In a long term grid-down scenario, we’re going to need to re-use and recycle what we’ve got. One of the things that we all take for granted now, but which will be extremely valuable in an SHTF scenario, are glass jars, whether you’re buying classic Ball Jars or re-using jars that used to hold pickles or jam.
They’re sturdy, they’re non-porous, and they repel pests.
Here are 20 uses for jars in a grid-down scenario.
1. Water Storage
When clean water is hard to come by, every drop matters. Use clean jars to store filtered or boiled water in manageable, portable quantities.
2. Food Preservation
If you’re canning meat, vegetables, or homemade pickles, glass jars are essential for extending the shelf life of your food.
3. Seed Storage
Keep your heirloom seeds dry and protected from pests by storing them in airtight jars, clearly labeled for the next planting season.
4. Herb & Spice Jars
Dried herbs, salt, and other seasonings will be gold in a crisis. Store them in small jars to keep them fresh and moisture-free.
5. Lanterns or Candle Holders
Place a tea light, candle stub, or even rendered animal fat with a wick in a jar to create a makeshift lantern that won’t blow out in the wind.
6. Firestarter Kit
Fill a jar with dryer lint, cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, or char cloth to keep your firestarting gear dry and ready to go.
7. Barter Storage
Use jars to safely store small barter items like sewing needles, batteries, matches, or fishing hooks. They’re easy to display and trade.
8. First Aid Storage
Keep bandages, antiseptics, or salves sealed and sterile in clean jars, especially when you’re improvising a medical setup in the field.
9. Bug Repellent Candle
Add essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, or mint with a wick in oil to keep bugs at bay around your camp.
10. Fermenting Vessel
Make sourdough starter, mead, or fermented veggies like sauerkraut using jars with cloth covers or special fermentation lids.
11. Rodent-Proof Storage
Unlike paper or plastic, jars keep rice, flour, and other dry goods safe from rodents and bugs.
12. Improvised Drinking Glasses
No clean cups? No problem. Jars make sturdy, reusable drinking vessels.
13. Portable Meal Container
Pack leftovers, soups, or stews in jars for transport—especially handy when bugging out or traveling on foot.
14. Oil or Grease Storage
Rendered fats, cooking oil, or motor oil can be stored safely in sealed jars to prevent leaks and contamination.
15. Soap or Detergent Storage
Make and store your own soap powder, laundry detergent, or dish soap in jars to keep it dry and ready.
16. Coin Bank
Designate a jar for spare change—useful for vending machines, post-collapse bartering, or just keeping track of small valuables.
17. Insect Trap
Add a little vinegar, sugar water, or beer to a jar and poke holes in the lid to trap flies, mosquitoes, or wasps.
18. DIY Alarm System
Attach fishing line and metal objects (or even pebbles) inside a hanging jar that rattles when tripped—basic but effective perimeter security.
19. Mini Greenhouse
Use wide-mouth jars as cloches to protect delicate seedlings in colder weather or from pests.
20. Morale Boosters
Fill a jar with comfort items—instant coffee, chocolate, small notes, or even family photos. In dark times, a morale jar can go a long way.
