How can I make use of the empty 1-gallon distilled water jugs?

Perhaps I will change in the future, but currently I am using the clear plastic 1-gallon distilled water jugs; I don't think it's that it's really that expensive to use distilled water, (I currently use only one bottle per month). It seems to me that the water is probably cheap and I am probably paying for the plastic container and transportation. I wish I knew of a use for the plastic containers I have collected.

tyrinryan wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 22, 2022 9:41 pm

Perhaps I will change in the future, but currently I am using the clear plastic 1-gallon distilled water jugs; I don't think it's that it's really that expensive to use distilled water, (I currently use only one bottle per month). It seems to me that the water is probably cheap and I am probably paying for the plastic container and transportation. I wish I knew of a use for the plastic containers I have collected.

aren't they recycable?

The existence of the molded in triangular content symbol indicates
that the item "can" be recycled; but is no proof that it will be recycled.
Reuse is more practical.
There is a myriad of uses--many can be found online.

tyrinryan wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 22, 2022 9:41 pm

Perhaps I will change in the future, but currently I am using the clear plastic 1-gallon distilled water jugs; I don't think it's that it's really that expensive to use distilled water, (I currently use only one bottle per month). It seems to me that the water is probably cheap and I am probably paying for the plastic container and transportation. I wish I knew of a use for the plastic containers I have collected.

You you save milk and juice containers too? They are made to be recycled.
https://blog.bottlestore.com/24-practic ... stic-jugs/

those make nice garden projects. cut the jug in half, fill it with potting soil. plant a tomato seed. 8 weeks. you have a nice tomato plant for the garden. you can store nuts and bolts in them. list goes on and on. we live in a throw away world today.

This is the first of many Google links:

https://104homestead.com/uses-old-milk-jug/

Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

Conrad wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 23, 2022 8:40 am

Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

Reevaluate - the fourth R.

Reevaluate your need to actually use distilled.
Is your water safe to drink?
How much calcium is left in tank?
How often and how much effort is required to clean mineral deposits.

Distilled water isn't a medical requirement. CPAP manufacturers suggested it (in some areas) for mineral buildup. Some CPAP users interpreted that as being a medical/health requirement.

Thanks all, for your thoughts. The gallon containers (with o loop at the top for a handle) are a little different from the milk jugs with a "formed" handle. I just thought that others might have had the same issue of too many spare water containers and found a use for them. If I could find a use for them, it would make me feel better when buying the distilled water!

Here is some recent "clickbait" about the state of plastic "recycling" in the U.S.:

https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/11311310 ... ting-worse

I was using Arizona tea jugs for home-distilled water,
but have encountered a stubborn mold infestation.
They can still be cut down for planters, parts bins, or LED luminaries.
Some uncut ones are already being used to hold new kitty litter or ice melt.
I bought some DW from the store, and will resume distilling with the new jugs.

There's an actual "water store" near my home. You can bring your own jugs (or they will sell you jugs) and fill them for about $0.75. They even have an outside machine for when they are closed. They sell distilled and spring water.

I have two one gallon GLASS containers, trying to reduce plastic use in my life. They are HEAVY when full (make really good weights for my homemade paneer cheese pressing!) so not for everyone. But you could buy lighter weight sturdy plastic jugs or refill your plastic jugs there too.

If you really want to go all out, there are home water distillers, but they are pricey.

NPR reports that only 5% of plastic that can be recycled actually gets recycled. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/11311310 ... 20landfill. The more you can reduce plastic use the better. Recycling is not really working that effectively. And even if you are a prolific crafter, gardener, etc., there's only so many plastic jugs a person can realistically reuse.

Storing moonshine!

KittyMom22 wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 23, 2022 4:32 pm

Storing moonshine!

I was not planning to mention that . . .

Buy a water distiller and stop buying water in disposable containers. They work really well and you can make your own distilled water as often as you need to.
Jim