Posted on : April 19th, 2024
As a fourth-generation almond farmer, sustainability is not just a buzzword for me. It is woven into the very fabric of my family’s legacy. At Maisie Jane’s, we understand that our responsibility to the Earth extends far beyond the boundaries of our farm. I have been blessed to see the unparalleled beauty of our Earth firsthand. From the majestic orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see to the vibrant bloom of our orchards, there’s no denying the magnificence of our planet. This encompasses every aspect of our production practices, right down to the containers we use for our products.
Let’s talk about plastic, which is ubiquitous in our modern world. Its convenience comes at a hefty cost to our planet. Plastic containers, while cheap and lightweight, have a significant impact on the environment, especially when it comes to food storage. Plastic leaches harmful chemicals into our food, posing risks to both human health and the environment. These chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates. Plastic can disrupt hormone balance and has been linked to a myriad of health issues. Moreover, plastic waste is a major contributor to pollution, clogging our landfills and oceans for centuries to come.
Glass recycling offers significant environmental benefits, reducing air pollution by 14-20% and saving 25-32% more energy compared to producing glass from virgin materials. Recycling one glass bottle saves enough electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours. With efficient processes, recycled glass can be transformed into new containers within 30 days, promoting sustainability and resource conservation. Glass containers are 100% recyclable, ensuring purity and quality through repeated recycling cycles.
Research what your municipal services offer in for recycling services and decide if you’ll opt for a curbside pickup service, or sort and deliver your recycled glass yourself to a drop-off service, which in this case you could discover some extra spending cash coming your way. After the glass is sorted, either by a material recovery facility via your curbside pick-up or from a recycling drop-off location, sorting begins. Glass processing companies employ color sorting to group glass into clear, green, or amber categories. Mixing colors while melting glass can compromise the structure of the finished product. Which, is why color sorting is so important.
Sorted glass then goes through beneficiation to remove any contamination, such as bottle caps, labels, or metals. The glass is then crushed and melted in a furnace at a temperature of 2,600 to 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Once melted, the glass can be poured and molded into the shapes of new bottles, jars, containers, etc. It is estimated that 80% of glass recycled becomes reused in new glass products. There are 49 glass manufacturing plants and 80 recycled glass processors in the U.S. that participate in this process which results in reduced carbon emissions, raw materials consumption, energy costs, and waste.
Make the processing of glass recycling easier by taking these simple steps while the glass is still in your home:
At Maisie Jane’s, we refuse to compromise on the quality and integrity of our products. That’s why we’ve opted for glass jars for our nut butters. Glass offers a plethora of benefits that simply can’t be matched by plastic. When it comes to packaging our nut butters, we’ve chosen to embrace the elegance and purity of glass. And let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about seeing our rich, creamy Smooth Almond Butter nestled within the translucent walls of a glass jar. But more importantly, glass is nonporous, meaning it won’t interact with the contents of the jar, ensuring that your nut butter remains pure and uncontaminated. Unlike plastic, which can absorb odors and flavors, glass preserves the true taste and freshness of our nut butters, delivering a pure culinary experience to our customers. 
Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose glass over plastic is its environmental impact. Glass production requires fewer resources and generates fewer emissions compared to plastic. It’s made from natural materials—sand, soda ash, and limestone—that are abundant and renewable, unlike the fossil fuels used to produce plastic. At Maisie Jane’s, we’re not just in the business of farming almonds—we’re in the business of celebrating and preserving the natural bounty that surrounds us. Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just a duty; it’s a labor of love for the Earth that sustains us all. I’m acutely aware of the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations. By embracing glass packaging, we’re taking a stand against the widespread throwaway culture in our society. We are opting instead for a more sustainable and regenerative approach to business.
But sustainability isn’t just about the materials we use—it’s about the values we uphold as a company. At Maisie Jane’s, we are committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability in everything we do. From sourcing our almonds from local, family-owned orchards to supporting regenerative farming practices, we are dedicated to creating positive change in our community and beyond. When you hold a jar of Maisie Jane’s nut butter in your hands, you’re not just holding a product—you’re holding a piece of our planet’s story. You’re holding the fruits of our labor, the bounty of our land, and the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future. 
Glass jars, bottles, and containers offer endless possibilities for creative reuse in DIY projects, arts and crafts, storage solutions, gardening, decorations, and more. For gardening, repurpose glass bottles as water sources by filling them and inserting them upside down into the soil to gradually release water. Lidless jars serve as convenient seedling starters for vegetable or flower gardens, eliminating the need for purchasing separate containers. In terms of food storage, empty Almond Butter jars and Cashew butter jars from Maisie Jane’s make ideal reusable containers, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. Additionally, these jars can store everyday items like paper clips, push pins, nails, and craft supplies, promoting organization and sustainability. You might even see our glass jars being repurposed for sample jars at local events!
When it comes to decoration and art projects, glass jars can be transformed into stunning centerpieces, vases, or light fixtures. Customize them with paint and twine for added flair. With creativity, simple glass bottles or jars can become holiday decorations, candles, centerpieces, maracas, or even toys, elevating DIY projects to new heights of innovation and eco-consciousness.
The beauty of our Earth isn’t just found in its landscapes and natural wonders—it’s found in the people who dedicate their lives to protecting and preserving it. From the farmers who tend to the land with care and high regard to the consumers who choose to support sustainable businesses like ours, every one of us plays a vital role in nurturing our planet and ensuring its beauty endures for generations to come. The choice between glass and plastic goes far beyond mere aesthetics or convenience. It reflects our values and commitment to the planet. As an almond farmer, I’m proud to say that Maisie Jane’s is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future, one glass jar at a time. Join us in nourishing the Earth and savoring the goodness of nature, one spoonful of nut butter at a time.
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