The vacum can be released by inserting something on the side of the lid and lifting. The handle of a spoon usually works. No need to destroy the lid.

Weirdest Macgyver tricks was probably to use an outdoors storage box (huge plastic box used for stuff like hammock pillows) for a crib. Empty box, take of the lid, wash it and persuade my mother (at her cabin, using her box!) that my daughter would be perfectly fine sleeping in the "crib".