Let’s talk upcycling—the art of transforming something old or unused into something beautifully new and practical. It’s a creative, mindful way to reduce waste, breathe new life into everyday items, and make your space more intentional. 

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just starting your sustainability journey, we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to repurpose your empty Green Compass jelly jars. From functional to fun, these ideas prove that “empty” is just the beginning.

8 Sustainable Uses for Green Compass Jelly Jars

Give your jar a new purpose and keep them out of the landfill.

1. Mini Planters
Add a bit of freshness to any space by turning your old jelly jars into mini planters — perfect for the kitchen, your desk, or windowsill. 

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out
• Add a small layer of rocks or pebbles for drainage
• Fill with potting soil
• Plant herb seeds, succulents, or dwarf sunflowers
• Water lightly and place in a sunny spot

We love planting dwarf sunflower seeds because they’re easy to grow and bloom into cheerful, compact flowers. Other favorites? Kitchen herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary — or low-maintenance succulents.

2. DIY Candle Jars
Fill your home with a clean fragrance you can feel good about. Turning empty jelly jars into homemade candles that you control the ingredients on is easy than you think. 

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out
• Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler
• Add a few drops of your choice of organic essential oil once melted
• Place a wick in the center of your jar (secure with a wick sticker or glue dot)
• Pour wax carefully into the jar and let it set
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting

Get creative with colors, scents, and even add dried flowers or herbs to make each candle uniquely yours.

3. Bathroom or Vanity Storage
Whether you're short on space or just love to keep things organized, upcycled jelly jars are a great solution for your bathroom or vanity. Use them to hold cotton rounds, Q-tips, hair ties, makeup brushes, bath salts, or even homemade sugar scrubs. Wash and remove labels from your jars

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out
• Sort items like cotton balls, Q-tips, hair ties, or bath salts
• Fill each jar by category
• Add optional labels or tags for a clean look
• Display on a tray or shelf for easy access

This storage solution can help minimize clutter and keep small items in sight, making it easier to grab what you need without rummaging through drawers.

4. Spice Jars or Pantry Storage
Label and refill your jelly jars with bulk spices, loose tea, cinnamon sugar blends, or other pantry staples. The tight-fitting lids help keep everything fresh, while the sturdy jars provide a convenient, compact storage solution. 

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out 
• Fill with bulk spices, loose tea, or homemade blends
• Add custom labels or use chalk paint for lids
• Store in a spice rack, drawer, or open shelf for display

They're a perfect match of style and sustainability for your kitchen shelves — helping you cut down on plastic while adding a charming touch to your pantry.

5. Desk Organizers
Give your workspace an eco-upgrade by turning jelly jars into organizers for all those loose odds and ends. 

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out 
• Fill with pens, paper clips, push pins, or rubber bands
• Group by item or color for visual appeal
• Add labels if needed
• Line up on a tray or inside a drawer

Whether it's pens, paper clips, push pins, rubber bands, or highlighters, these sturdy little jars help keep your desk tidy and your supplies right where you need them.

6. Gift Packaging for Homemade Goodies
If you love giving homemade gifts, jelly jars just became your best life hack. Use them for dried fruit, granola, herbal tea blends, bath soaks, or sugar scrubs. 

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out 
• Fill with homemade bath soaks, scrubs, tea blends, or treats
• Decorate with a ribbon, handwritten tag, or fabric topper
• Add a personal note or recipe card if desired
• Gift it for holidays, birthdays, or just because

The jars offer a charming way to package your gifts. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply gifting a little handmade love while reducing waste.

7. Portable Snack Jars
Swap the plastic baggies for something reusable and cuter. Jelly jars are the perfect size for on-the-go snacks like nuts, granola, fruit, or crackers — and they’re lunchbox-friendly for older kids, too. You can even pack yogurt or overnight oats in them for a ready-to-go breakfast. Portion out snacks like nuts, granola, crackers, or cut fruit

• Clean your jar thoroughly on the inside and out 
• Store in the fridge or grab for on-the-go
• For breakfasts, layer yogurt, fruit, and oats
• Optional: Use a marker or label to date your contents

But they’re not just for travel. Have a little extra sauce you want to save? Kid opened a yogurt they’re suddenly notgoing to eat? These jars are a great plastic-free alternative for everyday food storage in your kitchen. 

8. Craft Kit or Bead Organizer
Never lose another bead again. (Okay, maybe just fewer.) Jelly jars are perfect for storing small craft supplies like buttons, pins, rhinestones, ribbon, or even tiny tubes of paint. Gather your small craft materials: beads, buttons, pins, etc.

• Sort them into individual jars by color or type
• Add labels to the lids or sides if needed
• Store in a drawer, bin, or stacked on a shelf
• Bonus: Use jars as part of a DIY kids’ craft kit

Whether you're a pro crafter or just looking to tidy up your crafting space, these jars provide an easy, accessible way to keep all those little essentials in one place. Plus, their stackable design helps maximize storage while keeping everything visible and neatly sorted.

From planters to food storage to organizing your home, there are endless ways to reuse your jelly jars. All it takes is a little creativity and a willingness to look at “waste” in a whole new way.

The next time you use the very last jelly out of the jar, don’t toss it — transform it. And tag us in your creations! We’d love to see how you’re giving our jars a second life and spreading the spirit of sustainability, one beautiful reuse at a time.

Have More Jelly Jars Than You Can Upcycle?

If you're overflowing with jars and can't upcycle them all, don't worry! You can find a nearby glass recycling location to properly dispose of them. Simply visit Earth911’s Recycling Locator, enter your ZIP code, and find a convenient drop-off location near you. It's an easy way to ensure your jars are responsibly recycled, helping you keep your sustainability efforts going strong.