How to reuse egg cartons: 8 creative ways!

Easter is right around the corner and that means eggs, eggs, and empty egg cartons! As you all know, I am a big fan of preserving, including recycling and upcycling. So, this year, instead of throwing away your empty egg cartons, here are 10 ways to reuse them.

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1. Reuse them to grow seedlings

If you're an avid gardener, these are for you. Egg cartons are excellent for seedlings because they keep the roots moist, provide the right amount of light, and are easy to move around. You can use them to grow almost any plant, from strawberries to tomatoes.

2. Keep your condiment bottles upside down (and never have to shake again)

The next time you need ketchup or mustard for dinner, turn the bottle on its head and give it a good shake. You'll never have to waste precious condiment, and adding a little sauce to your leftovers couldn't be easier. This trick also keeps your bottles from toppling over and exploding in your fridge.

3. Making an egg carton collage

Take the egg carton and start cutting out the individual cells. Fill each cell with a different color of paint. Allow them to dry. Then, draw the outline of your animal on each cell. Once you are satisfied with your design, glue down your collage with hot glue or Modge Podge.

4. Making Easter bunnies with your kids (or virtually any other animal)

Making crafts with egg cartons is a great way to make something at home. We always keep a carton or two on hand to make quick, one-of-a-kind, and inexpensive crafts. The best part about making crafts with egg cartons is that they are recycled material and can be used in so many ways.

Easter bunnies made of cardboard egg carton pods

5. Turning the egg carton into a bird feeder

Use an egg carton as a bird feeder to attract more birds near your home. Fill the cups with seeds and then hang the carton near a window. The birds will love it! (Make sure it's protected from the rain though)

6. Using them as organizers

The many compartments of the egg carton provide excellent storage for small items. The sturdy construction will hold up to the weight of heavier items without collapsing, while the open-air design will allow for quick drying of wet items. This makes it an excellent option for storing pantry goods or craft supplies. A good way to use up so-called 'wasted' space in a room or a kitchen, and a great way to organize smaller, loose items.

7. Feed your compost

You can compost your egg cartons if they’re made of cardboard. Cutting them into small bits will help them degrade, as well as soaking them in water for a few days before burying them.

8. Painting them for color sorting activities

Painting the egg trays and then using them for color sorting activities is a fun and easy project that toddlers will love. You will need to paint the egg trays in different colors for your children to have the best sorting time. Paint one tray blue, another red, another black, and so on. Then have your child sort any fitting content by the corresponding color. This activity is a great way to teach your child about colors and how they interact with each other!