Bang!Zoom! Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 We've run out of those ziploc square food containers. I kept a plastic ice cream container after I washed it out...and I'm worried I'm headed toward the land of "hey..this will be good for something" land...you know what I mean? I know this is how it starts...YIKES! How many of you guys keep jars and containers from the groceries for storage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serenade Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I do, but in the past couple of years I've severely limited myself. Those things multiply like bunnies if you don't keep them in check. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GinaPagnato Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Nope. I have a set that I've used for years (glass), and I unceremoniously dump all others in the trash! Just say no, and all that. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I keep the glass jars for my boys science experiments. My boys are currently dyeing their golf balls in glass jars that used to hold pasta sauce. My boys use the empty small margarine tubs as boats in the bath tub. They use the empty yogurt tubs for washing their paint brushes. I have some Gerber baby food jars that my boys use often for their science experiments too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang!Zoom! Posted July 12, 2013 Author Share Posted July 12, 2013 :) Ya, and besides, you can't see through most of them. So...do I just save the see thru jars? I saw a bunch of really cool pintrest ideas for spaghetti sauce jars...these would make really classy pencil jars for example... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I keep some, but not all. I teach middle school science at co-op, and certain glass jars and certain sizes of plastic containers are really handy for that. Also, I do a lot with plants, and certain sizes of plastic containers are handy for that. Pretty much everything else gets recycled. And I never clean out gooey containers like nut butter jars -- they just go into the trash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 My mom has a huge stack of cool whip containers. I do keep certain ones, like the food-safe gallon buckets that my raw honey and coconut oil come in. And the big "store up-side-down" ketchup bottles with the valve. They are the best for honey, maple/pancake syrup, and homemade salad dressings and ketchup. I keep my jars from Bubbies Sauerkraut to store my own sauerkraut in when I finish a batch. Oh, I also keep those rectangular plastic salad mix containers - dd6 likes to keep bugs in them, and they also make good snack mix and popcorn containers. I don't buy cool whip, or I'd probably have a few of those, too (just in case) :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I only reuse glass. I buy my local store's brand of salsa because the jar is so perfect for reusing. I make sure I have a lid for every jar and if they don't match up then I toss the lidless ones. Occasionally the boys put them in the recycling by mistake but I don't care. I can get an new one as soon as we use up another salsa jar. And I have a designated space for them. Once it is full then I don't keep any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 My mom has a huge stack of cool whip containers. I don't buy cool whip, or I'd probably have a few of those, too (just in case) :). When my grandmother died, we found about 75 Cool Whip containers stacked neatly in a cupboard. I don't know that she ever used them (and I really don't know when she managed to put away all that Cool Whip...must have been her secret vice), but she was prepared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I save containers. It drives my husband nuts, but we always recycle most of them when we move, and that's often enough that he doesn't go crazy. I don't keep odd sizes that won't stack with everything else, and we are dedicated leftover users so we need the containers, but we also eat what's in them quickly so they don't clutter up the fridge. I also reuse ziploc bags, but I probably shouldn't admit to that. I still can't throw them away after living in places where they were too precious to just be used once. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I started to keep some of the quart-sized containers we get yogurt in, but when they went unused for a while (and started falling out the cabinet every time I opened it) they went into the recycling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I've moved away from plastic and now only use glass containers. They seem to last longer and are prettier. Thinking about this, it is rare that I have a plastic container with a lid. I think the only thing I buy in plastic is yogurt and they have peel off lids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganCupcake Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I only keep the glass jars that seem like they'll have a useful life in our home, especially those that are compatible with a Ball canning jar lid. All the plastic gets recycled. My MIL has a cabinet in her kitchen that is full of random yogurt/margarine/whipped topping containers with no lids and one opens it at one's peril. Avalanches are virtually guaranteed, and you have to jerry rig some kind of lid for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tita Gidge Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 We re-use these for craft and hobby storage. Usually if we're short on something we'll ask around or buy a container specifically for our purpose (same with shoeboxes, we collect those also). We don't eat many things that come in these tubs or jars, because if I'm going to use a convenience food it's coming with table service LOL. I'd just as soon eat out if we're in convenience food mode! