9 Ways to Re-Use our Glass Jars

There are plenty of ways you can help when it comes to protecting our environment. Many of them involve a small amount of effort on your part, but can create a big impact, especially over time. A good place to start is with recycling. 

Examine the items you normally toss in the trash and see if they can instead be recycled. Many types of paper and cardboard, as well as clean plastic, aluminum and glass containers are good candidates for recycling. If you aren’t sure, check with your local recycling program for guidance on what items are accepted. 

Speaking of glass. We use glass jars for all of our nut and seed butters because we know that glass can be recycled and reused, even in your own home. Of course there are plenty of ways to get creative with that used jar of peanut butter, but here are some ideas to get you started!

1. Use it for leftovers.

Whether it’s last night’s pasta salad or the remaining beans from a can, almost any food, dressing or sauce can be stored in a glass jar. Be sure to label and date it so that you can enjoy it before it’s too late. 

2. Create a salad dressing.

Use leftover nut or seed butter (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) as a base to create a delicious salad dressing you can make right in the jar. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar or citrus juice, fresh herbs and garlic, some oil and a little water, then cover with the lid and shake to combine. If you don’t use it all, no problem, simply cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator.

3. Make a salad in a jar.

Start with a salad dressing, then add your other ingredients to create a delicious portable meal or side right in the jar.

4. Store your ingredients.

Organize your fridge and pantry by using cleaned out jars for storing dried goods like beans, rice, lentils and pasta. Use them for other foods too like dried herbs, tea, coffee beans, dried fruit and snacks. The clear glass makes it easy to see inside, while also providing a visual cue for when it’s time to re-stock.

5. Store other supplies.

There’s a good chance you have plenty of knick-knacks kicking around your house, whether they’re for crafting, creating or fixing. Like food storage, empty jars are great for storing items like buttons, string, crayons, markers and pens. They’re perfect vessels for keeping nails, screws and other hardware organized too. If you’re an artist, they’re also great for holding water and all of your paint brushes!

6. Collect coins.

If your house is anything like mine, there’s loose change hiding everywhere. Why not collect it in a jar? Keep it in an easily accessible and visible spot so that filling is easy. Then, once the jar is full, you can take it to a local charity or food depository and donate it! 

7. Use it as a drinking glass.

Fill empty jars with ice and enjoy everything from water to lemonade in them! You can even decorate them using permanent or paint markers. Temporary decorations such as stickers are also a fun way to show off your style!

8. Plant a garden. 

The easiest garden can be pretend. Start with stones or other filler, then top with fake succulents or other plants for fun home decor. The jar also makes the perfect vase! Paint it or decorate, then fill with your favorite flowers! If you’re feeling ambitious, add some dirt and a real plant, but keep it small and don’t forget to drill a few holes in the bottom to allow for water drainage. 

9. Give a gift. 

Remove the sticker and use the jar as the perfect gifting container for recipe ingredients, baked goods, Legos, stickers or other fun little things. Tie a bow around it, and you’ve got a hand-crafted gift anyone will love.

10. Use as a candle holder. 

If you’re looking for a sturdy container for outdoor candles, our jars are just the thing! Make sure your candle fits in the jar before lighting and set it on a table or other sturdy surface once outside. 

Bottom Line: Save your nut and seed butter jars and re-use them around your home. It’s an easy way that you can make a difference when it comes to protecting our environment.