In our quest to become the most sustainable grocer, we’re always looking for ways to extend the life of our packaging materials. That’s why we take back your insulated liners and refrigerated gel packs. But besides recycling them, have you ever wondered if there are some nifty ways to reuse an Imperfect box after you’ve unloaded your groceries?
We used to think the options were pretty simple, like using it to help a friend move or maybe make a Halloween costume for your dog if you were feeling extra creative. But over and over again, our customers have blown us away with all the creative ways they upcycle their Imperfect boxes. We’ve seen our boxes become everything from luxury housing for cats and guinea pigs, to part of the set for a play, and much more.
Here are some of our favorite creative reuses of our boxes to date!
Somewhere to cluck home
Sharolyn has been using her boxes to create a cozy home for her baby chicks. The chicks stay warm thanks to a thoughtfully placed heat lamp and our hearts stay warm anytime we think about these adorable baby birds and their upcycled home.
A bite-sized grill
Samantha turned her old boxes into a toy grill for their son to practice on while dad uses the real one. We respect anyone who sees the wisdom in kindling a love of cooking and recycling at a young age.
The wizarding world of… cats?
Reed turned a few boxes into a multi-level Harry Potter-themed condo for their cat. Talk about a purrfect way to reuse your cardboard!
Something to play with
Sarah and Jess in Chicago turned several boxes into a tree trunk as part of a set for a play. Way to set the stage for sustainability.
The Fast & the Adorablest
Molly in Oregon transformed her boxes into a race car for her two children, setting a new land speed record for creative transformation in the process. Take notes, The Fast & the Furious screenwriters.
A waste-fighting super hero
Addie turned her box into an amazing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costume for her son. She is a real-life superhero in the fight against paper waste!
So if you’re ever uncertain about what to do with your cardboard box, we hope these insanely creative ways to reuse an Imperfect box inspire you. If you need even more ideas, check out this blog post for some inspiration. When in doubt, please recycle your used cardboard box. Thanks for helping make sure all of your Imperfect packaging has a picture-perfect ending!
Love the cat condo! However, my Daughter owns a small catering business and I give her the boxes and the liners to reuse. On the other hand, I will return the cold packs to Imperfect for recycling.
Thank you.
So glad you’re helping your daughter and putting those packing materials to good use! We appreciate you!
I keep mine in the kitchen to catch all my recycle-ables. I get my delivery on Monday. My old box goes into the tub on Tuesday evening for pickup Wednesday, and the new one takes its place. Its not all that imaginative but it is useful 🙂
Love that! Way to be a recycling champ!
I do this too!
Love to hear it so much! 👏
CUTE!!!!!!
RIGHT?!
I use cardboard boxes in the garden to kill weeds. Just flatten the boxes and lay them down to kill weeds, then over it they disintegrate and enrich the soil.
Woohoo! What a wonderful way to compost those boxes while you cultivate your beautiful garden!
How about the silver bags the frozen food comes in? I’d love to see things made out of those! I volunyeer to make something!
If you head on over to our Instagram and scroll down a bit, you’ll see a fabulous dress made out of those liners! We’d love to see what you create with them so be sure to tag us or send us a photo of your work!
When are you taking them back again for reuse?
We’re not taking back our boxes at this time as we’re not able to reuse them and they’re easy for folks to reuse or recycle at home. We do take back our insulated liners and gel packs for sterilization and reuse however!
I use my box as a ‘bath tub’ for my guide dog in training. He learns how to ‘load up’ before we use the real tub.
when we finish we recycle the box.
I learned from my sister who works for P&G that they use 100% recycled cardboard in toilet paper rolls…Made in Georgia USA.
That’s so precious! So happy to hear that your boxes are helping your training process! 💚
I also use mine to kill weeds. Thistle, Creeping Charlie, and Burdock are like cockroaches nothing kills them. But putting boxes down, then dirt on top I have a great raspberry bed going. And when the thistles come through, they’re small enough to just pull up.
This is so amazing to hear! And we bet those raspberries are so sweet and delicious! 💚