Comments on: How can I reuse or recycle lunch boxes? http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20100222/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-lunch-boxes Creative ideas for reusing and recycling random stuff Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:55:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Tarah http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20100222/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-lunch-boxes/comment-page-1#comment-1022900 Tarah Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:14:17 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/?p=2231#comment-1022900 We're planning on making kids activity kits for our wedding out of thrift store/garage sale metal lunch boxes. We'll lightly sand down the image on the outside, paint over it with chalkboard paint, then include big chalk, plain paper, crayons and big magnets inside the kit. They can draw on the outside with chalk or use the magnet on the inside to hold a piece of paper for coloring. Alternatively, you can use old magnets, white shipping labels, some creativity and ink pens to create thin magnetic dolls or a magnetic paper doll set. This was my first idea, but it's too time consuming for our wedding (we're going all DIY). First, paint the inside lid white, then use permanent markers or paint to create a scene. You could also print multiple scenes on paper that can be held up large magnets. The insulated lunch boxes would be good for bringing things to the beach or camping. Use them to hold electronics or as a first aid kit (also good to keep in the car). We’re planning on making kids activity kits for our wedding out of thrift store/garage sale metal lunch boxes. We’ll lightly sand down the image on the outside, paint over it with chalkboard paint, then include big chalk, plain paper, crayons and big magnets inside the kit. They can draw on the outside with chalk or use the magnet on the inside to hold a piece of paper for coloring.

Alternatively, you can use old magnets, white shipping labels, some creativity and ink pens to create thin magnetic dolls or a magnetic paper doll set. This was my first idea, but it’s too time consuming for our wedding (we’re going all DIY). First, paint the inside lid white, then use permanent markers or paint to create a scene. You could also print multiple scenes on paper that can be held up large magnets.

The insulated lunch boxes would be good for bringing things to the beach or camping. Use them to hold electronics or as a first aid kit (also good to keep in the car).

]]> By: Kara http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20100222/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-lunch-boxes/comment-page-1#comment-1022860 Kara Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:25:46 +0000 http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/?p=2231#comment-1022860 If the lunchbox is in good shape, just "unfashionable", they are pretty easy to re-cover or put a patch over the old design. Torn linings are a little trickier; I usually can't get at the tear to mend it properly so I make new linings out of outerwear nylon - it's fairly waterproof and very tough. (I got my nylon from an old windbreaker whose ribbing had deteriorated.) You might also check with the local La Leche League or other breastfeeding advocacy group. The lunchbox size insulated coolers are great for storing and transporting pumped milk. Now, if the lunchboxes get stains or odors, I have had great luck with powdered dishwashing detergent and fairly hot water. I leave the lunchbox to soak in the sink for maybe 15 minutes, rinse it, and let it dry. This method even got out the fermented chocolate milk stain and smell from the time my daughter left her lunchbox in the car one weekend! If the lunchbox is in good shape, just “unfashionable”, they are pretty easy to re-cover or put a patch over the old design. Torn linings are a little trickier; I usually can’t get at the tear to mend it properly so I make new linings out of outerwear nylon – it’s fairly waterproof and very tough. (I got my nylon from an old windbreaker whose ribbing had deteriorated.) You might also check with the local La Leche League or other breastfeeding advocacy group. The lunchbox size insulated coolers are great for storing and transporting pumped milk.

Now, if the lunchboxes get stains or odors, I have had great luck with powdered dishwashing detergent and fairly hot water. I leave the lunchbox to soak in the sink for maybe 15 minutes, rinse it, and let it dry. This method even got out the fermented chocolate milk stain and smell from the time my daughter left her lunchbox in the car one weekend!

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