I was reading the latest HK Magazine edition on glass recycling in this city and the figures amazed me. You and I contribute to the 374 tonnes of glass thrown away each day and only 3% of it gets recycled. Shame on all of us and shame on the Hong Kong Government for the lack of recycling facilities. So, how can you do your bit to help the environment? Let’s face it, weddings aren’t cheap and every dollar counts. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to reuse glass bottles and jars as vases or candle holders. All those beers your man drinks, the bottles of wine consumed at the numerous 3-course dinners and jars of pasta sauced used to whip up quick meals can be easily upcycled. Just think of all the options: paint, yarn, lace, ribbon, wrapping paper and twine to transform the glass and if you’re looking to save even more money and time, leave the beer or wine bottles as is to create a shabby chic look. No one will judge.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Julie Ann Art, Mallory Joyce, Young House of Love,

DIY Yarn Glass Jar

Materials:
Clean glass bottle or jar
Double-sided tape
Yarn

Process:
1. Stick the double-sided tape to the bottom of the glass jar.
2. Start working the yarn around from bottle of the jar, ensuring the yarn is close together.
3. You can stop circling the jar with the yarn at whichever point you please.
4. Fill your new upcycled jar with flowers (in the photos below, the flowers have been recycled from a wedding that I attended over the weekend. Talk about being green.)

From left to right: Clean glass jar   |   Yarn glass jar   |   Spray-painted glass jar