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Rarely. Almost never. Nope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countrygal Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I keep some plastic containers for storage of some refrigerated foods/leftovers, and quart size yogurt containers for the bathtub. I keeps some wide-mouth salsa and peanutbutter jars for making freezer jam - saves the canning jars for real canning. I have a set shelf for it and once it's full, they get tossed again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I reuse the 1 lb Faye Greek yoghurt containers. They have tight fitting clear lids, and I can see the contents. Perfect for traveling, camping, hiking, since they are light weight (who wants to lug glass containers in her backpack up a mountain?) and not a loss if they get damaged. I also save large pasta sauce glasses with a measuring scale on the glass; they are perfect for storing rice, powdered sugar, lentils etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustybug Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I save many containers and nearly all jars. I typically find a use for them, whether it be for storage or crafts, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustybug Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 And I've never seen a tub of butter. Where do you get that? I've seen tubs of margarine though...which is not butter. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Due to BPAs, I don't keep most plastic. However, those one gallon ice cream tubs sure come in handy. We mix summer time slushy beverages in them (ie, marguerite mix) and keep them on hand in the summertime. Also, we fill them with water and use them to keep ice chest items cool. But most plastics get tossed. MIL and great gma have/had kitchen cabinets full of cool whip containers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustybug Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Oh! Some of the larger plastic containers, I also save for when I give food to others. That way I don't have to worry about if they return the container or not. Bake some cookies and want to give some to the neighbor? Throw it in one of the disposable containers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I keep the plastic containers that my coconut oil comes it. They are solid white (label comes completely off), screw lid, about 2 cup size and fit my spice drawer perfectly. I use them for dry ingredients like corn starch or flour. I save and give used egg cartons to my egg selling friend. I only like to use clear glass to store food in my fridge or we would loose track of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I agree with Tap about using clear glass in the fridge. If I can't SEE it, it's not in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieSong Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I don't buy too much plastic, but what I do have goes into the recycle bin. I have glass containers with snap on lids for leftovers. I like seeing what's inside. I do keep a few glass jars for storing things in the pantry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I don't reuse containers, but I often wish I had some around when I want to send leftovers home with dinner guests! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plath Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I don't reuse for food storage (I use pyrex glass for that), but we do save the rare microwave dinner plastic dishes/trays for crafting (especially paint and glue) and the clear pint and quart take-out containers with lids are perfect for storing homemade playdough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I don't buy much stuff in containers. But I do buy individual servings of yoghurt just for the containers ( the kids eat the yoghurt). I need the containers to make soap. They are just the right size, and as I have to cut the container up to get out the soap they then go into the rubbish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I am even tossing Tupperware right now. The old stuff just doesn't work anymore. The plastic is all ripped up and the lids don't fit tight enough. And, it is currently still all sitting out on my dining room table being sorted. No way I would keep any tubs of anything...... I have learned a few things about myself too......one, the lids MUST fit and fit well; two, it must be a clear container or I forget what is in there and it spoiled; three, even though Tupperware says they are the best, I now prefer the Rubbermaid set with that stores inside of each other and takes up FAR less room and the lids snap together so I don't lose them! WIN, WIN. This is the set: http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-7J95-Medium-Storage-Containers/dp/B0012DQ6WK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1373715389&sr=8-6&keywords=rubbermaid So, tubs of anything.....NOPE, they are out the door as soon as I get them. I don't get many, but lately I have been making my layered dessert for several functions and it has cool whip in it. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I keep a certain number of salsa and peanut butter jars for storage. Their mouths are as wide as the jar, so they make good storage containers and are a good size for leftovers. I keep an occasional tub to pack for ds's lunch on his job. That way, if he forgets the container, etc. there is no harm done. I use them for my lunches, too, on occasion and just recycle at work when I'm done with them. I don't currently have any. I wouldn't save them for storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I keep some of them, but they don't really build up. Enough get broken, sent home with guests, used for kid projects, tossed because I don't want to wash them , etc. My temporary collection seems to be constantly rotating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I am even tossing Tupperware right now. The old stuff just doesn't work anymore. The plastic is all ripped up and the lids don't fit tight enough. And, it is currently still all sitting out on my dining room table being sorted. No way I would keep any tubs of anything...... I have learned a few things about myself too......one, the lids MUST fit and fit well; two, it must be a clear container or I forget what is in there and it spoiled; three, even though Tupperware says they are the best, I now prefer the Rubbermaid set with that stores inside of each other and takes up FAR less room and the lids snap together so I don't lose them! WIN, WIN. This is the set: http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-7J95-Medium-Storage-Containers/dp/B0012DQ6WK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1373715389&sr=8-6&keywords=rubbermaid So, tubs of anything.....NOPE, they are out the door as soon as I get them. I don't get many, but lately I have been making my layered dessert for several functions and it has cool whip in it. Dawn I just organized a bunch of my kitchen cabinets, and except for my Tupperware modular mates, I'm pretty done with Tupperware. I recently bought a set of that Rubbermaid