We're full of plastic, especially since it's one of the most commonly used materials in the food industry to package the products we buy. But you know very well that plastic isn't good for the environment, so in addition to the importance of disposing of it properly in the recycling bin, it's also a good idea to learn how to recycle it when possible. Have you ever accumulated large and small plastic jars, such as those used for yogurt, ricotta, and other cheeses? Just like with plastic tubs, giving these objects a second life is very easy: you can do practically anything with these jars, from storing spices and dry ingredients to using them as measuring cups for cooking. And not only that, you can also transform them creatively and reuse them outside the kitchen. How? Here are the most creative ways to recycle plastic jars.
1. Use Them as Spice and Herb Containers
Jars of various sizes and with lids are perfect for organizing your pantry, with smaller containers especially ideal for storing different types of spices and herbs. You can get even more creative by decorating them to your own taste and adding labels to keep track of what's inside.
2. Store Dry Foods
Not just spices and herbs: large and small plastic jars (provided they have lids) can be convenient kitchen containers for storing sugar, salt, coffee, but also rice, flour, and pasta. You can also decorate them and label them to note what's inside, as well as the product's expiration date.
3. Store Food in The Refrigerator and Freezer
Larger jars, such as ricotta jars (not the perforated basket, but the outer jar) or larger yogurt jars (500 ml–1 kg) are perfect for storing leftovers in the refrigerator because they have ample capacity and generally also have lids. Smaller jars, on the other hand, can be reused as freezer containers for freezing homemade sauces like pesto; in this case, remember to cover the opening of the container with aluminum foil.
4. Refrigerator Containers for Sauces and Condiments
Make mayonnaise, pesto, vinaigrette, or sauces and store them in yogurt jars, using the lids or sealing the jar with aluminum foil or cling film: they're perfect for keeping portions under control and can easily be stacked in the refrigerator.
5. Use Them to Measure Ingredients
Many jars have a standard capacity (for example, 125 ml), which makes them perfect as alternative measuring cups: you can use them to measure flour, sugar, oil, or other ingredients when preparing recipes, especially if you mark them with internal or external markings. This is a fairly common method, so much so that there are even recipes that specifically call for using the yogurt jar as a measuring device for ingredients, for example the famous 7-jar cake.
6. Turn Them Into Molds for Puddings or Single-Serving Desserts
Rigid plastic jars can be reused as molds for puddings, panna cottas, or other desserts: their single-serving size makes them ideal for serving desserts in a practical and attractive way, without having to buy special molds. But be careful, this doesn't work for baked desserts.
7. Leavening Starters
If you make bread or pizza at home, yogurt pots are ideal for storing small quantities of sourdough starter or natural yeast: they are easy to clean, transparent (so you can monitor the fermentation) and take up little space in the fridge.
8. Flavored Ice Molds
Flavored ice is a great way to add flavor to your everyday water. If you want to make a lot of it, or if you don't have a traditional ice cube tray, use smaller plastic ice cube trays to make your own flavored ice. Fill the jars with water, mint leaves, lemon slices, or berries and freeze them. This will create jumbo-sized flavored ice cubes, perfect for adding to pitchers of water or summer cocktails.
9. Creative Uses
The beauty of plastic jars and cans is that they can be recycled not only for use in the kitchen, but also for turning them into useful everyday objects. For example, they can become handy pots for growing your plants or herbs, or they can become attractive storage containers for the bathroom, kitchen, or desk once you've decorated them with fabric, paint, or ribbon. You can also transform them into delightful lanterns for the terrace or garden by drilling holes in the surface, decorating it as you like, and inserting an LED light inside.
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