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Should I keep old

margarine tubs and such

for storage?

What are your thoughts on keeping old margarine tubs and such for storage? I have tons in my kitchen…but I can’t seem to get rid of them, even though they’re taking up a lot of space and I’m really not using them. Still, it’s hard for me to get rid of them. Why is this? Phyllis C., Ormond Beach, FL My husband passed away three years ago. I live alone with my 4 cats and am blessed to have many friends in my community. Response from Maria Gracia Dear Phyllis, I’m so happy to get questions like this from readers. It sounds like you stay pretty active with friends and your kitties. Your margarine tub situation is pretty common. It tells me that you don’t like to be wasteful and that is a good trait to have. On the other hand, your letter also tells me that you realize that trait has gotten a bit out of hand. It’s time to make a change because you don’t want to report in a few years that it has taken up all of your space. First, remember that giving something away or recycling an item is not being wasteful. It is the opposite. You should feel good about letting go of the things you no longer need. I came up with a few suggestions for you. 1. Take them to a nearby animal shelter. They can use them as water bowls for the kitties and store leftover pet food or other supplies in them. 2. Take them to a nearby elementary school. I bet the art teacher would love them for painting and projects. Ask. 3. Repurpose some in your own home. Get busy getting organized. Label the tubs and use them to store small items like batteries, screws, ribbon and such. Just be sure to label each container. 4. Turn them into plant or flower containers and give to friends. If you’re crafty, you can transform these into pretty plant or flower containers to give as gifts. 5. Finally, let the extras go in a recycle bin so they can be recycled and made into something useful again. Hope this gives you ideas to consider, Maria Gracia Back to Ask Maria Index