The Zero Waste Team of Los Alamos County Environmental Services provides suggestions for preparing food in glass jars. Courtesy photo

Zero waste tip: Compared to buying lunch every day, preparing lunch and taking it to work can save you money, and it can more easily resist temptation when faced with fast food choices.

Glass jars are a symbol of the zero waste movement, and this is for good reason. They are very useful, readily available, and versatile. If you keep throwing empty glass jars into the recycling bin, please think again!

Jars can be used to store food, such as eating lunch at work, keeping the pantry organized, holding snacks, storing leftovers in the refrigerator, or even storing food in the refrigerator. (Remember, when storing food in the refrigerator, do not fill glass jars too full, because frozen food will expand and damage the jar.) Glass jars can also be used to hold smoothies or coffee. 

Mason jars come in many sizes, but the most commonly used in salad recipes are pint (16 ounces) and quart (32 ounces) size jars. A wide-mouth jar is usually a better choice for salads because it is easier to put ingredients in and out of the large opening. If stored properly, most mason jar salad recipes can be kept in the refrigerator for four to five days. 

Let's talk about how to layer mason jars to keep the salad fresh. This sequence can keep the salad crisp: 

Now the salad is ready to be enjoyed!

You can buy ingredients to make various salad combinations for lunch without spending money. Visiting the farmers’ market is a great way to find the freshest salad ingredients. Or, if you want to rescue food, you can go to your local food warehouse or pantry. Of course, there are other recipes besides the salad in the mason jar. Next time you prepare for the next lunch, explore and try to use the jar.

If the jars you collect are too large and you need to recycle some, please recycle the glass in the yellow glass bins in Lemon Lot, Cooperative Market, Overlook Collection Center or Eco Station. Don't forget to rinse them gently and remove the metal lid. The metal cover can be recycled in your recycling car. You can leave the label on the can before recycling.

For more tips on how to practice zero waste, please check the Zero Waste Los Alamos Facebook page, the Zero Waste tab on the Los Alamos County Environmental Services page (www.losalamosnm.us/gogreen), or send an email to zerowaste@ lacnm.us for any questions or tips.

View all posts by Los Alamos reporters

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts via email.