News
Still Wrapping Suitcases in Plastic? Why?
Plastic-wrapped luggage is a common sight at airports, but have you ever wondered why people do it? Is it really necessary, or is it just another source of plastic waste? In this post, we'll explore the history behind luggage wrapping, the waste it generates, and whether it actually protects your suitcase from tampering or damage. How Did This Trend Start? The most popular reason, at least in Australia, dates back to 2005 and the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby—an Australian woman arrested in Bali for smuggling a large amount of marijuana in her boogie board bag. The intense media coverage led many travellers to believe that wrapping their bags in plastic would prevent airport staff from tampering with their luggage. The fact is, some Australian airports were offering wrapping services before this incident, mostly catering to international visitors. But after the Corby case made headlines, plastic wrapping gained popularity among Australian travellers. Fast forward to today—20 years later—and airports are still providing wrapping services. But why? One online commenter provided the following reasons: - The wrapping service also includes a weighing service, so you’ll know if your bags are overweight prior to check-in. - It protects against damage, prevents cases from flying open, removes the need for locks, and protects against scuffs and petty theft from baggage handlers. Let’s counter that argument: 1. Weigh Your Bags at Home There are inexpensive digital scales that can help you check your luggage weight before leaving for the airport. There’s no need to rely on a paid service. 2. More Sustainable Ways to Secure and Protect Your Luggage Let’s be realistic—if airport staff need to inspect your bag, they will. Plastic wrap won’t stop customs agents or security personnel from opening your suitcase. It might indicate that someone tampered with your bag, but is it truly necessary? Think about it—the chances of a baggage handler sneaking a large amount of drugs into a random suitcase, hoping it gets to the right destination without getting caught, then managing to retrieve the bag at the other end without detection—are pretty slim. The Bigger Issue: Plastic Waste Plastic luggage wraps contribute to a growing mountain of waste. In Australia, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of bags are wrapped in plastic each year. In the United States, that number jumps to a shocking 2 million bags annually. And where does all that plastic go? Straight to landfill. What Are the Alternatives? If security is your concern, opt for a reusable luggage glove with TSA locks integrated into the design. For protection from dirt or scratches, consider a washable, durable, and customisable luggage cover. Unlike plastic wrap, you can use them over and over again. Lockable luggage straps are another good choice. They keep your suitcase secure, prevent it from flying open, and eliminate plastic waste—not to mention the added expense of airport plastic wrap services. Who Has the Power to Change This? As travellers, we can take action by refusing plastic wrap and choosing reusable alternatives. If enough of us stop using it, demand will drop. But it shouldn’t always fall on the consumer. Airports need to step up. They should phase out plastic wrap services and offer sustainable alternatives instead. What Do You Think? Let me know your thoughts on luggage wraps. Should we put pressure on airports to end this unnecessary practice? Or do you believe wrapping luggage in plastic is necessary?
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Self Sufficient Living: Is Plastic Still a Problem?
In the latest episode of And Then What?, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Grimwade-Beisel, a retired lawyer turned sustainability advocate who has built her own off-grid home in rural British Columbia. While Kim’s lifestyle is centered around self-sufficiency—growing her own food, canning, and creating her own power—plastic still finds its way into her daily life. This raises an important question: Can we ever truly escape plastic, even when living sustainably? During our conversation, Kim shared her insights on what it takes to live off-grid and how plastic still plays a role in that lifestyle. From building materials in her newly constructed home to food packaging, plastic continues to be present in ways that aren’t always obvious. However, she also highlights ways to minimize its impact—such as growing food in a greenhouse, buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and using preservation methods like canning to avoid single-use plastics. One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the reality that plastic pollution affects everything—even the soil we rely on to grow food. Microplastics break down and infiltrate ecosystems, showing that even in the most self-sufficient lifestyles, plastic remains a problem. So, what can we do? As consumers, we have the power to demand change by choosing sustainable alternatives and challenging industries to move away from plastic dependency. 🎥 Watch: YouTube.com/@eorthshop 🎧 Listen: Spotify
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Connecting Plastic to Climate Change
A topic that's often overlooked when discussing climate change — plastic and its impact on our planet. The environmental impact of plastic starts long before it becomes waste. So if you care about climate change, you should care about plastic products and plastic pollution. Plastics, fossil fuels, and climate change are all interconnected — and that's why it’s more important than ever to reduce our reliance on plastic. The majority of plastic is made from fossil fuels — specifically oil and gas. In fact, about 99% of plastic comes from these non-renewable resources. So when we talk about climate change, we need to include plastic production as part of the conversation. It’s not just the visible pollution that’s the problem. Plastic pollution happens at every stage—starting with oil extraction and refining, through production, and finally when it’s discarded and considered waste. Not only that, but when we look at the recent fires in LA, one of the contributing factors in the ability for the buildings to burn so quickly, releasing harmful toxins into the air and marking it harder for fighters to combat the flames — was due to plastic. There's plastic throughout our homes and I'm not just