Arts &Crafts, How-To's, Upcycling & Repurposing

Cardboard/paper egg cartons are biodegradable, made from recycled paper pulp and are eco friendly.

Styrofoam egg cartons, made from expanded polystyrene foam, are lightweight and provide excellent insulation. They are not biodegradable, but can be used multiple times and they are easy to clean.

Below are 10 ways you can repurpose egg cartons. 👇

1. Great for seed starting.

Each individual egg slot is great for putting a little dirt and seed in it instead of using the plastic trays or containers. When the seeds have grown and are ready to plant, you can cut out each individual slot and plant them right in the garden. ( as long as it’s the cardboard cartons).

2. Organizing

Whether it’s paper clips , binder clips or nuts and bolts, you can use the cartons to organize your supplies.

3. Storage

Great for storing your smaller Christmas ornaments.

4. Packing material

Cut up (or leave whole) the styrofoam egg cartons and use as packing material in a box.

5. Fire starters.

You can fill each slot half way with sawdust. Put a piece of lint up at the top then melt the wax and pour it in each slot leaving a little of the lint out at the top to light.

6. Palettes

Use each slot to hold paint while you are painting a project. Using the styrofoam will wash it right out when you are finished making for an easy clean up.

7. Games

Use the cartons for your kids to help learn. Whether it’s color sorting or math facts.

8. Ice cube trays

Need ice and you’re in a bind? You can use the styrofoam cartons as an ice cube tray.

9. Crafts

Great for using in craft projects. Cut them up and make homemade paper or you can also cut them up and make little animals and let the kids paint them.

10. Bird Feeder

Turn the egg cartons into bird feeders. Cut the lid off, poke a hole in each corner, add string to hang it in a tree. Add the bird seed.

There are well over 50 + ideas online on ways to repurpose egg cartons. These are just a few ideas.

~ Mel