You probably don’t give much thought to egg cartons, but did you know that every year in North America, 3.6 billion egg cartons are manufactured, and over half of those are still constructed from plastic and polystyrene foam? The paper used to make egg cartons may be recycled, composted, and decomposed entirely; examples include newspaper and office paper. They are reintroduced to nature’s cyclical system. It’s a plus that they may be reused creatively, like composting or recycling. Here are some suggestions to help you get going with colored paper egg cartons:
Recycle
Egg cartons made from the molded fiber are recyclable. Post-consumer paper, such as newspapers and copy paper, is used to make these products recyclable. You may toss them in the recycling bin, where they’ll be reused afterward (perhaps as the basis for another egg carton).
Compost
Egg cartons can be composted if you don’t want to recycle them or are trying to reduce your garbage output. Minimize the size of the paper egg cartons before tossing them in the compost. Egg cartons may be added to your carbon-nitrogen compost mix as a carbon source. The ability of soil to retain water is partly due to the presence of carbon in the soil.
Seedlings started in paper egg cartons add to the value of your garden compost. Each egg cup in the carton should have a hole pierced so that condensation may escape. Next, put some potting dirt and seeds in each of the cups. When the seedlings are ready, put them outside or in a container and move them to a sunny location to continue growing.
Crafts
Egg carton recycling and waste management education are essential life skills for children. If you want to teach your students or children at home about the need to minimize waste, you may do it by having them create something out of colored paper egg cartons. It is possible to prevent dangerous plastics from polluting the landfills, streams, lakes, and seas by opting for food packaged in recycled paper rather than single-use plastic and Styrofoam. A flower wreath, a shark, or other creatures made up from paper egg cartons is a fun way to upcycle the packaging and teach kids about the benefits of using less plastic.
A Bird Feeder
You may use a paper egg carton to make a bird feeder for your backyard and the birds in your neighborhood. All you have to do is remove the egg carton’s lid and poke holes in the four corners of the bottom that’s left. If you put some strong rope through the holes, you may hang it from a tree, a balcony, or a window sill. Purchase some bird seed from the store or garden center and fill each egg carton cup. Hang this in your backyard, and you’ll soon have a visitor flocking to your feeders.
Kit for Stitching
Make a do-it-yourself sewing kit out of a recycled paper egg carton by placing pins, thread, buttons, and miniature scissors inside. This way, you’ll always have supplies to repair ripped garments or missing buttons. Taking care of your garment repairs is an excellent way to save money and reduce landfill plastic.
Tuck-Away Space
Nails, screws, thumbtacks, nuts, and bolts may all be neatly organized in egg cartons alongside holiday decorations. Keep jewelry, beads, and miniature figurines safe and organized for use in crafts or as toys for youngsters. Small items may be neatly organized in egg cartons.
Packaging Presents
Especially if the present is perishable or a plant, transporting it might be a bit of a hassle. Because of this, paper egg cartons may also be used as a unique gift wrapping option. The seed-starting above and succulent-planting kits, which give detailed instructions for getting started and maintaining the plants they include, are just two examples of present good ideas. For a more offbeat present, wrap up some socks and place them in an empty egg carton. Finally, an egg carton is a perfect container for cupcakes, cookies, macarons, or other little baked products. The egg carton might be decorated on the exterior, then sealed and tied with a ribbon as a gift.
