Life Hackery

As any parent knows, one of the fastest things to run out when taking care of a child is powdered milk. The shelf life of a can of powdered milk in a household with a baby is probably close to about two weeks, so you can pretty much imagine all the cluttered empty cans in the span of two years or more. It’s worse if you’re a pack-rat, since you’re bound to just pile them up together until you can think of a better reason why you shouldn’t.

Metal cans are durable and are able to withstand much bumps and physical abuse compared to plastic or cartons. They are safer especially when they have to be shipped to far places. Powdered milk also needs to be kept as dry and safe from pests.

Fortunately for you, empty milk cans are still very useful even after their original purpose has been met. While they may not be as easily disposable as milk cartons or some other containers, cans are also much more versatile when it comes to other uses. Here are some of the ways you can still make use of your empty collection of milk cans.

1. Containers for other stuff. The most obvious use for empty milk cans is as a container for your small trinkets and stuff like pens and clips. The advantage milk cans have over other cans is that they’re bigger and they have a resealable cover that can be popped.

During long journeys, you can also use them to store food that can be quite messy when placed in plastic wrappers, like crackers or cupcakes. Metal cans are better because they don’t get squashed if the journey happens to be really bumpy; your food will be well protected. They are also hardier than plastic containers, which melt when subjected to heat.

You might have to remove the label off the container though. It would really look bad if you’re going to display it as a container in your house, and then still have it announced as containing powdered milk.

2. As a piggy bank. If you don’t have the money to buy a real piggy bank, which is really ironic, then you can create your own customized one using an empty milk can. Get one of those cans that has a top which you can just pry open and then seal again. Put a slit on the top of the cover that can fit your largest coin and you should be set to go. The only problem would be to make it secure enough so no one else can get to it other than you. Some heavy-duty masking tape can fix that.

On a related note, if you want some donation boxes for some worthwhile cause, then you can use milk cans to set up various donation cans in select places. Just do the same thing as you did for your piggy bank and then collect your earnings after. You can replace the powdered milk logo with something out of Unicef for added sympathy points.

3. As barbell or dumbbell weights. Barbells and dumbbells don’t come cheap. Even more expensive are those whose weights are adjustable or removable. So what do you do, if you really want to bulk up, but doesn’t have the cash to buy a set or enroll in a gym? Make your own one, of course!

Pour some quick drying cement on an empty milk can and then stick the bar right in the middle. Wait for it to dry and then do the same things for the other end of the bar. Instant barbell. If you want heavier weights, you can choose a bigger size of milk can or you can string two cans together on each end. The choice is up to you. Once again, as your mother said to you before, milk is good for your health!

4. As toys. Did you know that you can make a toy car or vehicle out of your empty milk cans? Use the can as the body, drill holes on each side, going through the other, and the insert a little stick to serve as the holder for the tires. Then, use little covers or any circular object as tires on each end of the stick. On one end of the car, tie a little rope so you can drag it around.

What’s the use of this when there are far more sophisticated toys out in the market? Well, you can actually use this as sort of a craft that you and your son can work on, for wonderful father-son bonding moments. Also, if you don’t have the money to buy your kid a toy, you can make him one instead. As long as he’s not the choosy, spoiled type, he should be able to appreciate it.

5. As pot for your plants. Empty milk cans make great pottery for your beloved plants. Again, the average to big size that is common in most cans work to its advantage here, since the plant will have a larger room for their roots to grow in. Just apply some beautiful decorations to it, put it some place where there’s enough sunshine, and watch your favorite petunias bloom.

6. Bird Feeder. For more information, read how to make a milk container bird feeder.

There are just some of the uses you can get out of your empty milk cans. You can also make money out of them via recycling or selling them online. There are quite a few buyers of empty milk cans out there. Now, aren’t these better than just putting them on a landfill? If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to live green.