Happy Earth Day! Seven Sustainable Ways to Recycle Our Jars

By Marley Archibald

The famous farmer poet Wendell Berry– who happens to have been born and raised less than an hour from our little shop– said, “The Earth is what we all have in common.” What true words to keep in mind as we celebrate this Earth Day! One of the most common questions that we get from our customers is, “What do I do with my jars after I have finished my Elderberry Syrup? Do you take them back?” It’s a great question, especially if you loyally take the syrup daily– you can quickly find yourself with an extensive collection of empty jars! Due to storage constraints and health reasons, we can not return the jars sent to our beloved customers. That doesn’t mean you can’t reuse them yourself at home in creative ways, though! We at The Elderberry Co. value sustainability and the environment, so we brainstormed some valuable ways that you can give your jars new life.

1. Soap Dispenser. Purchasing a soap pump lid that fits mason jars eliminates the need for dozens of single-use plastic hand soap bottles each year. While there is a bit of upfront cost to purchase the pump lids, think about how much a single bottle of clean, non-toxic hand soap costs– these lids will pay for themselves in no time! As a bonus, pair these with Lemongrass Zen Castile Liquid Soap for an invigorating, fresh scent that leaves your skin clean without using artificial fragrances, dyes, or detergents.
2. Herb Garden. Fresh herbs from the grocery store often have a hefty price tag for the amount you get. So, why not grow them at home? You don’t need a large outdoor garden– but a sunny windowsill. First, you will want to add about 2 inches of gravel to the bottom of your jar to provide drainage since the jars do not have holes. Then, top off the gravel with potting soil until you are about 1-2 inches below the rim. Lastly, transplant your herb starts, or sow your seeds right on the top of the jar!
3. Vase. One of the easiest (and still most beautiful) ways to reuse your Elderberry Syrup jar is by using it as a vase for a seasonal bouquet. If you want your flowers to have more structure, just make a grid across the rim of your jar using clear scotch tape! Then, you can arrange your flowers to your heart’s content, confident they won’t tip over.
4. Drinking Glasses. Recycling mason jars into drinking glasses is a Joanna Gaines-approved way to bring a rustic chic aesthetic to your kitchen. The options are endless for using our elderberry syrup jars as drinking glasses– use them as-is, or you can even buy lids that have sipping holes or straws for iced herbal teas, cold brew coffee, and more.
5. Leftovers Storage. Not all food storage containers are created equal. Many plastic containers commonly used for storing and reheating leftovers contain BPA, an industrial chemical linked to several adverse health effects. The best non-toxic way to store your leftovers is in glass, but glass food storage sets can be $50-100. If you already have old, empty elderberry syrup jars lying around, you have a perfect solution at no extra cost! 
6. Office Supply Organization. Don’t we all have that one scary junk drawer, full of pens, pencils, markers, clips, sauce packets, and seemingly EVERYTHING imaginable? The days of a disorganized junk drawer are behind you. Instead, designate your old jars to be the new homes for each of these household odds and ends!
7. Recipe Mix Gifts. Homemade gifts are thoughtful and do not need to be elaborate. Adding all the dry ingredients needed to make your favorite baked goods, such as cookies or brownies, to a 32oz mason jar gives you a quick and easy gift to give to your loved ones.

Bonus: We are all familiar with the challenge of removing a label from an old jar. Without fail, the adhesive residue is always left behind. Sure, you can use store-bought goo-removing products, but these often contain toxic ingredients and leave behind strong fumes. Instead, try lemon essential oil! Apply one or two drops to the surface and spread across using your finger. After letting it sit for about a minute, use a damp washcloth to wipe away the oil and adhesive, scrubbing as needed. If there is some particularly stubborn residue after this, use rubbing alcohol as a final step.

How do you like to celebrate Earth Day, or celebrate our planet in your daily life? Let us know in the comments!