Heather says:
Last week’s refrigerator clean out challenge likely freed up some leftover containers. Today your mission is to pull out all of your storage containers and make sure each and every one has a lid. The lid should actually fit and create a seal. If not?
Toss it in the recycling bin.
I’ve found it useful to use a plastic dish tub to store lids.
I recently had a question about removing tomato stains from plastic storage containers. It’s a giant pain in the rear and while a chlorine bleach soak can remove the stains, some may remain. I’ll be answering this question fully later in the week.
Preventing tomato stains in the first place is your best bet. Freeze things like leftover spaghetti sauce in gallon ziplock bags. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet to freeze to better utilize your freezer space.
Glass storage containers are another option.
Didn’t feel this challenge was ambitious enough? I’ve got a bonus challenge. Look through your mugs and random plastic cups. Do you use them? Do you like using them? No? Out the door they go.
Cheap freebie plastic cups can be recycled, mugs and old glassware can be donated.
What tip would you add to this list?
Send your domestic questions to helpme@home-ec101.com.
Oh dear. I took the word “refrigerator” in last week’s challenge to mean just the fridge and not the freezer. I figured we’d tackle the frozens this week. I have a deep freeze full of CSA meat and a fridge freezer full of mystery containers. In theory they’re leftovers that I’m supposed to be eating for lunch, but I’m not that good when it comes down to it. Anyway, guess what I’m doing this week? I am really enjoying this challenge. I’m on a giant organizing kick this year and your goals are so easy that even if I get nothing else done, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Regarding this week’s actual challenge, I’d like to point out that while most plastics are made of recyclable materials, that doesn’t mean they can be recycled in every area. Our transfer station only recently started accepting certain storage containers. And they still can’t handle the lids. Be sure to check the rules for your town or recycling service before tossing anything into the bin.
Great point, Jennifer. I probably should have worded that a little more carefully.
Well, I didn’t get this week’s challenge done due to a health scare & learning that my in-laws are coming to visit next week, for a week. (A totally different type of scare.) Deep cleaning time! But maybe I can still catch up over the next couple of weeks.