Many Wednesdays this year we’re checking in to share how we’re reducing our environmental impact. Some of these ideas are big and require a bit of effort. Others are super small and simple, like this one. But we believe that they all make a difference.

While we try to buy from farmers markets as often as possible and altogether avoid the plastic clamshell containers that house berries, we aren’t perfect. We suggest reusing old clamshell containers to give them a longer lifespan before tossing them in the recycling bin. It feels like such a waste to turn around and recycle the containers, especially when they could be used to pack other foods first.

There are many, many ways to reuse plastic clamshell containers, but I’ve found three ways to reuse plastic clamshells that I consistently rely on.