Every July, as we bring back our limited collection of refilled glass jars, we’re reminded of why we started our closed-loop return and reuse program in the first place. We see more folks asking, “Why don’t you just use recycled plastic?” or “Isn’t plastic recycling enough?” So, we want to share what we’ve learned - and why we believe in keeping glass in circulation, not plastic in the bin.
The Myth of Plastic Recycling
For decades, we’ve all been taught that tossing plastic in the recycling bin is a simple solution. But here’s the hard truth: less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has actually been recycled. Most plastic, no matter how carefully you sort it, ends up in landfills, is burned, or escapes into our environment.
Why? New plastic is cheap to make and usually higher quality than recycled plastic. Recycling plastic is expensive, complicated, and easily derailed by contamination (think: a greasy takeout box or a stray label). Even well-intentioned programs, like TerraCycle, often struggle to process the sheer volume and complexity of plastic waste, with critics pointing out that much of it still ends up incinerated or landfilled.
The Problem With “Recycled” Plastic
Even when plastic does get recycled, it’s not a closed loop. Each time plastic is reprocessed, it degrades - meaning it can rarely become the same product again. Instead, it’s “downcycled” into lower-quality materials, which eventually become waste. Plus, the recycling process itself can release toxic chemicals and microplastics, further polluting our air and water.
The False Promise of “Advanced Recycling”
You may have heard of “advanced” or “chemical” recycling, pitched as a high-tech fix. In reality, this mostly means burning plastic to turn it into low-grade fuels or petrochemicals. This is a process that releases toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases, often in communities already burdened by pollution. It’s not recycling; it’s just another form of waste.
Why We Don’t Use Plastic (Even Recycled)
At Little Seed Farm, we lead with solutions that truly give back to the land and community. That’s why our plastic-free collection is packaged in glass and metal, and why we invite you to return your empty jars to us. We clean, sanitize, and refill them right here on the farm, keeping glass in use and out of landfills. This closed-loop system is our way of caring for the earth with respect, rhythm, and responsibility.
How Our Glass Return & Reuse Program Works
- Stash your glass: Save up a handful of empty containers before sending them back - this reduces shipping emissions and costs!
- Clean, sanitize, and dry: Make sure your jars are spotless and dry before wrapping them up for shipment.
- Wrap it up: Reuse packing materials to protect your glass in transit.
- Send it our way: We’ll wash, refill, and return these jars to circulation. No new glass, no landfill waste!
Quantities are limited, and our refilled jars sell out quickly, so keep an eye out for restocks!
What You Can Do
1) Choose plastic-free whenever you can. Small choices add up.
2) Return your jars and join our closed-loop community.
3) Share your story: Tell us how you’re living more sustainably, and inspire others to do the same.
We’re not perfect, but every jar returned, every plastic-free swap, is a step toward a healthier planet. Together, we can give more than we take.