In our day-to-day lives, we often encounter items that seem to have outlived their usefulness, destined to become just another piece of waste. Empty butter tubs are a perfect example of such a common household item. However, with a little creativity and ingenuity, these humble containers can be transformed into versatile tools that reduce clutter, save money, and help the environment.Before you toss that empty butter tub into the recycling bin, consider the myriad ways it can be repurposed. Not only will you be doing your part to reduce waste, but you’ll also discover that these containers can solve many of your everyday organizational and storage problems. Here are 10 clever ways to give those butter tubs a second life.
1. Turn Butter Tubs Into Perfect Leftover Containers
Butter tubs are an ideal solution for storing leftovers. Their compact size makes them perfect for holding single servings of soup, pasta, or casseroles. Simply fill the tub with your leftovers, snap the lid on tight, and label the contents with a permanent marker. This way, you can easily identify what’s inside without having to open it.The airtight seal of the butter tub helps keep food fresh in the refrigerator, reducing waste and saving you money. Plus, since they are stackable, you can maximize the space in your fridge or freezer, keeping everything organized and accessible.
2. Use As Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Portions
For those who like to meal prep, butter tubs are a game-changer. Their durable plastic construction makes them freezer-friendly, allowing you to store pre-portioned meals for future use. Simply prepare your meals as usual, then divide them into individual portions using the butter tubs.Label each tub with the contents and date before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply pop one in the microwave or let it thaw in the fridge. This method not only saves time during busy weeks but also ensures you have a healthy, home-cooked meal ready at your convenience.
3. Organize Craft Supplies, Hardware, And Junk Drawer Clutter
Butter tubs can be a lifesaver when it comes to organizing small items around the house. Use them to store craft supplies like beads, buttons, and ribbons. You can also sort hardware items such as screws, nails, and bolts, keeping them easily accessible.Simply label each tub with its contents using a permanent marker or adhesive labels. This makes it easy to find exactly what you need without having to rummage through drawers or boxes. It’s a simple yet effective way to bring order to your craft room, garage, or any cluttered space.
4. Create DIY Planters For Herbs, Seedlings, And Cuttings
Transform your butter tubs into charming DIY planters for your kitchen herbs or seedlings. Start by cleaning the tubs thoroughly, then use a sharp tool to poke a few drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the tub with potting soil and plant your seeds or cuttings.These makeshift planters are perfect for windowsills or small spaces, allowing you to grow fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro right at home. As your plants grow, you can easily transplant them into larger pots or your garden.
5. Mix Paint, Stain, Or Cleaning Solutions Mess-Free
Butter tubs are an excellent choice for mixing small batches of paint, stain, or cleaning solutions. Their sturdy construction and size make them perfect for holding just the right amount of liquid.Use a clean tub to mix paint or stain for touch-up jobs around the house. The lid helps prevent spills and keeps the contents fresh if you need to take a break. For cleaning solutions, the tub allows you to mix and store homemade concoctions without having to buy additional containers.
6. Corral Kids’ Toys, Game Pieces, And Art Materials
If you have kids, you know how quickly toys and art supplies can take over a room. Butter tubs are a great way to keep everything organized and in one place. Use them to store small toys, game pieces, or art materials like crayons, markers, and paintbrushes.Labeling the tubs makes it easy for kids to find and put away their items, encouraging them to take responsibility for their belongings. Plus, the tubs are lightweight and stackable, making them easy to store on shelves or in closets.
7. Pack On-The-Go Snacks For Road Trips And Lunchboxes
Butter tubs are the perfect size for packing individual portions of snacks for road trips or lunchboxes. Fill them with trail mix, fruit slices, or vegetable sticks, and seal them with the lid to keep everything fresh.These containers are also reusable, reducing the need for single-use plastic bags. They fit easily into lunchboxes or backpacks, making them a convenient and eco-friendly option for snacks on the go.
8. Store Pet Food, Treats, And Small Animal Supplies
If you have pets, you know how important it is to keep their food and treats fresh and accessible. Butter tubs are ideal for storing small portions of pet food or treats, making it easy to grab a tub for feeding time or when you’re on the go.Label each tub with the type of food or treat inside, and keep them stacked in a cupboard or pantry. This method keeps your pet supplies organized and ensures that you always have fresh food and treats on hand.
9. Build Simple Sensory Bins And Backyard Water Toys
For a fun and educational activity, use butter tubs to create sensory bins for young children. Fill the tubs with different materials like rice, beans, or sand, and let kids explore textures and practice fine motor skills.In the summer, these tubs can also double as water toys. Fill them with water and let kids use them to scoop, pour, and splash around in the backyard. This simple setup can provide hours of entertainment and learning for little ones.
10. Repurpose Lids For Drawer Dividers, Coasters, And More
Don’t forget about the lids! They can be repurposed in a variety of ways beyond their intended use. Use them as drawer dividers to keep small items organized, or decorate them with paint or fabric to create unique coasters.The lids can also serve as makeshift palette trays for mixing paint or as small trays for holding screws and nails during DIY projects. With a little creativity, you can find even more uses for these versatile pieces, reducing waste and adding functionality to your home.
