It might just be an empty tub of sour cream, OR it might just be an empty container oozing potential! I mean, just think of all the ways to use empty plastic containers.

For some, looks matter, however. I’m not a big fan of repurposed empty containers with labels—they’re too visually busy. So, I like to “neutralize” them before re-using by removing labels first. Not a new concept, right?

In fact, you can now buy products specifically designed to remove labels from containers. Goo Gone Sticker and Adhesive Lifter is one brand. Maybe you have such a product and are doing this very thing.

But what about all those plastic containers that sport inked-on, rather than paper or plastic labels? Did you know that you actually remove ink from plastic? I had no idea, until I received my weekly newsletter from Jill Nystul of ONE GOOD THING BY JILLEE (www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com).

She explained how she makes an effort to reuse or repurpose plastic containers whenever she can. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s an easy way to build up a collection of reusable containers!

From yogurt cups to sour cream containers to butter tubs, a wide variety of store-bought items come in plastic containers with inked labels. Jill assures us that removing the printed ink is actually simple! All you need is rubbing alcohol or acetone-based nail polish remover, and some cotton balls or rounds.

You simply pour a little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover onto a cotton ball and wipe it across the printed areas. You may need to use a few cotton balls to get all of the ink off, but pretty soon you’ll have a naked container! Give it a good wash in warm, soapy water and then it’ll be ready to use.

And of course, as mentioned in my opening paragraph, there are so many ways to use these cleaned up containers. An obvious use is for storing leftovers from dinner. And if they come with a tight-fitting lid, they make good freezer containers. Besides freezing food, I like to freeze water in them and use them to keep our coolers cold when camping (several small-ish chunks of ice rather than a bag of ice is less messy and easier to handle).

Lots of people use them for their garden seedlings. And speaking of gardens, small yogurt cups make perfect containers if you’re saving your garden seeds.

It's true, empty plastic containers can do all of the above, and so much more, even with the labels still present. But print-free containers look so much nicer, don’t you think? And since they’re essentially free, then maybe the little bit of work it’ll take to “neutralize” and tidy them up is worth it!