Recycling Glass Jars

Empty jam jars, sauce bottles, pickle containers - we've all accumulated our fair share of glass jars just from cooking and eating. But rather than tossing them in the recycling bin, consider giving these jars a second life through creative reuse projects. There are plenty of sustainable ways to repurpose jars around your home.

Storage is a top option. Use mason jars and other canning jars to hold baking mixes, sugar, flour or other dry goods. They're also perfect for storing craft supplies, office supplies, kid's activities or even garbage. You can organize lids and labels to quickly find what you need.

Decorate with jars on your shelves, mantel or as vases for a rustic, cozy look. Place tealight candles or plants inside for an instant decor upgrade. Paint or decorate plain jars to match your style. Add patterned washi tape, decoupage or stenciled motifs.

In the workshop, repurpose jars as pen and pencil holders, jar lids, or containers for nails, bolts and screws. Label the outside for easy identification of contents.

Cooks will appreciate using glass jars for meal prepping salads, soups or reusable food storage. Their airtight seals keep ingredients fresh longer than plastic or foil.

Kids and crafters can use scrubbed jars as vases, candle holders or photo frames. Fill with decorations, photos or treasures. Jars also make great piggy banks when decorated with googly eyes or faces.

Rather than discarding empties, give those glass jars new life in your home. It's a creative way to reduce waste while getting more use from household items. Your jars will love their new roles almost as much as you'll love not buying storage solutions.

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