I’m much more conscious of food packaging these days. Now I see the container first, whereas before I didn’t see past the label 😆 If I have to buy a packaged food item, I prioritize glass containers, especially nice ones 😊
It’s always better to keep and reuse them rather than toss them in the recycling bin (remember: the 5Rs in the right order). That’s because glass containers are often downcycled (think fiberglass, cement or landfill strata) rather than recycled into new glass containers 🙁
Once you start keeping jars and bottles, you’re bound to run into one with an especially stubborn label. Here’s how to remove it:
- Soak the container in hot water for a few minutes, then remove as much of the label as possible.
- Create a paste of equal parts cooking oil and baking soda and rub it on the label and residue with your fingers. The oil dissolves the glue, and the baking soda acts as an abrasive.
- Wait at least 30 minutes then scrape with a razor blade.
- Once the label is off, wash the container and lid with hot, soapy water.
This trick works for plastic containers, too. I did this on a plastic conditioner bottle I purchased before going zero waste. I refill it with bulk shampoo since I’m afraid of having glass in the shower 😬
Glass containers are handy for so many things like food storage, home organization … the possibilities are endless! 😀 Happy reusing!