referring to the single-used plastic that are commonly used. Electronic equipment, furniture, paint, curtains and on and on. Our homes contain hundreds of items of flammable plastics. Let’s look at a few types of plastics and their environmental impact: Biodegradable and compostable plastics are made from renewable materials like corn starch or sugarcane. Biodegradable plastics can break down naturally through bacteria or other living organisms, which means they don’t stick around in the environment for long. Compostable plastics require specific conditions to decompose. Meaning, as the name implies, they need to be composted. Should biodegradable plastics end up in the ocean or landfill, they may not breakdown as intended. Bio-based plastics are also made from natural sources, such as plants, and include plastics like PET — the same plastic used for water bottles and food containers. While it’s possible to make PET from renewable resources, most of the production today still relies on fossil fuels. So, while bio-based plastics may sound more sustainable, they often have the same environmental impact as traditional plastics. Fossil-Based and Non-Biodegradable PlasticsThese plastics are made from oil and gas. They include some of the most common plastics in the world, like polyethylene, which is used in single-use packaging, and PVC, found in things like water pipes and wire insulation. Polyethylene is the most manufactured plastic in the world, accounting for over 100 million metric tonnes each year. Yet, globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. That means the majority of this plastic persists in our environment, often accumulating in oceans and waterways. And Then What? What happens to all this plastic when we're done with it? Much of it isn't recycled and instead sits in landfills for centuries, or worse, ends up in our oceans harming marine life. The reality is plastic isn't just a pollution problem, it's also a climate problem. If we want real change, we need to rethink our reliance on plastic and hold the industries driving its production accountable. Until next time, keep asking, And Then What?
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Plastic Free January
You may have heard of Plastic Free July, a monthly challenge held every July that aims to raise awareness of amount of plastic we use in our day-to-day lives. Since its inception in 2011 it has now grown into a global movement, inspiring millions of people to reduce their use of single use plastics. Another similar movement, although a lot smaller, that’s gaining traction is Plastic Free January. Plastic Free January is an extension to Plastic Free July’s message, encouraging people to start the New Year with meaningful change — focusing on a plastic-free lifestyle as part of their New Year’s Resolutions. I love the energy that comes with Plastic Free January. A new year represents new beginnings, the perfect time to pause and reflect on habits we want to change. Reducing plastic waste is one change that benefits not only ourselves but also our planet. So, how does Plastic Free January work? The good news is: there are no hard and fast rules. It’s all about raising awareness and making conscious choices to reduce plastic waste. Here are the basic principles of the challenge: If a product is wrapped in plastic, don’t buy it. And If you’re offered a free product made of or wrapped in plastic, simply say, “No, thank you.” The goal is to become more aware of how deeply plastic has become part of our lives. By opting out of plastic, even for a short time, you’ll start to see how often plastic shows up and where you can make small, impactful changes. If you want to take the challenge a step further, here are two simple activities you can try: Track Your Plastic: For the first 24 hours of the challenge, take note of everything you touch that is made of plastic. You’ll quickly see how widely plastic is used — and reflect on where it’s necessary versus where you can cut back. Go on a Plastic Scavenger Hunt: Step outside and look for garbage. It’s likely you won’t have to go far. Treat each plastic item you find as a message and ask yourself:• What is it? • How did it get here?• What can I do about it? These two exercises are powerful ways to better understand the problem and start identifying solutions. Now, let’s talk about why challenges like Plastic Free January matter. Despite decades of recycling programs, it’s estimated that only 9% of plastic produced annually is recycled globally. That’s a shockingly low number, and it’s most certainly not sustainable. To give you some perspective, here are a few eye-opening statistics: • Over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s.• Approximately 40% of plastic produced every year is used for packaging and single-use items.• And a staggering 8 million pieces of plastic enter the ocean daily. Daily!And here’s the most alarming part: Recent estimates indicate that between 11 and 14 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans annually, that’s approximately one to two dump trucks' worth every minute. Let me repeat that – one or two dump trucks of plastic waste entering our oceans every minute! Reducing single-use plastics is one of the simplest ways we can make a positive impact. It starts with small, mindful choices — like choosing plastic free packaging, bringing your own reusable items, or just saying no to unnecessary plastic products. If you’re participating in Plastic Free January, don’t forget to share your progress on social media using the hashtags #PlasticFreeJan and #EarthBeforePlastic. Before we get back to today’s topic, I want to take a moment to tell you about Eorth. That’s Eorth with an 0. It’s an online store I started with the aim of making it easier to reduce plastic in your everyday life. From plastic free household essentials to natural beauty products, everything we offer has been chosen to help you make more sustainable choices. I hope you’re inspired to give Plastic Free January a try and start this year with a positive change. If you’d like to connect, you can find us on social media:• Bluesky Social: eorth.au• Facebook and Instagram: @eorthshop And stay tuned for future episodes of And Then What, where I’ll be featuring guest speakers to share their insights on plastic pollution, sustainability, and practical solutions you can adopt. Until next time, I’m Cathy Earle, reminding you to keep asking: And Then What?
