Glass can be re-used or recycled

Sunny, warm to hot days. Crisp mornings. Cool evenings. September is here. Autumn is knocking on the seasonal door. Fall reminds us that much colder weather is on the way. It forces us to plan ahead-urges us to can some of Mother Nature’s harvest for the future.

Plump, juicy, ripe tomatoes, onions and peppers will be transformed into spicy salsa or tomato juice. Succulent peaches and pears will be canned for a cold winter day. Bright purple beets will be pickled for a tangy treat. Green beans will be harvested and canned for future use, possibly a holiday meal. Berries will be cooked and thickened into tasty jellies or jams.

Canning is a wonderful way to reuse glass jars. Canning jars can be used over and over. Jars can also be passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter. How many of us remember eating fresh fruits and vegetables from these glass jars? What about that familiar jelly or jam that Grandmother lovingly canned? It made the peanut butter and jelly sandwich extra special.

How long have people been using canning jars? John Landis Mason patented a glass jar in 1858. Alexander H. Kerr founded Hermetic Fruit Jar Company in 1903. Kerr jars were among the first wide mouth jars making them easier to fill. Between 1939 and 1949 Americans bought more than 3 million canning jars. William Ball and four of his brothers began Ball canning jars. The first Ball jar was made in 1884. They quickly became leaders in the industry. What is Ball jars most successful year to date? 2013. Why? It seems that canning is growing in popularity. People are growing their own food. They are canning because they want fresh, natural food. They want to know what their family is consuming.

Another reason why canning jars have gained popularity can be seen in the crafting world. Pinterest teaches many ways to use the jars. They can be used as candles, vases, pen or pencil holders, pin cushions, silverware holders and drinking jars just to name a few. Thus showing us that glass jars can be reused over and over and over.

Here are some things to remember about glass recycling. Bottles and jars made from glass are 100 percent recyclable. Glass can be recycled over and over again. Glass recycling has a quick turn around. It can go from the recycling bin to the store shelf in as little as 30 days! The Kimball Recycle Center recycles clear, brown, green and blue glass. All other colors end up being taken to the landfill as there is not a recycling opportunity for them. Many of the restaurants and bars located in Kimball choose to participate in the glass recycling programs we offer!

Happy recycling everyone!