What Can I Do with Glass Jars?

Examples of ReuseWhat Can I Do With---
Written By Carole LeClair

I was immensely pleased when Austin switched to single stream recycling a few years ago. That meant sorting out the trash was simple and easy. However, when I moved into an apartment I received a list of items that the complex does not recycle and glass happened to be listed. Glass bottles and jars eventually filled up the cabinet beneath the kitchen sink and I would have to take them to Ecology Action’s downtown recycling center (which is now closed, but you can take your recyclables to the City of Austin’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center at 2514 Business Center Drive, 78744). To make things easier for me and to be environmentally friendly, I learned how versatile glass bottles and jars could be. Jars

Here are some practical ways I reused glass jars:

When I bought this jar, it was originally filled with kombucha. Now I use it as a regular drinking glass. If you keep the cap or lid, they make great water bottles when you’re out and about. I suggest washing the jars a few times before drinking out of them especially if they had pasta sauce in it beforehand. This jar had roasted peppers before I started reusing it to pack my lunches. Don’t put any food that needs to be heated up since it is not recommended to microwave glass jars. These succulent pots were originally a cookie butter jar, a normal mason jar, and two different sauce jars. Before planting, add rocks at the bottom of the jar since it doesn’t have holes to drain water. Glass jars make great organizers and help declutter your home. I added candy into a sauce jar, pens and pencils in another, and loose change in a bottle that first had iced coffee. These succulent pots were originally a cookie butter jar, a normal mason jar, and two different sauce jars. Before planting, add rocks at the bottom of the jar since it doesn’t have holes to drain water. Bonus: Can you believe that these lego look alikes were baby food jars?! Glass bottles and jars come in many shapes and sizes, and as you can see they can be reused in countless ways. So before placing them in your recycling bin, wash them up and put them into good use! How do you reuse glass bottles and  jars?

Carole LeClair
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