11 Ways I Reuse & Repurpose Glass Jars for Low Waste Living
Glass jars are so easy to come by and such a great item to keep reusing!
Common pantry items such as pasta sauce and jams come in jars, so if you’re buying these grocery items I’m sure you have an abundance of jars.
While a lot of people tend to recycle the container, it’s actually more sustainable to reuse!
It’s reported that only 21% of residential recyclables are ACTUALLY being recycled and a lot of it actually ends up in the landfill.
You can be frugal, resourceful, and eco-conscious by reusing glass jars!
Here is a list of simple ways I repurpose jars.
You’ll find ideas for food storage, bookends, gifts, plants, and other eco ideas to reuse glass jars.
How to Repurpose Empty Glass Jars and Reduce Waste
All you have to do is give the jar a good wash and you’ll be ready to repurpose! You can also remove the product label if you want.
Herb Garden or Propgation
In our house we use jars of all sizes for keeping herbs fresh or propogating plants.
Store Your Berries
Keep your berries fresh by storing them in a glass jar with a paper towel. You’ll want to wash and completley dry your berries before putting them in your glass jar.
You might also want to put a dry paper towel on the bottom of the jar to keep condensation away.
Rock collection book end
This jar is an odd size and was missing a lid. I’ve been using it to collect my rocks AND as a bookend due to how it’s weighed down with the rocks.
Flower Vase
Save your money on the vase and reuse glass jars! Simply add water and colorful flowers for this easy upcycle idea.
Bank
Keep all your coins in a repurposed glass jar! This was a jar I got when ordering a boba drink and I’ve been using it as a bank.
If you want to get crafty you can add some stickers or paint!
Store Homemade Jams & Syrups
My husband and I love to make homemade syrups for cocktails and desserts. We always store our creations in a reusable glass jar.
Gifts
If you’re making homemade gifts around the holidays, reusing glass jars are a great and FREE option. Consider gifting homemade jams, homemade butter, cookie mixes, or hot cocoa mixes.
Spice Container
If you have smaller glass jars, this is perfect for storing spices.
Sometimes spices come in glass jars and when that’s the case I try to find places I can buy refills and I continue to reuse the jar for years.
Candle
Get crafty and make your own candle at home! It’s a great way to reuse a jar AND make sure the candle is made with non-toxic ingredients.
Homemade Bath Oils or Salts
If you’re into DIY, consider storing your homemade bath oils or bath salts in a reused glass jar.
Drinking Glasses
My glass jars are my go-to drinking glasses when I make an iced latte!
Repurposed jars make great drinking glasses and can easily go in the dishwasher for quick cleaning.
Hopefully my list gave you some inspiration for how you can sustainably reuse and repurpose glass jars in your kitchen!
More Repurposing and Low Waste Living Posts:
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.
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