15 Ways to Reuse Glass Jars
We often forget that the most sustainable item is one we already own, and can repurpose as much as possible. Jars are one of those items with so many possibilities! When grocery shopping, I try to opt for brands who sell their goods in glass jars rather than plastic if available. With most bulk food stores not allowing your own reusables at the moment, a zero waste lifestyle seems almost impossible without cutting out tons of healthy foods. But finding dry goods in glass jars makes a low waste lifestyle a bit easier. :)
The fun part is, once emptied, you end up with a container that has hundreds of possibilities for repurposing (and also, is fairly well recycled if you don’t need to add to your already big stash of jars🙌🏼).
Here are 15 of my favourite uses for repurposed glass jars:
Organizing Bathroom Drawers
Perfect for beauty products, hair accessories (think of those bobby pins that get lost so easily), bandaids, etc (see one of my makeup jars in the photo above!) 💄
2. Storing Bulk Goods
This, of course, is probably the one we see most often (especially in the low waste community), but it’s more than just for esthetics. Storing my dry goods in clear containers such as jars allows me to always see how much I have left of each food, which makes it easy to see when I’m running low and gives me a mental image for when I’m out grocery shopping. No more wondering whether or not there was a leftover bag of something at the back of the cupboard! This means less overbuying, so less food waste. But it also means always having ingredients on hand rather than running out. And remember, any old repurposed jar does the trick, you don’t need a set of matching ones for it to “look good”. Use what you have! And maybe ask to search your mom’s, aunt’s, or grandma’s basements too because they likely have jars on hand that they no longer use!
3. Storing Fresh Ground Seeds
I have my own little coffee grinder that I use to grind small batches of seeds such as flax or pumpkin, which I then store in the fridge. These types of foods have fatty acids that can easily go rancid, so buying them in whole form then grinding them yourself is best. Storing them in the fridge or freezer (whether whole or ground) keeps them fresher longer as well. Glass jars make the perfect (free!) storage containers for them.
4. Storing Leftovers
Whether keeping leftovers for tomorrow’s meal or throwing them in the freezer for next month, glass jars are perfect for both liquid and solid foods, and even double as to-go lunch containers, with the bonus of being microwaveable.
5. Organizing Office Supplies
No need for buying those fancy office organizers from a store when you can reuse something you already have in your home! Think pens, crayons, & paper clips… 🖇
6. Making Jams & Preserves
Homemade food is the best! Try your hand at pickles, sauerkraut, salsa, etc! 😋
7. Storing Veggie Broth
I don’t know about you, but I always keep the broth that’s created when steaming vegetables to have on hand for my next batch of soup. If you won’t be using it within a week, it can be frozen too!
8. Being a Thrifty Plant Lady
Use them as vases, plant pots, and propagation vessels. 🌿
9. Use Them as Drinking Cups
Whether to sip your smoothie or water throughout the day, jars (especially those that lost their lids!) are a great replacement for drinking cups. 🥛
10. Turn One Into a Piggy Bank
This is a great visual for kids and adults alike who want to save up for a special something. 💰
11. Storing small toys
Prevent losing those small pieces of puzzles or toy sets by labelling jars and organizing them on a shelf or in a cupboard.
12. Storing small craft supplies
Stickers, beads, buttons, sewing supplies, you name it. It can have a jar with its name on it.
13. Use one as a toothbrush holder
It’s dishwasher safe, allows for proper air drying and, unlike those store-bought plastic ones, can always be reused for another purpose or be recycled if you one day choose to change up your decor. 🦷
14. Endless decor possibilities
Literally. Just search on Pinterest 👌🏼
15. Zero Waste Gifting
Homemade gifts such as “recipes in a jar” are classics (and great for last-minute gift-givers!) and help you reuse items you already have. Again, Pinterest will be your best friend when searching inspiration.😘
Did I miss any fun uses? What’s your favourite use for repurposed glass jars? Let me know below in the comments!
Enjoy your newfound glass jar uses!
-Chanelle oxo