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Countdown to an Eco-friendly Christmas
The first steps to making you Christmas Plastic Free The horrors of a plastic Halloween are over — it’s now time to switch gears to Christmas. But it that doesn’t mean we have to endure another overload of plastic. Christmas can be eco-friendly and plastic free, but it does require a bit of planning. We’ve put together some tips to help you reduce your plastic consumption this Christmas. It all starts with making a list and checking it twice. GIFT WRAPPING It’s time to get that box of “Christmas stuff” out of the cupboard. Hopefully you have wrapping paper stored from last year. If not, when you’re seeking out paper this year look for FSC paper and one that’s not wrapped in plastic wrap. Out of sticky tape? Now is a great time to switch to a biodegradable tape. Or take it one step further and wrap your gift the traditional Japanese way. Furoshiki uses a single piece of cloth to wrap a gift — no tape required. Bonus: it looks pretty special. Ribbon is nice but we’re looking to avoid plastic so unless you’re opting for a cloth ribbon, hit the hardware store and pick up some twine, this creates a nice, natural eco look. Do you have Christmas cards you were gifted last year? Cut the cards to make your own unique gift tags. Fire up the dehydrator — cut up the lemons and limes (and any other fruit you have available) and get drying. A slice of dried orange is a lovely addition to your gift or as a Christmas tree decoration. Gift Wrapping Shopping List: ✅ Brown (recycled) wrapping paper or last year’s wrapping paper✅ Biodegradable sticky tape✅ Material for wrapping that extra special gift✅ Twine and dehydrated lemons and limes for a natural touch✅ DIY gift tags from recycled Christmas cards ECO CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Christmas decorations are usually pretty special items and are used year after year. When you’re adding to your decorations this year look for something that’sa) not made of plastic andb) something you know will last for generations to come. Christmas Tree Decorations Shopping List: ✅ Plastic free✅ Will create memories✅ Will last for generations to come CHRISTMAS PARTY DECORATIONS Christmas parties is where we see a whole lot of plastic — some you cannot control and some you might not want to (aka boxes of chocolates or wrapped treats) but there are things you can do to lessen the plastic pollution impact — especially if you’re the host. If you’re hosting a party this festive season choose to refuse and choose to reuse. We’re talking about all things here but specifically disposable cups, plates and cutlery. Sure it might be easier to clean up when you use disposable items but as Christmas is all about spending time with the family and friends, so is spending time in the kitchen. Washing dishes is all part of that quality family time — you won’t get that with disposables. We know it’s common to put balloons outside the home, (or inside the office) to indicate that’s where’s the party is at — but this practice really need to stop. We’re lead to believe they're biodegradable, but balloons really are just single use plastic — especially foil balloons. Make a big paper sign, put out some lights — choose anything but balloons. When you’re selecting your decorations for home or office parties — ask yourself: once Christmas is over will this simply be headed for landfill? If the answer is yes: put it back on the shelf. Natural items look great on tables, such as a bowl of nuts or cinnamon sticks wrapped in twine. Decorating with scented candles are always popular at Christmas time — just be sure to buy candles that aren’t wrapped in plastic. Small gifts for your guests are nice, and handmade makes them even more special. Bake some cookies and place them in a glass jar, add your homemade tag — it’s the perfect way to say Merry Christmas. Now you’re all set with the gift wrapping, decorations and party preparations it’s time start shopping for eco-friendly gifts. If you’d rather get the gifts before you even think about wrapping them, then bookmark this post and check back when you’re ready to get wrapping. Looking for some plastic free gifting inspiration? Check out our blog post on Gifting without the Unnecessary Waste. Enjoy the start of this crazy Christmas season — and remember to keep calm and keep it plastic free.
