or she can create a fantastic diorama of his or her favorite biome in the shoe box. Also, you can make a beautiful artistic masterpiece within the confines of a shoe box (this author's daughter made a model of her ideal bedroom).

Use it to ship goods to family members and friends.

You can ship goodies or gifts to family members and friends in the shoe box. Most shoe boxes are sturdy enough to survive their journey from your post office to your loved one's home. Be sure and secure the items that you are shipping within the box with either recycled tissue paper or shredded recycled paper.

Build a safe and fun play structure with your family.

If you have an overabundance of shoe boxes or collect them from friends and family, you and your family can build a creative and fun temporary play structure. If your creation collapses or gets knocked down, you do not have to worry about anyone getting hurt and can easily rebuild it for more enjoyment.

When you return from necessary shoe shopping for the family and realize how many shoe boxes that you have acquired, consider these five suggestions for an extended life for those paper treasures. It is amazing how much use and fun that a shoe box can bring.