10 More Reuse Ideas for Food Packaging

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Reuse Idea #3: Turn your glass jars into solar-powered LED lights for your next outdoor party. Photo: Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone

In the market for some unconventional lighting for your next backyard bash? Turn your old spaghetti sauce, salsa and jelly jars into solar-powered LED lights that will add a touch of sophistication to any tablescape.

You’ll need the internal bits of a solar-powered garden light to complete this project. But the good news is that your glass jar can actually capture solar energy even better than those store-bought plastic lanterns, as glass magnifies both heat and light.

To complete the project, just gather up your jars, use this simple tutorial from Instructables, and start turning heads with your pretty “sun jars.”

Try This At Home: Add Your Own Upcycled Lampshade to This Light

4. Get organized; bulk up

Glass jars are a frugal homemaker’s dream. Next time you head to the bulk food section, reuse large jars (like those used to package pickles and tomato sauce) to store your purchases, and break the cycle of packaging waste. When you get home, keep your food purchases in glass jars for airtight storage – which will minimize food waste due to staleness and keep hungry ants out of your kitchen.

In addition to storing food, use small glass jars from baby food, minced garlic and pre-made spreads to store small items in the sewing or crafting room, or organize office essentials like push pins and staples.

For a reuse makeover in the bathroom, use glass jars in varying sizes to store cotton swabs and balls, toothbrushes, makeup brushes and other odds and ends for a look that’s both pretty and practical.

Not sure your old jars will match your oh-so-lovely home decor? Start by using this handy Instructables guide to remove the labels from your jars with less water (and elbow grease!).

For added style, DIY diva Martha Stewart dreamed up this creative (and surprisingly simple) method for etching pretty patterns and functional labels on your glass jars. Trust us, none of your friends would guess these patterned jars were rescued from the recycling bin.

Crafty Tip: Upcycle Your Jars Into Chic Photo Frames