Ever find yourself holding onto those glass jars from pasta sauces or condiments, not quite sure what to do with them but reluctant to toss them out? You’re not alone. Glass jars are like hidden treasures – sturdy, versatile, and perfect for a myriad of uses around the house. If you’re into going green and saving a few bucks along the way, these jars are a goldmine.
Think about it: stuff can get pricey, and why buy new containers when you’ve got a shelf full of perfectly good jars just waiting for a new purpose? Whether you’ve amassed a collection from your favorite foods or scored some cool finds at the thrift store, these jars offer endless potential.
From organizing your pantry to adding a rustic touch to your décor, you’ll find that reusing glass jars is not only easy on your wallet but also incredibly rewarding.
Removing labels from jars before reusing
Most jars have sticky labels that are tough to remove. Soak them in hot, soapy water for a few hours to loosen the labels and glue. If any glue remains, apply some olive or vegetable oil, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off and wash the jar thoroughly.
Let’s dive into these creative ideas and start turning your stash into something special!
Upcycling Ideas Using Glass Jars
These creative ways to repurpose glass jars work well with mason jars or canning jars too if you’ve got plenty of those lying around and want to do more than just use them for preserving food.
From storage to organization to crafting, here are some practical ways that you can reuse glass jars at home.
1. Reuse Jars as Drinking Glasses
Repurposing glass jars as drinking glasses is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to reduce waste and add unique charm to your drinkware. Choose jars with thick glass and wide openings, such as mason jars or pasta sauce jars, for durability and ease of use.
Ensure the jars are free of cracks or chips and clean them thoroughly by washing with hot soapy water, removing labels with baking soda and oil, and sanitizing them either by boiling or running them through a dishwasher.
Using glass jars as drinking glasses is versatile, suitable for various beverages like water, smoothies, cocktails, or cold brew coffee.
2. Marinate Meat in Jars
Instead of using single-use plastic baggies to marinate your meat, use glass jars instead. It will help you use less plastic at home since you can simply wash and reuse the jars when you’re done.
READ MORE: Single-use plastics to avoid and their zero-waste alternatives.
3. Reuse Glass Jars as Vases
Repurposing glass jars as vases adds a practical and creative touch to home decor. Simply fill them with water and arrange flowers or greenery to showcase their natural beauty. Customize jars with ribbons, paint, or twine for a personal touch that complements any style. These versatile vases are perfect for everyday use or special occasions, bringing both charm and sustainability to your space.
4. Make a Herb Garden with Jars
Repurposing glass jars for growing herbs is a practical and sustainable way to bring greenery into your home. These versatile containers provide an ideal environment for cultivating herbs, whether you have limited space or simply enjoy the aesthetic of indoor gardening.
Select glass jars with wide mouths to accommodate herb roots and ensure adequate drainage. Clean and sterilize the jars thoroughly before adding pebbles to the bottom of the jar to prevent waterlogging. Choose herbs that thrive in containers, such as basil, parsley, mint, or thyme. Place the jar planter in a sunny spot or near a window where they can receive adequate sunlight.
Related post: DIY repurposed planters from household items.
5. Organize Office Supplies with Jars
Repurpose a jar into an office organizer for your pens, pencils, scissors, etc., and keep it on your desk.
Wide-mouth jars make it easy to store various office essentials with ease. Smaller jars like baby food jars are great for small items like paper clips, push pins, etc.
6. Make a Jar Terrarium
Another idea for reusing glass jars is to make your own little terrarium!
When making a terrarium in a glass jar, choose a wide-mouthed jar for easy access and ventilation. Layer with drainage materials, add suitable soil and plant small, humidity-loving plants. Maintain moisture levels, trim foliage, and rotate the jar periodically for even growth.
With care, your glass jar terrarium can thrive as a captivating, low-maintenance display. Creating your own terrarium is a neat little project that looks great too.
7. Add Fairy Lights to Jar
Brighten up any room with DIY jar lights! Opting for battery-operated lights ensures convenience and safety, allowing you to place the jar light anywhere without the need for cords. This not only enhances the ambiance of your space but also offers a cost-effective lighting solution for both everyday use and special occasions.
Plus, you can get creative and personalize your jar with ribbons, paint, or anything else that matches your style. Whether it’s brightening up a dinner table or adding a whimsical touch to a quiet corner, jar lights are a simple, budget-friendly way to add warmth and charm to your home décor.
8. Use Jars to Organize Bathroom Supplies
Repurposing glass jars as storage containers for bathroom supplies offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Glass jars are easy to clean and sanitize, making them a hygienic choice for storing personal care items.
