While Mason jars are often championed and praised for their canning purposes, they’re also helpful in plenty of other ways. From food preparation and preservation to cleaning solution containers and DIY decorations, Mason jars can actually help you save on recurring costs every month. Whether you’re new to Mason jars or an avid fan, continue reading for seven great ways to save with Mason jars.

1. Do Not Purchase Bottled Water

You may be able to find a use for plastic water bottles after you’ve drunk their contents, but bottles of water are referred to as single-use plastics. According to EarthDay.org, “only about 23% of plastic bottles are recycled within the U.S.”

When plastic bottles are not recycled, they often end up in landfills or, worse—in the ocean. A plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to decompose when not recycled.

Swapping a plastic bottle for a glass Mason jar eliminates the need for plastic and aids in creating a healthier environment for animals, nature, and people.

What’s more, Food & Water Watch has stated that “bottled water costs from $0.89 per gallon to $8.26 per gallon, compared to fractions of a penny for water from your tap.” If you instead opt to use your faucet, a water filter, and a Mason jar, you can save money and be eco-friendly by avoiding the purchase of bottled water.

Bonus Tip: Make your daily iced coffee instead of picking it up from an expensive coffee shop. Then, take that $5.00 and invest it! Check out a “latte calculator” to see just how much money you can save and earn if you do so. We think it’ll surprise you.

2. Practice Food Preparation and Preservation

Over time, plastic containers degrade and stain due to multiple uses and washes, which leads to the purchase of more plastic. These containers also tend to be a solid color, so unless you’re looking at the contents inside from the container’s lid, it may be difficult to remember what food you have stored within them!

Consider using a reusable Mason jar for food preparation and preservation to save on money and recurring purchases. Not only will the glass last longer than plastic, but you will also be able to see what leftovers you’ve stored or lunches you’ve packed.

Purchasing Mason jars for this purpose will eliminate the need for repeated purchases of plastic containers that often get discarded after a few months. In addition to saving money, you will play a part in protecting the environment.

3. Create DIY Decorations

Whether or not your Mason jar has run its course, it can be turned into just about any decoration. If the glass isn’t as bright as it used to be, consider filling the jar with a wick and homemade scented wax!

The glass is perfect for creating long-lasting candles that can be placed anywhere throughout the home. Mason jars can also be used to house fake (or real) plants. To fit a certain aesthetic, paint the inside of the Mason jar with your desired color and use it as a centerpiece! They can also be used as air fresheners, lanterns, gift kits, cocktail shakers, and so much more.

4. Make Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Don’t waste money on cleaning supplies when you can create safer and cheaper alternatives at home! There are six amazing alternatives to common chemical cleaners that have proven to be effective, such as:

Each of these alternatives can be made with items you already have in your home; thus, you can save on recurring costs, avoid the plastic containers that cleaning supplies come in, and possibly save on medical visits in the process. How? Common household cleaners run the risk of being toxic to adults, children, and even pets if ingested; they also can cause headaches, skin irritation, and even cancer.

If you safely create your cleaning solutions at home, not only will you no longer have to purchase cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals, but you will also know every ingredient that goes into your homemade cleaners. That being said, please remember to conduct research prior to combining any two or more ingredients!

5. Plant Your Herbs

Did you know that your Mason jar can be used for potting plants? All you need is herb plants or seeds, potting mix (soil), water, and sunlight! After you have added your soil and seeds to the glass, place the jar near the amount of sunlight necessary for your growing product. You may also want to consider labeling your Mason jar accordingly. By doing this, you can save money on purchasing pre-potted plants, as well as produce.

Growing your own herbs and produce at home is an effective way to have the items you need on hand while ensuring that they are fresh and chemical-free. Once the plants are fully grown, you can then harvest the seeds and continue with your planting journey instead of purchasing seeds again.

6. Store Your Items

While Mason jars are great for storing food and liquid, you can use them for other storage purposes, such as:

The storage options are endless! The next time you consider placing items in a plastic container or throwing them into a kitchen or dresser drawer, consider using a Mason jar to keep things more organized. Not only do the jars work for categorization purposes, but they can also show off what products you own in a satisfying way that can add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. Furthermore, using Mason jars eliminates the need to purchase extra items for temporary or long-term storage that are often created out of plastic.

7. Keep Your Change

If you’re still looking for more ways to save money, try using a Mason jar to store your loose change and small bills. While you will not know the exact amount unless you’re continuously counting, a glass

Mason jar will allow you to see the contents of the jar; you will then have a vague idea of the amount of money you’re saving on a daily basis as it will all be in one place. For further motivation, label your Mason jar with the name of a trip or vacation idea—or maybe even a product or service you have been waiting to purchase!

Looking for More Ways to Save?

Our team at MasonJars.com is always here to help you discover new, eco-friendly ways to use Mason jars, and it doesn’t stop there. From DIYs and recipes to stories and gift guides, our site covers a plethora of uses for Mason jars that are guaranteed to save you a little extra money.