More often than not, when we are running out of time to prepare for a meal to go (i.e. picnics, roadtrips, etc.) we go to KFC to order their Bucket Meal. It is actually cost-effective when you compare it to other food to-go.
As I've mentioned before, I hate throwing out plastic. As such, we end up with quite a lot of these plastic buckets.
So, I've come up with a list on what to do with those buckets:
1. As a laundry detergent holder. You can place your detergent sachets in the bucket so that they won't get wet.
2. For marinating. If you're like me who can't seem to find a plastic container that can fit a whole chicken for marinating, then you can try what I've discovered. I use the plastic bucket for marinating a whole chicken. You can also use it for other meat, like pork chops or even fish.
3. As a project holder. Let's say you're into arts and crafts, you've probably thought about buying a lot of baskets or containers to put your stuff in. You can just use a plastic bucket! If you're into crocheting or knitting or even cross-stitching, the bucket can hold your yarns, thread and what-have-you's.
4. Temporary kitchen trash can. When cooking, I don't like throwing the peelings or the wrappers very often, since I would get my hands dirty. So what I do is I place a plastic bucket nearby to put in all of the things I need to throw. After cooking, I just empty the bucket in the proper trash can. Saves me from washing my hands very often.
5. Small toys holder. If you have boys like me, you probably know how they love matchbox cars. I don't like placing those cars in the toy box since it will be hard to look for them later. So I use a plastic bucket to put in all of my boys' small cars, then I place the bucket inside the toy box. It's easier to store them this way.
6. Potato, onion and garlic bin. I store potatoes, onions, & heads of garlic in a plastic bucket (separately). I haven't thought of buying a plastic or basket container for this purpose.
7. Basin for cleaning bottles. When my boys were still babies, I used plastic buckets to wash their bottles in. It's big enough for that purpose.
8. Jewelry box. I have used 3 plastic buckets to store my chunky bracelets and other chunky accessories.
9. Car trash can. All you need to do is line it with a plastic bag and it's good to go.
10. Bath-time helper. My boys love taking baths and along with it comes the plastic bucket holding all of their bath toys. All you need to do is turn the bucket upside down (with the lid and with the toys inside) after the bath so that they can dry up fast.
11. Clothespin holder. When hanging clothes outside to dry, I am accompanied by a plastic bucket holding all of my clothespin.
12. Pots for plants. The plastic buckets work as fine as the clay pots.
13. First-aid kit & medicine holder. All you need to do is to clean the plastic bucket thoroughly.
14. Tissue/Napkin holder. As tip # 13, you just have to make sure that the plastic bucket is really clean for this use.
15. Computer cables / earphones / computer gadgets holder. We use a plastic bucket to organize all of our computer related things.
Now, you may notice that I have come up with a lot with recycling these plastic buckets, and I guess you're wondering how did I acquire a lot of it. Well, some of it came from our own to-go purchases, a lot of it came from my parents & in-law's. They also love ordering the bucket meal and they save the plastic buckets, for their use and some to give to me.
These buckets don't necessarily come in the usual KFC logos, some of them have cartoon or movie designs. Last year we had some extra paint so some of the buckets were painted baby blue.
Total money saved for these projects: Php 1500 in 6 months and counting!
There are just too many things to do with an empty KFC bucket!
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