The Re-Purposed Coffee Can

March 2nd, 2010

In a situation where people will have to find ways to make use of what they have, their creativity and resourcefulness will need to shine through.  Empty coffee cans are one of those overlooked every day items that we typically throw away as soon as the coffee is gone from them.  But if a person is in a pinch, that coffee can could be re-purposed into a useful item that serves a multitude of purposes.  Preppers should start collecting their old coffee cans to use in the bug out bag, in their home as well as around their homestead.  

Uses For A Coffee Can

Bug Out Bag 

• Store dry food
• Collect water
• Use a coffee can to make a hobo stove
• Store rope or toilet paper (basically anything that needs to be waterproofed)
• Store ammunition or hunting items (fishing hooks, knives, etc)

In The Home 

• Use metal 1 lb. coffee cans to bake bread.
• Use the lids of the coffee can to place under flower pots to avoid water run off.
• Hold kitchen scraps to use in the compost pile.
• Make a dehumidifier – place a coffee can in a corner where it will be untouched and fill it with salt.  Replace salt monthly.

On the Homestead

• Use a large coffee can as a way to feed livestock such as dogs, horses and other animals.
• Coffee cans can also be re used as flower pots.
• Coffee cans can also be used as a rain gauge.
• Poke holes in the bottom to sprinkle seeds for a garden area.
• Place a coffee can down on the ground to create a safe haven for friendly frogs.  Frogs in the garden area are very useful to have around as they eat unwanted insects.
• Use a coffee can to create a bird feeder.  To create a bird feeder, poke holes around the can.  Glue a large plate or saucer to the bottom of the can.  Punch a hole on the  both sides of the top of the can can for string or rope to go through.  Fill the feeder with seed, and hang in a tree.  The movement of the can will cause seed to drop for birds to eat.
• Coffee cans could also be used as a wind and weather protectant for young plants.  Using a can opener, remove the bottom of the can.  Place the can over the plant being sure to push it into the dirt to hold it in place.  Keep your eye on the plant so that the coffee can can be removed as the plant grows.

Related Categories: Reserve Supplies

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