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The Yearly Christmas Debate: Real or Fake Tree?
You might be asking yourself this year — should I replace my old Christmas tree with a new store bought one? Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new home and you're unsure whether to choose a real tree or a plastic tree for your first Christmas? Or maybe you’re wondering if your decision to choose a real tree is actually doing more harm than good? We’ll look at all of those options and answer the question: “Is a real Christmas tree better than a plastic tree?” Firstly, unless you need to replace your existing Christmas tree with a new one, the best option is to keep it — or donate it to someone that will use it. Whatever it takes to keep the plastic tree out of landfill, that’s the best option. The next option is what to do if you’re getting a tree for the first time. Plastic or real? As this blog post is written by the owner of a plastic free store, you’re going to guess the answer will be real — but let’s weigh up the options. Plastic Christmas Trees vs Real Trees: SMALL AND COMPACT A cute little countertop tree is suitable for many people that live in apartments. But there are other, just as cute, and far more environmentally friendly options. My personal favourite? A pineapple Christmas tree. There are so many unique ways to decorate a pineapple tree: pop on some wooden sunglasses, add some fairy lights, or hang some ornaments on the pineapple leaves. Bonus: On Christmas Day or Boxing Day if you prefer to wait — you can simply cut the pineapple up and treat yourself to some delicious fruit, add it to a smoothie, enjoy it with yoghurt for breakfast — or make it part of your Christmas dessert. Plastic free ice cream anyone? No need to pack your Pineapple tree away in the storage room. Once you've cut that delicious, juicy fruit up, simply add the skin to your compost and if you live in a suitable environment, stick the pineapple head straight into the ground. You can now enjoy the same treat again year after year. LONG LASTING Buying a real tree may be financially out of reach for some people — so instead they choose the cheaper option of having a plastic tree that lasts a long time — one they can decorate with the family over and over again. You know what else lasts a really long time and doesn't harm the environment? A real living plant. While it would be ideal to have a potted pine tree, if that’s not a plant that’s native to your area, than any potted plant will do. You can start off with a small potted plant and place it outside in the new year. Live in an apartment and have no room to place it outside? See the above option with a pineapple tree, or simply buy a plant that can be left inside all year round. If you really want a pine tree, and you’re not interested in “pineapple” tree, and you have no room to store the plant inside your home come the New Year — then let your plant grow new roots — place it in the ground. Place it in your yard, watch it grow and decorate it outside each year. What a treat that will be for the kids to decorate their first tree again, and again for 20+ years to come. BIODEGRADABLE, RECYCLABLE & REUSABLE While a plastic tree may be reusable, it's most definitely not biodegradable or recyclable. Plastic Christmas trees aren’t recyclable, so when they’re inevitably thrown away, they end up in landfill, going nowhere fast. Still not convinced that a real tree is more eco-friendly here are some more sustainable reasons why you should say no to a plastic tree. While plastic trees are typically made in China, and shipped overseas - then shipped across the country to your local store, real trees are grown in your local area. So you know when you purchase a real tree you are not only supporting your local economy, you're also supporting the local flora and fauna. Real trees can be reused, replanted, recycled into mulch and/or composted. FIRE RESISTANCE Plastic Christmas trees on the other hand, are often treated with fire-resistant chemicals — reducing the risk of your tree catching on fire. However, plastic will still burn in the optimum conditions, and when it does the fumes are toxic. As long as a real tree has been properly maintained, meaning they are kept healthy, they are kept watered and they stay green they can be less of a fire danger. Experts also note that the placement of your real tree is also important: be sure to keep it away from heat sources and make sure you turn off the Christmas tree lights during the day and when you’re sleeping. Want some evidence? Check out this video demonstration of a watered Christmas tree vs. a dry tree. CHRISTMAS TREE MAINTENANCE There is no denying it, real trees smell beautiful and they bring a wonderful feeling to the home. But there is a downside: real trees require maintenance. Just because you’ve cut it doesn’t mean it’s not still living. A real tree will require water and without water it will start shedding its pines. For some that might a mess they’d rather not deal with. In this instance a plastic tree would be more beneficial but when you weigh up all the other issues surrounding plastic trees such as the required storage in your home, the fact that one day that tree is going to landfill and will be polluting the environment long after you’ve left the planet — the inconvenience of watering the plant and cleaning up a few pine needles shouldn’t be a deterrent for getting a real tree. There are so many other benefits to having a real tree that outweigh the maintenance issue, such as: Unlike plastic trees, real trees don’t require intensive carbon emission from the production and shipping. They are typically locally grown and therefore support the local economy. Buying a real tree you will be not only supporting your local economy, but also supporting forests, that support the air that you breathe — it’s pretty hard to argue against that! Once the Christmas festivities are over a real tree can be turned into mulch and reused. If it’s stored in a pot over the Christmas period it can be repotted or replanted. Nothing beat the smell of a fresh pine tree. You can’t compare a fresh plastic scented tree to a fresh pine scented tree. One is nostalgic as a crisp, fresh evergreen and the other — well it smells like plastic. Christmas trees take approximately 10 years to grow to height of 6 feet. During that growth stage, they provide a habitat for wildlife and capture carbon from the atmosphere. Let’s be honest aside from there being less mess — there are no real benefits to having a plastic tree — it’s going to eventually end up in landfill, polluting the environment.
