Reducing waste: Creative ways to use egg shells and cartons

Egg shells and cartons often end up discarded, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into useful items that can also be budget-helpers. A couple of weeks ago Alison shared about the significant impact of food waste on our environment – every bit of waste that can be reused is helpful!

For other ideas to reuse items around the house, see a few of our past posts here:

• Over 20 was to reuse shipping and packing materials
• 10 ways to reuse bread bag clips
• 6 easy ways to reuse prescription pill bottles

A few ideas to use eggshells:

1. Budget fertilizer: Eggshells are rich in calcium and other minerals, making them excellent for the garden. Crush the shells and sprinkle them around plants to enrich soil and boost plant growth.
2. Pest deterrent: Crushed eggshells can deter pests like slugs and snails as the sharp edges make it difficult for them to move through your garden.
3. Compost additive: Add eggshells to compost pile to enhance its nutrient content – crushing the shells speeds up decomposition.
4. Seed starters: Half eggshells make perfect biodegradable seed pots. Fill them with soil, plant a seed, and when the seedling is ready, plant the entire shell in the ground. I found last year that birds were pulling my coconut coir starter seed pots out of the ground, and along with it, my plants. These would not have the same issue!
5. Crafts and decorations: Decorate and paint eggshells for seasonal crafts or create mosaic art pieces. Craft supplies can add up, so why not use items already on hand!

A few ideas to use egg cartons:

1. Organizers: Use egg cartons to organize small items like beads, buttons, screws, or even jewelry. They’re especially handy for keeping kids’ craft supplies neat.
2. Paint palettes: Egg cartons are ideal for mixing and holding small amounts of paint – and they might even be an art project in their own right once the kiddos are done painting!
3. Budget giftwrap: With a little decoration, egg cartons can be turned into unique and eco-friendly packaging for small gifts or treats.
4. Kids’ crafts: Turn a rainy afternoon into a crafty afternoon and make egg cartons into colourful creations like animals, flowers, or even toy cars. This is a fun way to recycle while sparking creativity.
5. Bird feeders: Create a simple bird feeder by cutting an egg carton in half, adding birdseed, and hanging it from a tree with string.

Repurposing egg shells and egg cartons is one small way to reduce waste and embrace sustainable living – and every little bit helps! By finding new uses for these materials, we minimize our environmental impact and also start to change what we see as waste or useful. So, before you toss that carton or those shells, think of the possibilities they hold!

What items do you reuse or repurpose?

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