Simple Tip: Save Old Glass Jars

May 4, 2009

Instead of recycling glass jars, go eco chic and place them in the dishwasher. Once they're clean, hold onto them. I started doing this last year and have come to rely on the glass jars for a variety of uses. They're incredibly convenient for mixing salad vinaigrettes and can hold simple syrups, homemade marinated artichokes, or quick pickles. They also make a great substitute for tupperware when filled with leftover sauce or gravy. If cooking isn't your forte, employ the glass jars as whimsical candle holders!

Is anyone else addicted to saving glass jars?

31 Comments

3 years 48 weeks

I am totally hooked on saving jars! I do this all the time for saving leftover sauces. I will have to try out some of the other ideas on here.

dahbeedo 4 years 1 week

Glass containers are much better for saving then plastic... except I'm always scared to freeze leftovers/extra portions in them! I love using small jars for homemade jam/jelly from fresh picked berries! Can't wait for blueberry season to get going again :D

aimeeb 4 years 2 weeks

My gramps used to do this, made his own jam with them.

marie-lee 4 years 2 weeks

I save cute jars and bottles for preserves and stuff to give as gifts.

muse2323 4 years 2 weeks

I've been keeping them, but with no particular purpose in mind. It's just that I've been informed that any glass I throw into a recycling bin here still goes to the dump. I've been thinking about using old soy sauce & bought marinade bottles for making my own vanilla, but other than that... I've just got boxes of jars & bottles. I love the tea leaves idea, though--I'm sure I've got little jars just the perfect size for the loose teas I have in the cupboard.

ella1978 4 years 2 weeks

I just started saving them. I use the tall ones as drinking glasses, after I saw an article in a magazine. Especially the natural peanut butter and tall queen olive jars are great for that. Or mayo jars. Yay, recycling.

4 years 2 weeks

I am hopelessly addicted to saving every kind of container. I make homemade shrimp sauce and I wait till enough mayo is left in the jar and use it to shake, make and store.

brownsugamama 4 years 2 weeks

I have been saving jars for years and will continue to do so. They are great for so many things!

cahill 4 years 2 weeks

my mum always did this and i started a year or so ago. I love it! especially with the cute jam jars from smaller shops.

opentypeA 4 years 2 weeks

We use Cool Whip bowls to send leftovers home. I don't think we buy much that comes in glass jars tho...

arihm 4 years 2 weeks

As a college student this is second nature, I use it for leftovers, as cups, you name it! Yogurt containers are a favorite of mine too pharm_chick!

pharm_chick 4 years 2 weeks

ive actually used empty yogurt containers at one time too *blush* but i def used jam jars before

Spectra 4 years 2 weeks

What a great idea! I never really thought to save them, but they'd be super handy for when I make fridge pickles in the summertime. I also usually make my own salad dressings and these would be perfect to keep them in because they don't absorb odors.

lisabarn 4 years 2 weeks

I just keep a few different sizes around - they are great for mixing salad dressings! But I live in a studio so I can't save then all!!!

lommie 4 years 2 weeks

I like making homemade nut butters (almond & cashews are the favorites) to snack on and also to give away to my family and friends, and reused glass jars definitely come in handy. I keep a few on hand at work during potlucks too for delicious leftovers, like salsa or pasta salad.

Rancher'sGirl 4 years 2 weeks

I have saved/recycled jars for years, and it drives my husband nuts. His mom has always done the same thing and our barn has a storeroom with shelves full on all four walls. You can never have too many jars...you never know when you'll have the perfect jar on hand. LOL ;)

mamasitamalita 4 years 2 weeks

what an amazing idea, and now that i moved into an apt with a dishwasher (heaven!!!) i can get the water truly hot enough to get all the gunk out of jars. i will definitely put this idea into practice.

shoneyjoe 4 years 2 weeks

The glass jars may not absorb flavors, but the lids certainly do: especially if the lid has one of those plastic linings glued on. So not every jar is worth saving - salsa jars for instance, never quite give up their odor.

bluebellknoll 4 years 2 weeks

Yup. I have one shelf full of 'em. I use them for all sorts of things. The most common is when I need to transport homemade salad dressings or sauces to friends' parties. I can leave the jar behind and the host/hostess can recycle it.

fuzzles 4 years 2 weeks

Oh yeah! The glass jars don't absorb flavors, odors, and colors like plasticware. The labels can be easily removed by moistening them with water and slathering them with hair conditioner. Let them hang out for about 30 minutes, and then take an SOS pad to the label.

ElizabethRae 4 years 2 weeks

I keep them! I pour used grease in them after frying so I don't have to pour it down the sink or straight into the garbage. I also use them for coffee. I brew coffee at home, add my half and half, then bring it to work to pour in a mug. I don't like our coffee or creamer at work. I also sometimes brew it then chill it in the jar, then serve over ice. Iced coffee - but cheaper than SBUX :)

LaLaLaurie06 4 years 2 weeks

this is actually a really good idea. Why didn't I think of it before?

katejlogan 4 years 2 weeks

I keep them as well. I also use my canning jars as "tupperware" because I can microwave them and I always have extra lids.

Allytta 4 years 2 weeks

oh, i used to use one for purifying water - i'd boil it, let it sit so the residue goe son the bottom, then freeze it, then unfreeze it and put a silver spoon in it. best water ever, holly water with the silver :)

HelloLauren 4 years 2 weeks

I use them to store rice, beans, short pastas, and take the lid off to store long pastas. If you clean off the labels they look really nice on shelves.

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31 Comments

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