I am often asked how zero waste and frugal canning is. The first year you will have the most cost. You will need a canner, jars, a jar lifter, and a funnel. I can a lot of things that people buy in plastic jars and jars. I started making zero waste for several reasons my migraines, trash costs, and our budget. We do not mind buying real foods whole grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, etc. I started not buying sauces dressing, etc. I made choices that limited my migraines. Then, WE became devoted to reducing our consumption and waste.
My canning costs this year will be 50 dollars. We have hundreds of dollars of food on our shelves. I have apples, pears, peaches, tomatoes, beets, corn, green beans, carrots, soups, sauces, jellies, and salsa. We are able to feed our family healthy food all year round.
What waste does canning produce? Well, I reuse lids ONLY ON THINGS THAT are not Canned. Never reuse lids for canning. So, I have lids that I reuse after they are washed to store things that are being stored in my canning jars not in use. I donate these to the school for craft projects.
Energy to heat and process the jars. We spent 20 dollars in total. I sterilize my jars in the dishwasher during the load of the day and do my canning.
Produce, I waste nothing. All peels and ends feed the pigs or are composted.
Water is a precious resource in my community . I reuse the water when I am done canning in the garden after it cools.
Having a stocked pantry, freezer, and canning shelves reduced our grocery bill from 350.00 a week to 96 -150 a week. In the summer, I often have a 12-dollar-a-week grocery shop. My family has 2 teenagers, everyone knows that teenage boys are bottomless pits. Our kids eat healthy 3 meals and 3 snacks full of produce, healthy proteins, and whole grains.
I reduced our trash from 3 large cans to 1 bag a month. That bag is a very small bag.
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