and I'm pretty impressed by it! Reuse plastic butter, yogurt containers, cool whip, etc. - no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I keep a few tubs on hand mostly to send things home with others. I never get my stuff. :mellow: Also like to keep a few peanut butter & mayo jars. They are great for take along snacks and if you lose them it is no big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRG Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 Nope. I can't stand the clutter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xixstar Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I have some that sliced sandwhich meat came in, dh was buying it for work for a while so I made him get the same brand so we'd have a large consistent stash. I then threw away everything that wasn't those because I hate mix-matched items. I refused to keep yogurt containers and such but DH has a stash of them in his gear for his projects. For storing leftovers, I just have the 2 shapes of the ziplock type containers (reusable yet disposable still) and then a set of tupperware containers that all use the same lid but are two different sizes for larger storage of items. I'm quite happy with this arrangement and will toss everything else out as fast as I can. I will get very grumpy a the accumulation of glass jars too, which dh also tries to keep. But we have tons of canning jars and I am happy to use those when I need something like that. So I'm often urging out jars that get snuck into my cabinets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Yes, a handful of various sizes, to give leftovers away in. I don't use them for my day to day storage. The larger size ones fit nicely in my cooler for salads, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I have learned a few things about myself too......one, the lids MUST fit and fit well; two, it must be a clear container or I forget what is in there and it spoiled; three, even though Tupperware says they are the best, I now prefer the Rubbermaid set with that stores inside of each other and takes up FAR less room and the lids snap together so I don't lose them! WIN, WIN. This is the set: http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-7J95-Medium-Storage-Containers/dp/B0012DQ6WK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1373715389&sr=8-6&keywords=rubbermaid Dawn I LOVE these! Having Only 2 sizes of lids is AWESOME! I am toying with buying another set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Element Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I don't think I have anything plastic, but I do keep glass Frog Ranch pickle jars and Kroger organic salsa jars because their lids are plain black and interchangeable. I also keep pre-made pesto (glass) jars because they're such a cute shape to use for little gifty items/jams/whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I don't think I have anything plastic, but I do keep glass Frog Ranch pickle jars and Kroger organic salsa jars because their lids are plain black and interchangeable. I also keep pre-made pesto (glass) jars because they're such a cute shape to use for little gifty items/jams/whatever. Oooh, cute idea! What do you put in them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeschoolMamaOfTwo Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 No, we don't keep any of them, we just recycle them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Usually I just recycle it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Element Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Oooh, cute idea! What do you put in them? Homemade salt or sugar scrubs, caramel dipping sauce, M&Ms & peanuts.. whatever Pinteresty thing I'm into that week. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Homemade salt or sugar scrubs, caramel dipping sauce, M&Ms & peanuts.. whatever Pinteresty thing I'm into that week. ;) Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I try to stick with Mason or Ball jars as fridge storage. My kids know to *never* micro *anything* in plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I am even tossing Tupperware right now. The old stuff just doesn't work anymore. The plastic is all ripped up and the lids don't fit tight enough. And, it is currently still all sitting out on my dining room table being sorted. No way I would keep any tubs of anything...... I have learned a few things about myself too......one, the lids MUST fit and fit well; two, it must be a clear container or I forget what is in there and it spoiled; three, even though Tupperware says they are the best, I now prefer the Rubbermaid set with that stores inside of each other and takes up FAR less room and the lids snap together so I don't lose them! WIN, WIN. This is the set: http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-7J95-Medium-Storage-Containers/dp/B0012DQ6WK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1373715389&sr=8-6&keywords=rubbermaid So, tubs of anything.....NOPE, they are out the door as soon as I get them. I don't get many, but lately I have been making my layered dessert for several functions and it has cool whip in it. Dawn Please don't toss the tupperware. I agree it gets old but it's guaranteed for life. FInd a Tupperware dealer and get it replaced. I did that several years ago, and got back about 150.00 in tupperware. If they don't have the same product in their current line, they will replace it with something comparable. I too have mostly ditched my Tupperware ( donated it) and am using the Rubbermaid sets that are self stacking so I understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 We save lots of different tubs. Mostly they get used for paint/glue stuff like that. Some of the big ice cream ones I will stick fruit in to freeze. We have doorstep recycling so if the stack of saved stuff gets too big it can just get recycled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 In our area we can only recycle items numbered 1, 2 & 7. But any plastic container for dairy is usually number 5. Some of you must have better programs in your town if you can recycle everything. Wish we did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I keep a few things I really like, and I have a bin for "this might be useful." If it won't fit in the bin, something has to go. The kids are allowed to freely use what is in the bin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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