Sustainable Living Tips: What Should I Do With All These Glass Jars?
Coming back from a lovely, very relaxing birthday yesterday I'm feeling loved and refreshed and ready for all good things.
At each birthday, I like to reflect on the three assessments:
-What worked?
-What didn't?
-What can I do differently for next round?
This year, I was REALLY proud of myself for being committed to not buying new clothes and just wearing the heck out of the ones I have.
I've worked hard to be more aware of my contribution to the Earth's health, and removing myself from participating in fast-fashion was a BIG step for me.
Another thing I've come to be really excited about is repurposing things.
Like glass jars.
But sometimes, it can get out of hand.
When I was growing up, we used to save all the plastic tubs from butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, or cream cheese.
And pulling one out of the fridge was like a WILD game of "what's in THIS container?"
Is it ACTUALLY what the label says?
Is the spaghetti in THIS one?
Why does this rice SMELL like spaghetti?
Hmmm...not sure WHAT this is but it doesn't smell bad so I guess I can still eat it.
As a kid, when there's not a lot of money for food, you eat what's there and don't complain.
But you also learn how to make the most of what you have.
Like FREE containers.
Some of us...maybe that's you too...have a little PTSD from finding those fancy blue cookie tins at Grandma's house and getting SO excited to grab your favorite one...
Only to find her sewing needles and thread in it.
For my Gramma, it was always an old tin from either those cookies or Almond Roca.
She loved that candy.
Perhaps the container saving habit came from her generation?
Where resources were scarce.
The Great Depression.
Nothing could be 'wasted.'
Or maybe it's just that I know now how damaging all this TRASH is to our planet?
Whatever the case...
I see a jar, I save the jar.
Then, I FIND a use for that jar.
But because I know that many of you are just starting out on your sustainability journey, I wanted to give you a few suggestions for reusing and repurposing.
Maybe, spark those creative juices a bit...
Here just SOME of the ways I use them:
1. Spices: As a professional chef, and contrary to popular belief, I do NOT buy bulk amounts of every spice for my kitchen. This is due to the fact that spices DO have an expiration date and many times I can't use THAT much before it expires. So for many of these spices, I purchase SMALL amounts which requires me to transfer that amount into a jar of my own when I get home.
Single serving jars from jellies, jams and baby food are great for this!
2. Baking Soda: WHY this comes in a box that isn't resealable is beyond my comprehension. ESPECIALLY when it's known to absorb odors?! It's best to never leave it in the box without a seal.
Glass jars from peanut butter jars, jams, and coconut oil are great for this.
3. Make up brushes: Any jar can work for this and if you're feeling feisty, you can always fancy it up with some acrylic paints.
4. Plant trimmings: Add more greenery to your window, counter tops, or desk by adding fresh flowers, ivy clippings, or succulents using those old jars. Old coffee cups are great for this too.
*Side note, if you have broken coffee mugs, you can add some of the broken pieces into your soil before planting clippings. This helps create space for roots to grow.
5. Refillable kombucha: Many places are offering kombucha on-tap these days. You can bring your old, clean jars to refill!
*DO NOT use pickle jars for this. I learned that the hard way.
6. Repackaging dry goods or supplements from pouches: This helps to keep a better air tight seal and prevent air from affecting the ingredients.
Great for things like rice, flours, dry beans, etc.
*PRO TIP: If you decide to save the glass jars for food or drinks, after you wash them, soak them in a half and half solution of water and white vinegar to help neutralize the smell.
Hopefully this helps spark your creativity and makes better use of all those glass jars.
The possibilities are truly endless!