‘Don’t throw away plastic containers’ as they have ‘beautiful’ use

People have been urged to stop binning plastic food containers as they can be repurposed for a ‘beautiful’ purpose. The arts-and-crafts idea went viral on social media when a savvy shopper showcased how she uses her plastic waste.

The tip could impress people looking for a fun activity, as people can make something ‘gorgeous’ to keep and save money on arts supplies. As shown in a viral TikTok video from @Tinalemac, plastic food containers commonly used by supermarkets and restaurants can be repurposed into personalised bookmarks.

In her video, DIY lover Tina Le Mac recommended the idea to her 130k TikTok followers. Tina told viewers: “Don’t throw away your plastic to-go containers! Turn it into this instead. I made this bookmark fantasy themed, inspired by the Throne of Glass series I’m currently reading. This was my first time trying paint-by-numbers, and it made it so much easier to paint this gorgeous scene.”

In her video, she demonstrated how she cut the container into an arch bookmark shape, printed a paint-by-numbers picture, and painted the design over it to make her own bookmark. Tina also punched a hole in the bookmark and added charms to make a tassel, though this step isn’t required.

The DIY video delighted social media users. Tina’s post gained over 450k views and nearly 40k likes. Commenters loved the idea, with many keen to give it a try themselves.

One fan replied: “Oh my gosh this is such a great idea!!” A second viewer agreed: “I would have never thought of that,” and a third social media user said: “So creative.”

Someone else wrote: “And it’s recycling!!! Sign me up girl! So excited to try this!” Another fan thought: “That’s beautiful!!” There was even more praise. A comment read: “Such an amazing idea!!” A fan echoed: “That is GENIUS.” A similar reply said: “Ok this is an amazing idea!”

Keen to try the craft project, a viewer shared: “I could see myself doing this to hang in my bedroom window.” Someone else offered another suggestion, writing: “Oooh I bet a stained glass look would be pretty too!”

Other viewers said they would be worried about paint flaking inside their book, but commenters pointed out that people could add a top coat to prevent chipping.

For book lovers looking for a craft project, tea bags can be repurposed into bookmarks. In another popular TikTok post, author and gardening expert Simon Akeroyd showed people how to use old tea bags to make floral bookmarks, adding colourful flowers and leaves from his garden to create a ‘pretty’ decoration.

Once more, the idea was popular. A social media user said: “That’s so creative, thanks a lot for the idea.” Another fan wrote: “That’s beautiful.”