Original question by: @poppichew@piefed.social

If you buy things to any extent, you’ve probably got some leftover packaging hanging around. What are some cool ways you’ve found to make use of all these materials? Special props to ideas that can be replicated!

  • ExtraMedicated@lemmy.world
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    8 days ago

    I used the cardboard sheets found in boxes of canned cat food to make this little tent:

    I miss that cat so much.

  • snoons@lemmy.ca
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    8 days ago

    I use all the plastic bags I get from the grocery store (fruit & vegg, bread, etc.) to keep my pottery projects from drying out too fast. This is especially important when pieces have really thin parts. They would crack if I just let them to dry without something to cover them.

  • shalafi@lemmy.world
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    7 days ago

    I could start a whole comm on the subject.

    Took the plastic holders that we sold sprinklers in and use them to root 21 plants at a time.

    Made a sweet display rack from an old pallet. I can go on for ages about pallet uses.

    Saved my bread bag for next time I need a food bag. I never purchase plastic bags except for the trash can and aluminum can recycling.

    Used the black and green nylon twine that came wrapped around various products. Made new canoe handles (braided) and plants hangers (with an artfully bent, white coated clothes hanger).

    Have a huge pile of 1x2 treated wood pieces that were used to pack lumber. Still working on ideas.

    I save McDonald’s cups for starting plants. Tough plastic, not too UV sensitive.

    Shove styrofoam in a pickle jar with a dash of unleaded, boom, ya got napalm. You can start a soaking wet camp fire with that shit. Save your dryer lint while you’re at it.

    Show me a pic of any packaging, I’ll give you a use for it.

    • reddig33@lemmy.world
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      8 days ago

      Old mattress toppers are good for re-stuffing upholstery covers. The old foam in the seats usually flattens over time. But if you have one of those egg carton style, mattress toppers, you can cut a piece to fit and inserted to fluff out the padding again.