Ten - Upcycling the Un-recyclable

Guthrie & I love to recycle! We are very proud of our recycling center, though we are always sad when something that we buy often cannot be recycled. Here are two things we have found another use for.

1. Milk Cartons

I got the great idea from answers people posted to the question on Re-Nest. First, rinse out completely and then fill with water. Put one or a couple in the freezer and use them as ice blocks in a cooler instead of buying ice from the gas station. Plus, if you rinse them out completely, you can use them as drinking water on road trips or at picnics when the water melts!

We also started using glass milk containers from the co-ops. You pay a bottle deposit, but you essentially pay it once because each time you return it, you get it back (though we usually buy milk every week). The down side is that the milk doesn't stay fresh as long since light can get it and it only comes in half gallon sizes. We will actually use one of the cartons to freeze half of the milk at a time. Usually what we need, when we need, and again, reusing the pesky carton containing. Just make sure you don't fill them all of the way or they will explode in the freezer! When the milk defrosts, give it a shake, and make sure you drink it in a couple of days.

Then we return the glass bottle, get a new, reuse the carton, etc, etc. :-)

2. Yogurt Containers
(or in this case, a cottage cheese container)

Planters! These things are hard to recycle, though Stoneyfield Farms is doing great work. I wanted to get some baby spider plants going from our larger one we just acquired thanks to Guthrie's aunt. Poke holes, fill with soil, and plant! We made a mix of dirt from the backyard and worm castings.

Or you just fill up the container (in this case, a jelly jar, on the right) with water, and watch it sprout roots. We'll update you on how they go!

Peace!