Each week, I'd like to post about an item that could be kept out of the landfills; or an issue that could be resolved with a more environmentally-friendly approach. I want your opinion on this because Earth Day shouldn't happen just once a year. BTW..... sorry about the blurry image.
This week, let's talk about glass jars and bottles. My city doesn't recycle these. I don't know why. I buy Classico-brand spaghetti sauce for our dinners. We love the Sweet Tomato and Basil flavor. Granted, I could buy canned spaghetti sauce and allow the city to recycle the can. However, we DO love this particular flavor.
So, if you are on the same boat as I am, and would prefer to keep this glass jar out of the landfill, what would you do with it to reuse it? I already have one idea in mind, but I'm curious to see what your suggestions would be. Would you use it for something practical? Something decorative? What about glass bottles? I have been re-using the Starbucks Frapuccino bottles for gifts, but what about other glass bottles? Should I just completely avoid buying glass "anything" since I can't recycle them?
I'd prefer to re-use, if possible, but I'd love to see what your suggestions would be.
11 comments:
We are very lucky that almost everything recyclable is recycled here. We have one big blue can that all paper, glass, cans, and even most plastic can go into. The spaghetti jars look like they could be used as canning jars. All you would have to do is buy the lids. I'm thinking salsa, pickles, or even canning your own spaghetti sauce. I think I'd avoid buying items in containers that can't be recycled. Trader Joe's makes an amazing sauce in a can if you have one there. So glad to know you are giving this some thought. Each one of us makes a difference when we think this way.
A lot of people I know save their jars like the spaghetti sauce you use and can their pickles in them, or their peppers because things with vinegar the jar would be safe as the product,vinegar & jar only need to be hot along with a good seal.
I also keep my ribbons in my glass jars or buttons.
I try not to buy too much in glass jars. I have a friend who paints on her glass jars and sells them
We have lots of jars and l reuse these for some of the flowers that l cut from my cuttle bug..
l also have items from the dollar store like hearts and shapes and you can store leftover ribbon in them. l'm sure once we move and l have extra room l'll use them for a lot more things..
l have put candy in some and given these as gifts..
How about making those cookies-in-a-jar for gifts? There are recipes on the 'net for them (you layer the choco chips, flour, etc and it looks like sand art!)...
All kinds of gifts in a jar. Here's a link: http://organizedchristmas.com/index-gifts-in-a-jar
Pretty soaps can be stored in them.
Use them for flower arrangements.
Hey Ethel! I use these jars to hold things like lace trims, bakers twine, vintage flowers, and even a few alphabet stamps. I love that they are see-through, so you can tell immediately which jar to grab. I am really trying to be more green myself. If I can get by without a plastic bag when I purchase something, I will just put it in my purse. I also purchased some reusable bags for my grocery shopping too.
Ethel, I use my glass jars to put my homemade soup mixes and hot chocolate in. I then decorate them and give as gifts. HTH Glinda
That particular type of jar will fit the canning jar rubbers and lids so you can sterilize them and reuse them. They also make great jars for gift giving such as cookie-in-a-jar mixes and such. Add a bit of ribbon, fabric, tags to embellish and they are a lot of fun.
Ethel, I love this "thinking green" column on your blog.
Lucky for me, my city recycles glass. I am shocked your city doesn't. It does seem so strange. I keep my "cool" jars, like yours, and fill them up with Christmas treats. You know the kind--as seen on SCS with poems.
Hmm, apart from storing buttons etc, how about wrapped with paper and pretty bits they'd make good doo-dad jars. I say keep using them, and campaign to get your city on board with recycling glass - or find a local glass artist who might want to use them ...
Wow! I thought glass recycling was a no-brainer. Didn't realize that some cities didn't recycle it. Spaghetti sauce just isn't the same from the can. Classico jars are beautiful and would be beautiful for button storage. I believe you just inspired me... Yes. I will start sorting and storing buttons in my jars. Thanks!
Post a Comment