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Eco-friendly gift wrapping for any occasion
Eco-friendly Christmas gift wrapping doesn't have to mean simply wrapping in brown paper and adding a gift tag — although it does make for a nice gift! You can spice up that brown paper by adding your own Christmas stamps to the paper, you can add a colourful ribbon, add some leaves or natural elements to the gift, or you can simply add an old Christmas decoration you received in a Christmas Cracker. The options are endless and are most definitely not "boring". If you're not into the traditional meaning of Christmas, but like to participate in the gift giving because it's fun, or you'd really like to share a gift with your loved one to say thanks for all they've done this year — then skip the traditional green and red paper and opt for something that will pique their interest. Does your loved one like to take long trips in the car? Do they love boating or long for a far away trip? Take and old (or new) map of your recipients favourite (or most desired) location and wrap up your gift in that. Purchased some fishing gear for your husband and he's always wanted to take a fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef? Wrap up the gift in a map of the reef, I guarantee he'll be itching to know what's in the box! Furoshiki: Gift wrapping with fabric When you opt for eco-friendly gift wrapping, often it means you can easily skip the plastic, especially if you choose to wrap your gifts the traditional Japanese way. Furoshiki is the name given to cloth that Japanese used to transport clothing, gifts or other goods. Not only is this style of gift wrapping 100% plastic free, it's also a beautiful way to wrap a gift. Further more you don't necessarily need to wrap all your gifts in the fabric, you can also add a little plastic free gift on the outside. To assemble your furoshiki gift, take a piece of fabric, bring the opposite sides of the fabric together (top left and bottom right), and tie in a a knot. Then repeat the process on the other side. You may want to use a tea towel or apron to wrap your gift in, making it a two-in-one gift. As it's Christmas time, you may want to add a little extra effort to your gift and add another gift on the outside. We recommend eco-gifts such as a Long handle dishwashing brush, a wooden spoon, a bamboo hair brush or comb. Make it a Two-in-One-Gift Wrapping your gift in a gift — or adding a gift to your wrapping gift is the perfect two in one gift. If you've been following Eorth for a while now you'll know we are big fans of of the two-in-one gift. We mentioned a few two-in-one gift ideas in our post on Gifting Without the Unnecessary Waste. Don't forget that eco-friendly / plastic free gift wrapping doesn't end on Christmas Day. If you want to have a truly eco-friendly Christmas this year then remember to save all that wrapping paper, ribbons and trinkets so you can reuse them next year. You just saved yourself some time and money for next year's Christmas. Want to make your kids super anxious on Christmas Day? Take your time when unwrapping their gifts to you. Unwrap your gift ever so carefully so that you don't rip any of the Christmas paper. It's a great way to watch those paper tearing types go crazy — plus you'll know that you can fold that paper up at the end of the day and place in your "next years wrapping paper" box. It's a win for the environment and a win for your pocket. Gifts that require no wrapping at all If you won't be seeing your loved one for Christmas but still want to send them a gift — or you're looking for a last minute gift that doesn't require wrapping then electronic Gift Cards are the very best choice! Of course we recommend that you select a gift card that will allow the recipient to purchase gifts that won't harm the environment — or better yet buy a gift card for something that will help the environment such as a plant a Rainforest e-card. Whatever choices you make this Christmas, think eco-friendly and plastic free and you and the environment will be looking forward to a happier healthier eco-friendly New Year.
