ASSESSMENT AS OF: JANUARY 2024
HOW TO GET STARTED
- Decide on wide mouth or regular mouth Mason jars - opt for wide mouth
- Start using Mason jars for storing leftovers
- Find a small box or bucket to keep lids
- Buy single piece lids if you are not using Mason jars for canning - easier to use
- Keep Mason jars in the pantry and use as needed
- Refill on lids as they are lost or damaged
- Use for years to come
EMBRACE
- Will not leach microplastics into food
- Are infinitely recyclable being made of glass and steel
- Cost only marginally more than plastic alternatives
AVOID PRODUCT TYPE
Disposable plastic storage containers
AVOID
- Plastic food storage containers leach plastic into food - especially oily or fatty foods
- Lifespans are limited to under one year
- Will end up in landfill or waterways and emmit microplastics
Noteworthy Product Attributes
Long-lasting and long-established food storage solution
Overall Sustainability Score - 96 / 100
Score Breakdown
Manufacturing (Score - 10/10) - Made close to its target market
Distribution (Score - 10/10) - Distributed close to its target market
Cost (Score - 10/10) - Cost is only incrementally higher than plastic alternatives
Packaging (Score - 7/10) - Some plastic shrinkwrap but overall use of paperboard
Effectiveness (Score - 10/10) - Airtight and effective at food storage in the pantry, fridge, or freezer
Lifespan (Score - 10/10) - Some Mason jars are over 100 years old. Likely has a shorter canning lifespan of 2-5 years depending on level of use
Fun (Score - 9/10) - Easy to use and aethetically nice. Two-component lids can be somewhat annoying but can be replaced with single component lids
Relevance (Score - 10/10) - Ideal for food storage and still used after 150 years
Disposal (Score - 10/10) - Contains virtually no microplastics and will not emit microplastics upon disposal
Recycling (Score - 10/10) - Most components (glass and steel) are infinitely recyclable
