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We all scream for ice cream containers

Plastic ice-cream containers seem too good to throw away. Luckily, there are practical ways to put them to use.

• Freezer storage: Fill them three-quarters full with water and freeze to have ice for parties or your cooler.

• Pantry storage: Store flour, sugar or cookies.

• Kitchen compost: Keep them under your sink to hold kitchen scraps that you want to compost. The lid keeps odors to a minimum.

• Travel container: If you're heading to a picnic, use them for your potluck dishes.

• Garage: Use a few to store car-wash supplies. They can hold pet food, birdseed and snow salt, too.

• Craft supplies: You can fill them with supplies such as crayons, markers and sewing supplies.

• Winter gear: They're a simple storage solution for winter hats, scarves and mittens.

• Cleaning supplies: Store under the sink to hold scrub brushes rags and plastic grocery bags.

• Bank: They makes great change jars or banks.

• Toys: Organize small toys. They work as makeshift drums, too.

• Garden: Start seeds or hold your small supplies.

• Donate: Ask schools or child-care centers if they would like some for their classrooms.

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com). To send tips or questions, write to Sara Noel c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail