We all succumb to the lazy delights of a takeaway now and again. In fact, there’s nothing I enjoy more than crashing out on the sofa and eating my own weight in pizza. Boy oh boy, it’s a naughty treat for sure. As a way of soothing my grease-addled conscience though, I try to make each takeaway a little less naughty by finding ways to recycle takeaway containers. Here’s just a few ideas that make use of tomorrow morning’s rubbish.
6 ways to recycle takeaway containers
Meal Prep Containers
Last night’s tikka masala containers being reused to store your super-healthy, pre-prepped meals? Nevermind the curry, this irony alone is delicious.
You’re way less likely to splurge on a takeaway if you’ve already batch-cooked a healthy nutritious meal that just needs heating up. There’s loads of recipes online that are great for cooking in bulk. Set aside a couple of hours on a weekend and say goodbye to spending on takeaways (until you fancy some new containers, of course).
Monster Ice Cubes
Those little sauce pots that accompany kebabs are great for making huge ice cubes. Each one’s probably equivalent to three normal-sized cubes.
The best thing about these is that you don’t need to use the ice tray in your freezer. If yours is full, you can pop these almost anywhere you can find room, with the lid making them less likely to spill.
Gift Bags
If, like me, you’re too lazy to wrap presents, then you’ll know all about the effortless majesty of gift bags.
If, like me, you also leave everything to the last minute, you’ll need a quick alternative to a fancy gift bag. Step forward, the brown paper bag from last night’s kebab.
Think about it; that little paper bag you got from Tony’s Greasy Grill is indistinguishable from the ones used in posh, artisan boutiques. By all means, feel free to give it a spruce up though: paints, metallic pens and even stamps are a fantastic way to personalise the bag for your recipient and occasion.
Door Signs
Stuck for a rainy-day activity for children? Hand them the cardboard lids from the metal takeaway containers to decorate. These are the perfect size for them to write their names on and affix to their bedroom doors. If the child is named Saag Paneer, then their job is made even easier.
Grow Your Own
Plastic containers are brilliant for germinating seeds in. Just moisten some tissue to line the bottom, pop your seeds in, and pierce the lid a couple of times. Kept in a warm place or window sill, you’ll have the start of some seedlings in no time. Time to ditch the garlic bread and start eating your greens instead.
Unleash the Artist Within
I used to hate it when takeaways gave me those stingy half-sized pots of sauce. What I have found though, is that these little shallow pots are perfect for keeping paint in.
Nope, not that kind of paint. Unless you’re a Borrower, you’ll never get your hallway done with one of these. If you dabble with a bit of art though, it’s worth washing these out to hold or mix paints in.
Why not then sell your art online to fund your next takeaway? Who knows what wonderful containers you’ll get next time?
After a beer to wash down your next takeaway? Take a look at our Beer52 review.
Perhaps you’d prefer a marginally cheaper beer instead. Have a dekko at this Flavourly review.
You’re off the booze altogether? Have a butchers at these non-alcoholic drinks with chilli.
Feeling naughty but your keto or gluten-free diet won’t allow for a takeaway? How about a Deliciously Guilt-Free Cake instead?
Some great ideas x