I use them in the bottom of large planters to take up space and not add any weight to the pot. First twist them up into a ball and fill up a bag with them to contain. I use them as stuffing for our Halloween creatures costumes that we put outside - again using the above containment method. I also use them in hanging basket planters that have the coconut fiber liners. They help hold more water with just a couple of holes in the bottom for drainage. They help keep the coconut liners cleaner so they can be used longer than one season.