One TikTok user needed less than 15 seconds to convince thousands of followers to reuse lids from Parmesan cheese shakers instead of tossing them in the trash.
The scoop
TikToker Alexandra Martin (@alexandrammartin) shared a clip on the social media platform that showed them quickly assembling a homemade water bottle. Text in the video read, "Did y'all know Parmesan shaker lids fit on mason jars?"
@alexandrammartin I tipped it over to see how spill proof it is and its not too good lmao BUT it does much better than without! Also I know I could just make the lids myself but we dont have the tools for it rn 😅 #NewMusic #ElectronicMusic #secondlife #reducereuserecycle #recycle #reusing #masonjar #masonjarhack #hack ♬ Blazin (feat. Enisa) - Timmy Trumpet & Tinie Tempah
In the video, the TikToker uses the lid of an old Parmesan cheese shaker to cover a mason jar filled with water. The lid even includes the perfect slot for drinking from a reusable straw.
While the content creator said in the caption that the hack isn't spill-proof, it is most definitely easy and sustainable.
How it's helping
Repurposing containers and packages is a great way to help reduce waste in overcrowding landfills.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 27 million tons of plastic ended up in landfills in 2018. Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose as well.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Scientists have stated that it breaks down into small particles called microplastics that pose a threat to animals. Marine animals are particularly at risk of endangerment due to the staggering amount of plastic pollution in the ocean.
In the U.S., consumers buy about 50 billion plastic water bottles annually, per EarthDay.org. Trading single-use plastics for reusable water bottles could save an average of 156 plastic bottles every year.
There's also a financial benefit to consider. Boston University reported that the average person can save $1,350 per year by using refillable bottles.
Reusable bottles last much longer too. The one-time purchase of a stainless steel bottle can save consumers thousands of dollars in plastic bottle purchases.
TCD Picks » Stasher Spotlight
💡Stasher's reusable food storage options make it easy and affordable to live life with less plastic
|
Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Giving me money back 💰 What everyone's saying
TikTok users were grateful for Alexandra Martin's old lid hack, but the content creator admitted they were not the one who came up with it.
"My husband is the one who told me about this so props to him," the TikToker wrote in a comment.
Either way, followers were appreciative. One commenter even called their husband "a genius."
Other followers had different concerns.
"Question: does it still smell like parm cheese tho???" one commenter asked.
The content creator assured them that the lid was scrubbed thoroughly before reuse.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