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Hosting a financially friendly and eco-conscious kids party
Hosting a kid's birthday party can be a joyous occasion, but it often comes with a lot of waste and financial strain. From disposable decorations to single-use plates and cups, it can be challenging to host a party without producing a lot of garbage. Additionally, guests may feel pressured to buy expensive birthday presents, which can result in unnecessary waste and financial strain. However, with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to host a fun, sustainable, and budget-friendly party without creating a lot of waste. One easy way to reduce waste is to avoid buying balloons for the party, especially the metallic number balloons, representing the child’s age. Balloons may seem like a fun and festive decoration, but these polyurethane balloons are estimated to take up to a 450 years to degrade. When balloons end up in the environment, they pose a danger to wildlife that may ingest them or become entangled in them. By skipping balloons at your child's party, you can help reduce your environmental impact and teach your child the importance of sustainability. Another way to reduce waste is to request guests bring a coin(s) as a gift rather than bringing a physical present. This approach eliminates the waste that occurs when kids are gifted items they don't need or want, and allows children to choose gifts they will truly enjoy. If one or two dollars doesn’t seem like enough, you could increase the dollar amount, and split it into three segments. For example, make it a $10 gift. $4 can go towards an experience or gift, $3 for the kids Education Savings Fund (or another long term savings plan) and $3 is allocated to a charity of their choice. By encouraging children to save and give back, you can teach them valuable lessons about money management and generosity. Below are some other tips for hosting a sustainable and waste-free kids party: Use reusable or homemade decorations: Instead of buying disposable decorations that will end up in the trash, opt for reusable ones. For example, you can use bunting flags or homemade paper chains that can be stored and reused for future parties. Use real plates and cups: Instead of using disposable plates and cups, use real ones that can be washed and reused. If you’re concerned about breakage, opt for compostable plates and cutlery. Make your own food: Instead of buying pre-packaged snacks and treats, make your own. Homemade treats not only taste better, but they also eliminate the need for single-use packaging such as the large covers that are often placed. Give out sustainable party favours: Instead of giving out plastic toys or trinkets as party favours, consider giving out sustainable options like seed bombs: Kids love getting their hands dirty, so why not give them a chance to get involved in gardening? seed bombs are easy to make and can be tossed into a garden or planter to grow wildflowers. Compost: If you use a Bokaski or other composting system make sure to compost any food scraps and other compostable items such as paper napkins and decorations. You can also take the opportunity to educate other kids and parents on the benefits of composting. By incorporating these tips into your party planning, you can host a fun, sustainable, and budget-friendly party without creating a lot of waste. And by asking guests to bring coins for an experience or gift, their education savings fund, and a charity donation, you can teach children valuable lessons about money management and generosity while also reducing the financial strain on parents and lessening the stress of what to buy. It's a win for the party hosts, win for the birthday boy or girl, and a win for the environment!
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Repurposing Glass Jars
If you're anything like me, you probably don't like to throw out those used glass jars. The your pantry cupboard ends up with a bunch of different size jars that you start to wonder why you saved them in the first place. What should you do with all those glass jars? You can of course add them to the recycle bin — that's a great option, however a better zero waste option would be to reuse those glass jars! Small glass jars are the perfect size for storing and gifting herbs and spices. What do you need to make this awesome green gift? A few small empty glass jars (preferably with metal lids). A tin of chalkboard paint. A small paint brush. A piece of cardboard. Calk. Optional: A small strip of used sandpaper, hemp rope or natural material to attach note to your recipient. Step 1: Sterilise your glass jars and remove the outer labels. Step 2: (Optional) Take your piece of sandpaper and rub the tops of the the metal lids. This step is not necessary, however it's been noted that a rougher surface will allow the paint to adhere better to the lid. If you are completing this step I would ensure that you give it a good rub so that the surface is smooth, otherwise it may be difficult to write your chalk label on the top of the lid. Step 3: Fill your empty jars with your favourite selection of herbs and spices. We've selected some of our freshly dehydrated — straight from the garden, dill and carrot leaves. Dried marinated eggplant (also fresh from the garden!) makes a great vegetable powder. And finally we selected our absolute favourite seasoning — orange powder made from dehydrated orange peels. Step 4: Write on the tops of the labels with coloured chalk to identify your herbs, spices and seasonings. (Optional) add a note to your recipient and attach with a piece of hemp rope or natural material. Happy zero waste gifting — or happy pantry storage!
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