Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have 4 of these Sytrofoam blocks (11.4"x11.4"x7") from a shelving unit and nothing that needs to be stuck into them (i.e. screws, etc) and they are solid. What can I do with them that is either creative (I do have access to very sharp cutting instruments) or useful? I don't have kids and live in Greenville, SC and don't know of any recycling places for them. Any ideas? I only have one day to figure it out (don't ask).
Your one day may be over?
Are there any fun or useful suggestions, tips, or samples of items made from Styrofoam trays that meat from the supermarket comes on? Thanks for the consideration and time.
By Dianne
I wouldn't use any of the packaging from meat, because of lingering bacteria or odors. I only save the styrofoam trays from vegetables.
Yes, one of my favorite crafts projects was to get different colored styrofoam trays and get a paper punch that punches holes in paper and punch as many holes in the styrofoam as you can. Then get a needle and thread or clear fishing line and thread the little circles on the thread.
It comes out looking like a very expensive "stone" necklace or bracelet in either turquoise or coral or obsidian depending on the color of styrofoam. White looks like the popular puka shell necklaces. Makes great earrings too! Mix the colors for more interesting combinations. Wish I had a picture but you get the idea.
I only use the white meat trays that are fairly clean to begin with--it's impossible to have no meat juices on them, so I wash well w/ soap and hot water.
Then my grandkids and I use them for home-made shrinky dink material. I usually end up experimenting w/ size of item to be "shrunk" and oven temp.
Here's a photo of a charm that's just out of the oven. Sides need to be smoothed and clasp fitted on back to become a necklace. Button for size perspective.
To Arentwetho,
Neat idea. My grandsons are into friendship bracelets right now and your idea would be great. We use the stretchy cord so they are easy to get on and off the wrist. I bet the punching process is part of the fun.
I use meat trays but I wash and dry them thoroughly and put them in the sun for no less than tree days. My grandma used the sun to erase yellow stains on fabric and to "sterilize" underwear so I figure It will help with whatever bacteria is still there.
I found this the other day and thought it was awesome. Looks like something I would see in a boutique somewhere.
www.creativejewishmom.com/
I use the trays to hold all the elements of whatever project I am working on at the time - papers, glue, scissors, embellishments, etc. I can stack the trays for the different projects (never able to do just one thing at a time) and have everything on hand when I grab a tray and sit down to work on the project.
The hospital I work for throws a lot of Styrofoam coolers away. I hate that; what can I use them for? I now plant my outdoor plants in them, but what else?
By Lisa
Donate them to the humane society. A Styrofoam cooler, tote, and some hay can be used as a shelter for feral cat colonies. The humane society may be able to direct you to some Trap, Neuter, & Release (TNR) programs.
Donate them to the humane society. A Styrofoam cooler, tote, and some hay can be used as a shelter for feral cat colonies. The humane society may be able to direct you to some Trap, Neuter, & Release (TNR) programs.
Consider doing "wicking gardening" in those sturdy foam coolers. You'll need to water your plants less often!
Check out these photos.
In trying to keep the landfill free of styrofoam, I clean and reuse mine for a lot of things. I use styrofoam under planters, as trays for under craft projects (like those using glitter), etc.
This manmade material lasts forever. There are a number of ways to use these containers for crafts and even making furniture. This is a page about uses for small styrofoam ice chests.
This is a page about uses for Styrofoam meat trays. Reusing Styrofoam packaging helps keep it out of the landfill. There are a variety of uses for the trays used for packing meat.