We often find ourselves in a situation where we are short of containers to send eatables to our friends, or we are worrying about unreturned dabbas. Since we usually do not like to send them back empty, we stress some more.
May be, that is one reason there is a rise in the demand for disposable containers. I am guilty of often using disposable foil containers. And, I know that these contribute to the growing non- biodegradable waste. While we may not be able to stop using them entirely, we can definitely find ways of reducing their use.
I had this epiphany recently when I used empty coffee jars to send pongal to my friends. They looked so pretty and were greatly appreciated by them. Recently, my cousins sent me a lovely tall glass bottle full of sonpapdi. And, I now intend to use the handsome bottle to store spaghetti once it gets empty. Bottles, I realise, are just perfect for storing and even serving dips, pestos, halwas, payasams and pongal. Also, nibbles that are smaller in size and can easily clear the mouth of the bottle can be filled into them. Cookies, laddus, chips, chocolates, mini rasgullas and small murukus look so lovely in glass bottles. Cakes in jars are also gaining in popularity, so it’s also a terrific idea to use these bottles to bake and send friends yummy treats. It negates the need for a cake pan and all that extra washing up.
Once you are done enjoying the bottles you have, you can give them a loving send off to another dear friend. Glass containers look good just as they are even without any adornment, but if you want to add the extra ribbon or other embellishments to make it festive, go right ahead.
The recycling journey can continue. The glass beauties can help pass on the love, warmth and smiles from one dear person to another.
(Read more about food on Shanthini’s website www.pinklemontreerecipes.com)