Start by selecting jars of various sizes and shapes to accommodate different items like toothbrushes, cotton balls, or makeup brushes. The transparency of glass jars allows you to organize and display your essentials neatly, making it easy to locate items at a glance. Arrange these jars on a tray or in a basket to keep them together and easily accessible on your bathroom counter, drawer or shelf.
9. Water Propagate Plants in Jars
Use glass jars filled with water to propagate your plants. You’ll easily be able to keep track of the rooting progress since the jars are see-through.
10. Plant Succulents in Glass Jars
Repurposing small glass jars for succulents is a practical way to reuse small glass jars. These plants, known for their low maintenance and resilience, thrive in small containers due to their ability to tolerate dry conditions and limited root space.What’s great about glass jars is the ability to see the soil, making it easier to know when to water.
When choosing glass jars for succulents, opt for ones with wide openings that provide enough room for the plants’ roots and allow for proper drainage. Mason jars, small vases, or even baby food jars can work well. Ensure the jars are clean and dry before planting.
To plant succulents in glass jars, fill them with a well-draining soil mix formulated for succulents and cacti. Gently remove the succulents from their nursery pots, loosen the roots, and place them into the jars. Press the soil gently around the plants. Place your succulent-filled jars in a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as near a window. Water your succulents sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
11. Use Jars for Painting Supplies
Reuse wide jars to store painting supplies like your paintbrushes. Smaller jars are perfect for storing paint so that it doesn’t dry out, helping you waste less paint.
Glass jars are also good for holding water to rinse your brushes between colors, instead of using a drinking glass.
12. Make a Glass Jar Sewing Kit
Store your sewing supplies inside a glass jar for easy organization and add a pincushion on the lid. This is a great way to use small jars.
13. Store Trinkets in Small Jars
Looking to showcase your trinkets or vacation souvenirs? Consider using glass jars and opt for decorative lids, as they not only add aesthetic appeal but also help protect your souvenirs from dust and damage.
Whether it’s seashells from a beach getaway, trinkets from a market, or treasures from your adventures abroad, glass jars are a great way to display them.
14. Reuse Jars as Gift Holders
Another way to reuse glass jars is to use them as gift holders. Insert gifts such as baked goods, jams, or soaps, and decorate with a bow. This is just one of many different eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas that you can try out!
15. Make a Savings Jar
Turn an empty glass jar into a savings jar by simply cleaning it out and adding a label. Drop spare change or extra cash into it whenever you can.
Watching your savings grow through the clear glass can be motivating, or you could paint the glass to hide the content inside.
16. Organize Pantry with Jars
Jars are the perfect addition to a pantry in any zero-waste kitchen.
Glass jars offer a practical solution for storing dry goods like grains, pasta, beans, and spices. Their transparent design allows you to easily see what’s inside, making meal prep a breeze while keeping your pantry organized and aesthetically pleasing.
In the fridge, they become the perfect vessels for storing leftovers, sauces, soups, and salads. Their airtight seals keep food fresh for longer, minimizing food waste.
Glass jars are also freezer-safe, making them ideal for storing homemade freezer meals, sauces, and even seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Pantry Jars:
- Grains (rice, quinoa, oats, barley)
- Legumes (beans, lentils)
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds)
- Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
- Herbs and spices (bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns)
- Tea leaves or bags
- Coffee beans or ground coffee
- Sugar (granulated, brown, powdered)
Fridge Jars:
- Homemade sauces (tomato sauce, pesto, salsa)
- Salad dressings (vinaigrettes, creamy dressings)
- Pickled vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, onions)
- Jam or preserves (strawberry jam, peach preserves)
- Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut)
- Homemade marinades
- Berries (washed and dried)
Freezer Jars:
- Soups and stews
- Fruit/vegetable purees (for baking or smoothies or baby food)
- Homemade broths and stocks
- Leftover cooked grains (rice, quinoa)
- Fresh herbs (chopped and frozen in oil or water)
Remember to leave enough headspace when filling jars and always label them with contents and dates for easy identification and tracking of freshness.
Final Thoughts on Reusing Old Glass Jars
Repurposing store-bought jars is a fantastic way to add functionality to your home while embracing sustainability. Instead of tossing them out, these jars can find new and creative uses in your daily life.
And when a glass jar or bottle isn’t suitable for repurposing, recycling ensures it continues to contribute positively to the environment. Glass is endlessly recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice that supports the circular economy.
Want more tips for creating a home that’s mindful of the environment? Check out my post going green: 30 tips for an eco-friendly home.
I’m currently addicted to using jars as vases, and it just looks perfect. Beautiful and helpful blog by the way!