Wednesday, May 13, 2009

WFMW-Green Drink Boxes

We have used Rubbermaid litterless juice boxes in the kids’ lunches for years. They are handy, don’t leak, and cheaper than repeatedly buying Capri Sun or the like. Also, I can fill them with my choice of beverage for the kids, which for the most part is water.

juicebox They come with a rigid plastic straw. The problem is, it inevitably gets lost somehow or another. You can order replacements from Rubbermaid, but I never did. I either purchased a new box, or just sent it without the straw, which worked as long as they tipped it up like a sippy cup. Not the greatest for “big” kids.

I recently discovered that I can replace the straw with a regular plastic drinking straw. We always have them in the house. Some are too wide and won’t work, but these, which I get at Walmart, have a good snug fit.IMG_2714

The lid of the juice box has a thing (didn’t know what to call it) where the original straw attached.IMG_2718

Just slide the disposable straw on, and trim the bottom of the straw at an angle to fit into the box. (You will actually trim off the bendy end, so technically you're trimming the top of the straw. But let's not get picky.)IMG_2711 IMG_2713

But wait, this is the best part. Look what else I discovered.IMG_2715 Disposable straws will survive in the dishwasher! I just slip the whole contraption over one of the prongs on the top shelf. I’ve done it numerous times with the same straw. Which means they are only eventually disposable* (again, a technicality). Which also means I can do the same thing with full-length straws that have been used in the regular way. I’m reusing, and reducing my consumption of an admittedly less-than-green a product.

* "eventually disposable" made me think of Miracle Max in The Princess Bride saying that Westley was only " mostly dead".

It’s frugal, it’s environmentally friendlier, and it Works for Me! Visit We Are THAT Family for more great ideas!

18 comments:

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I've been using the Rubbermaid juice boxes for years since my oldest daughter was little and she is almost 16. I love them. They are cheaper than buying juice boxes all the time and I love having less trash!

Ruth Ann said...

Thank you so much for the tip! I have a 2 and 3-year-old and they've outgrown sippy cups and this is perfect! Thanks again! Have a great week!
-Ruth Ann

Kirsty said...

What a fabulous and timely tip! I was just about to go out and find some drinking bottles like that to pack with school lunches. Now I know which ones to get and how to fix them when the straws go astray. Thank you!

Niki Jolene said...

I just discovered the beauty of these reusable drink boxes.

Awesome! I had never even considered what to do when the straw it comes with gets icky.

:)

Home School Dad said...

Fantastic Idea. Looking forward to fixing up a few of those for the kiddos.

Sharon said...

Fantastic idea!! I was trying to figure out what to do now that our boys have outgrown their sippies as well! thanks!!

Frugal Sara said...

What a great idea! I would have never thought of that!

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

You are a genius. Great idea!

Jerralea said...

How creative! That's really using your noodle.

sweet tea said...

I used a rubbermail box similar to that (but a bit larger) when my kids were younger and not tall enough to reach the faucet to get a drink of water. I kept them in the fridge and they could help themself. They thought it was neat and drank MORE water because it was convenient. BUT, I never came upon the idea of placing the straw in the dishwasher. Now aren't you SMART?? Yes Maam' you are! Thanks for the tip!!

Vanessa said...

Thank you for sharing that idea! I use those same drink boxes and have had the same issue with them. we'll have to try this out!

Buffie said...

I love this idea. This would be so much better then buying juice boxes all the time.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Great tip! I need to head to WM to grab one of those cups for the 3 year old! :)

Kim said...

I used regular straws to replace the lost straws on my son's juice bottles too - but I would advise against washing them.

They weren't made to be washed and the hot water of the dishwasher may make them break down somewhat - straws are pretty cheap - I would just use a new one each time, still better for the environment then juice boxes.

Shannon said...

Great idea!! Much cheaper than buying juice boxes.

Christy at FrugalCrunchyChristy said...

Great idea! I bought these once a long time ago but was annoyed when the straws came up missing. Will be buying some my next trip to the store!

Jenny said...

great idea!

Barbara Jean said...

Holly,
thanks for coming by.
I love making the soy vanilla candles in glasses. They make such a lovely display wherever you put them, and smell so good. Vanilla is my fave scent.
blessings,
barbara jean