Tip of the Week/Ode to the Mason Jar
If you’re looking for ways to reduce unnecessary waste, the mason jar is going to be your best friend.Between shopping, towing, storing and displaying, you’ll find there is an abundance of uses for this chameleon companion.
Mason jars have recently come back into vogue, and that means you can find them almost anywhere, from your local hardware store to Walgreens. Just as good, reuse an old sauce jar or get one second hand from a thrift shop.Don’t be seduced by plastic imposters—choose real glass jars, which are much safer for storing food and drink… not to mention dirt-cheap.
Shopping: Buying food in bulk is both eco-friendly and bank account-friendly. With a little bit of planning, bringing your mason jar to the store goes a long way.
Step 1: Know the terr (weight) of your jar using your own scale, or have it weighed at your grocery store or farmers’ market.
Step 2: Fill the jar with bulk products such as nuts, seeds, pastas, nut butters, granolas, loose greens and other produce.
Step 3: Provide the terr of the jar at check out, and the weight of jar will be removed from your total.
Step 4: Place the jar in cupboard, or display on counter tops for easy access.
Towing: Say goodbye to the brown paper bag. Pack your meals to go in a mason jar and you won’t have to worry about any sticky spills or stained shirts on your way to work.
Tip 1: Drinks: Fill your jar with a smoothie, iced coffee, or your other favorite beverage, and use the nifty Cuppow cap to sip safely. For those who prefer to use straws, keep it reusable stainless steel or bamboo.
Tip 2: Salad: Keep your salad from getting soggy by putting dressing at the bottom of the jar and fill with all of your favorite toppings.
Storage: Great for the pantry, counter top, or fridge, storing food and supplies in mason jars will keep things fresh, organized, and easily identifiable.
On The Go: Keep a jar in your car or bag for on-the-go purchases like coffee, smoothies, and soups. Places like Green & Tonic and Starbucks are more than happy to fill you up and some stores will even provide a discount for bringing your own container.
Have any other tips, tricks, or questions? Email Meggy@greenwichsentinel.com
