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101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:40 pm
by AngeB
I've checked and I don't think this one's appeared yet. All I can think of using mine for is:
1. Innards for a homemade draught excluder
Any more ideas?
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:44 pm
by contadina
2. Cover with stretched fabric to create instant oil paintings
3. Use to provide more insulation for your freezer
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:56 pm
by oldjerry
Put in a bowl,add milk and sugar,and eat.(All breakfast cereals taste like this to me!)
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 1:13 pm
by Green Aura
4. I've used it instead of chocks in the bottom of really big plant pots - cuts down on the amount of compost and doesn't add any weight to the pot.
I'm not sure I'd use it for edible plants though, the roots grow into it!
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:04 pm
by oldjerry
Is it that much different to vermiculite?
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 5:12 pm
by StripyPixieSocks
If it's big chunks, carve it and stick glitter on it to make Xmas decorations.
You can also carve it into stone shapes, cover with a mixture of sand and cement, cure it in water and use it as lightweight decorative rocks in aquariums.
Chop it up and put it in the loft in packs for extra insulation.
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 5:21 pm
by greenorelse
6. I threw in loads of scraps of polystyrene (I collect anything, me) when I was mixing concrete for a slab. It was reinforced concrete for an eventual porch, so the bits of poly are under the mesh, to stop them floating to the surface.
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:21 pm
by Thomzo
Green Aura wrote:4. I've used it instead of chocks in the bottom of really big plant pots - cuts down on the amount of compost and doesn't add any weight to the pot.
I'm not sure I'd use it for edible plants though, the roots grow into it!
I've been using it for all pot plants for years with no ill effects. I use quite a large proportion of it in a big pot as it also helps to insulate the roots against frost. (Tip also put some old bottle tops in the pot to create water reservoirs for the roots).
Use to insulate a solar cooker.
Be wary of using it to insulate your loft. I suggested this a few years ago but was told it was dangerous as it burns too easily.
Wedge it into any holes in walls.
Flat pieces can be used to stand things on to protect surfaces.
Zoe
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 10:17 am
by wulf
I had some large flat sheets from some furniture I purchased last year which I Freecycled to someone who wanted them for pricking out patterns for some sort of craft activity.
Wulf
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:50 am
by TheGoodEarth
Stuff it into any holes you have around pipes coming out of the floor, walls or ceiling to stop drafts. You can trim it with a stanley knife and paint it to match.
Rub it on a cheese grater to create snow!
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:18 pm
by Wiscontessa
Years ago my mother sliced a large bag of packing peanuts into little rounds about 1/4 inch thick and strung them together using a darning needle and strong thread. She uses them as tree garland at Christmas every year. They actually look very nice.
Re: 101 uses for lumps of polystyrene packaging
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:41 pm
by niknik
well Iñve just got hold of some tat were packaging for tiles............
briliant planters.. bit like window boxes......
but wantmore......