Glass jars and misc questions....

[Emilie]

I am just getting started doing a ton of things differently around here...
1. Like not throwing out all those beautiful glass jars that a variety of things come in( mayo, pasta sauce, pickles- on and on!)
Now- the question is- what do I use them for now! I have a whole cabinet full!
I would like to store beans in them etc.
I am planning on having a garden this summer. Is it possible to CAN from those leftover bottles- or do you need new jars specifically for canning?
Any ideas?

2. We do not have a recycling system in place here in our small town. What can I do with our recyclables besides throwing them in the trash and finding reuse ideas here at home? Is it possible or reasonable to find a neighboring town that does? I fear a big mess and me never taking them there....

That is it for now--- I am sure I can think of more!

Emilie

[jenoline]

Regarding the glass jars:
you can can in them if they fit standard size canning jar lids. Some do and some don't. Canning lids come in both narrow and wide mouth. You can buy a pack of each and see which jars you can use for canning.

You can store leftovers in them, instead of tupperware/rubbermaid. Not everything works in jars, but many things do.

Any dried foods: you mentioned beans. Also rice, oatmeal/granola, pretzel sticks or crackers in the larger jars.

hth!

[mother nurture]

I haven't gotten into canning. I do however reuse all my glass jars. I store everything. I use them for leftovers. I take them w/ me to buy bulk dry items-beans, rice, dried fruit, granola, etc. I sometimes use them as glasses-peanut butter jars work great for this. I have painted some for vases and other holders and given them as gifts.

[beemama]

Hey, Emilie!!
Carbondale recycles everything!! We've got a whole van-load to take down there tomorrow. We usually go to their drop-off bins by the police station, but their big recycling center is supposed to be really cool! You may want to go just to take a tour!

We save most of ours, and if we buy a bag of rice or whatever-we'll pour it in them, as well as bulk seeds or nuts. Basically, if it comes in plastic, we pour it into jars. Bread is the only exception I can think of, off hand.

[Emilie]

Great. I thought about C-dale. I would have to get Jeremy on it tho- for the recycling to C-dale... I will start with paper. I wonder what Marion has?

[Realrellim]

Re: canning -- you don't need "new" jars, but you should probably use actual canning jars because the bands and lids used for canning need to fit the jar perfectly in order to ensure a good seal. Without a good seal, the food will go bad.

However, I bet you can easily pick up a case of used canning jars and bands at garage sales, thrift shops, etc. Then you just have to buy a package of the lids and go.

[MaxiMom]

We use glass jars for so much, same as other pp's, rice, beans, popcorn, sugar, flour, etc. I also use the smaller ones for spices and to mix up salad dressing in. We also can a lot, but buy the jars, as the lids are specific to those. Although, those jars get used and used and used, too. I have a fridge full of chicken stock, vegetable stock and basil (with olive oil, from summer), all in glass jars.

Anyone here a Monty Python fan? There is a silly sketch on "storage jars".

mother nurture - great idea on painting them for vases! I do love to put fresh flowers and herbs in glass jars during the summer.

[MamaRabbit]

I was going to post a question same as the OP. Thanks for answering! Now one question to add to it. Most of the jars are easy to clean and reuse. But, I have one problem jar... the pickle jar... that I just can NOT get the smell out of. Any suggestions?

[jenoline]

Originally Posted by Kannon99

I was going to post a question same as the OP. Thanks for answering! Now one question to add to it. Most of the jars are easy to clean and reuse. But, I have one problem jar... the pickle jar... that I just can NOT get the smell out of. Any suggestions?

Is it actually the jar or the lid? Usually after a thorough washing or two I can get smells out of a glass jar without much of a problem. But many lids have a bit of rubber in the metal lid, which absorbs colors and odors (I currently have that problem with a salsa jar lid). You could try soaking it in baking soda for a few days.

[Emilie]

ha- i was coming back to ask that question about the smells too!
LOL!
After another run thru the dishwasher- it is fine now tho.
Emilie

[Ruthla]

Maybe you need a perfect fit for canning, but any jars can be used for freezing foods. Just make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion so the jars don't crack.

[Emilie]

great tip ruthla- I never even considered that!

[mamagirl]

I punched holes in the lid of one to use as a baking soda shaker, since I am the Queen of BS (ha ha) now.

[mother nurture]

Originally Posted by mamagirl

I punched holes in the lid of one to use as a baking soda shaker, since I am the Queen of BS (ha ha) now.

Oh...I never thought of this! I usually buy the big pizza parlor type jars w/ the shaker tops (used for parmesean cheese). Such a good idea

[babycarrier]

Along with all the wonderful food suggestions so far, I use the smaller jelly type jars for snacks and drinks in the car. I also am known to use one as a water glass in the summer at night ~ the lid keeps spiders out at our cottage.
Hmmm.....great for crafts also. I've stored a bunch of stickers in one, glitter in the smaller ones, water paints.

Pretty much if I used to use a ziploc or tupperware, I use a jar now.

[mzfern]

Originally Posted by mother nurture

I do however reuse all my glass jars. I store everything. I use them for leftovers. I take them w/ me to buy bulk dry items-beans, rice, dried fruit, granola, etc.

How does this work for you? Since bulk items are sold by weight, how do you account for the weight of the jar? Just wondering!

I have some muslin bags that work well for buying bulk items; I transfer them to glass jars when I get home.

[fanniefarkle]

Although you probably can't use the jars for canning, you can make your own pepper sauce using any size/type of glass jar.

[mother nurture]

mzfern-It is a bit tedious. I have to weigh everything out and then transfer them into the jars. I usually do it one at a time, so that I reuse the same plastic bag w/ the initial weigh. At times it makes me crazy I do find that it is a lot easier to use a really large yogurt container, but being that we don't eat much dairy these are few and far between in my house. I'd to have the name of the bags you use! That would simplify my whole bulk shopping experience.

[mzfern]

Originally Posted by mother nurture

I'd to have the name of the bags you use!

They are from ECObags -- here's the link. I bought mine through a MDC ECObag co-op a few months ago. I really like them, but they've shrank a lot -- even with washing them in cold water and hanging to dry. I'd think that they'd be really easy to make... except that I'm afraid of my sewing machine! HTH.

[Socks!]

Since nobody has mentioned it, I thought I would share what else you ca do with your glass jars. They are perfect for selfmade jelly, jam, marmelade or fruit spread. All you have to do is put your jelly (or whatever else you made) in there while it's still hot. Put on the lid (make sure it's tight) and turn it upside down, this will get any air out. So you will hear the typical opening sound of a first time opened jar, once you are ready to use it and open it. I make all kinds of different jams, during the particular fruits season and have yummy selfmade, no artificial crap, jams during winter time. I love to mix some in my youghurt, mmmmmmm.

Had to share

Mirjam