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Reusing Styrofoam


Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 228 Posts
July 2, 2010

Styrofoam StarsMake Styrofoam plates into cute hanging stars after rinsing and letting dry (or brushing off crumbs). I used a stencil of a star for my patterns and cut these out using craft scissors. They are strung on regular sewing thread with a few beads at the top.

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This is the result of only 2 plates!

By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO

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June 2, 2009

When planting hanging baskets, put Styrofoam peanuts in the bottom instead of stones. The plants do not stand in water and the baskets will not be so heavy.

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 398 Posts
August 15, 2011

When assembling an item that comes with squares of hardware such as bookcases, you can put the nails and other hardware in the Styrofoam to keep them from rolling around.

Block of Styrofoam with nails and screws pushed partway into it

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December 14, 2009

I've been doing a lot of crafting making small felt and cloth toys. They measure about 2 - 4 inches. With so many little pieces, I needed some way to keep track of everything.

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I'd been keeping foam meat trays (bleached and washed), trying to find a use.

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March 22, 2005

When filling huge flowerpots, reduce the weight and the amount of soil you need by filling the bottom with recycled Styrofoam peanuts or even chunks of Styrofoam. I get pieces when I need them from the dumpster behind a furniture and accessories store.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 523 Posts
June 5, 2013

Perlite is exellent for amending soil used for container grown plants and for starting seedlings in a soil or soiless medium. It insures better drainage and aeration which results in a larger, healthier root system.

Styrofoam as Perlite Substitute

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November 11, 2009

I cut out the logos from the Styrofoam cups and cover them with see through plastic. I then glue them to a sheet (e.g.) a poem I made up and give as gifts. Or use as a scrapbook page.

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June 20, 2006

From Styrofoam blocks taken from a new TV box, I created 4 different organizers and a wall flower display with dried or artificial flowers...

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May 20, 2004

Planting large flower pots. Use styrofoam to fill the pots half way. This provides good drainage and makes it easier to move the pots.

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December 5, 2018

Styrofoam pieces, often found in gift packaging, can be used to store items such as extension cords, Christmas tree lights and the like. This keeps styrofoam out of the landfill and provides extra storage at the same time.

Using recycled styrofoam to wrap a cord.

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 690 Feedbacks
May 14, 2008

Styrofoam! I re-use all I can. When drying starched items (ie: ornaments), I cover a strip of styrofoam with plastic wrap, stretch to form and pin to place.

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June 27, 2011

Styrofoam meat trays or plates make great bases for children's drawings or decoupage projects.

Recycled meat tray with child's art

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Questions

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August 12, 2004

Does anyone know of what can be done with large pieces of styrofoam like computers and stereos are packed in? I have a bunch and don't want to just send it to the landfill. (Originally published 2000-07-28)



Marianne

Answers

December 1, 20000 found this helpful

If there is a mailing service in your area they usually will take and reuse styrofoam from packing boxes, also the styrofoam peanuts, and plastic bubble wrap. I've been doing this for years and am glad that I am not contributing to the land fill.

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Dee

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December 1, 20000 found this helpful

I give these to my 2 little boys ages 2 and 4 to hammer golf tees into; older kids could possibly hammer nails. The material does not fall apart and actually closes up when the pegs are pulled out.

Kathy

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Diamond Feedback Medal for All Time! 1,023 Feedbacks
August 12, 20040 found this helpful

I use 'polystyrene' to make mirror frames. I cut it with a craft knife into the shape I want, then cut out a hole in the middle. I use old broken mirror that I cut into shape with a glass cutter (use gloves and goggles) and tape to the back with wide masking tape. Use an old paper-clip for a hanging hook, just bend to shape and push in.

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Then I use paper mache to cover the entire thing. Leave to dry then paint and add your own decoration as desired.

I make these to my own designs and I've sold two which the lady took to the Middle-East for presents for relatives. Especially good as they are sturdy (due to the paper mache) yet light (the polystyrene.)

By chickybiker

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April 16, 2018

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).


Thanks!

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
April 17, 20180 found this helpful
Best Answer

Your one day may be over?

  • I like using these for "legs/stands" under a board or rack where I need a quick (maybe temporary) shelf on a counter or ?
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  • I have seen photos tacked to blocks this size and stacked on top of each (at an angle).
  • I would be more prone to using them for packing or for partial filling a large pot so it would not be so heavy and would drain well.
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August 1, 2011

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

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April 1, 2012

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

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