Canned Kombucha and Why Cans Are a Better Choice for the Planet
Any Google search for kombucha will give you images of booch in various containers, from glass and plastic bottles to gallon-sized glass brewing containers—and sometimes aluminum cans. So why have we opted to go with aluminum cans at JuneShine?
When we started our company, we had a clear vision. We wanted to make delicious hard kombucha that had a minimal impact on the planet. Here are a few reasons that canning kombucha helps with that goal.
A New Look for an Old Idea
Kombucha has been around for thousands of years, so it’s nothing new. We respect the years of tradition that have gone into crafting this fermented beverage, but we decided to switch things up a little. Our main mission has always been providing you with honest alcohol for a healthier planet, and canned kombucha is part of that.
Traditionally, kombucha is poured into glass bottles after it has reached optimal fermentation, carbonation, and flavor. The standard for home brewing is using glass flip-top bottles, so that’s probably what comes to mind when you picture homemade booch.
We do things a little differently here. There’s no hard rule that says you have to use glass. The container just needs to be airtight to preserve carbon dioxide and maintain the drink’s fizziness. When our hard kombucha is ready for distribution, we package it in aluminum cans rather than traditional glass bottles.
Why Canned Kombucha Is a Better Option
Why do we use cans instead of glass bottles?
For the Planet
For starters, it’s a better option for our planet. Aluminum is one of the most commonly recycled materials. While glass is recyclable, people are less likely to toss a glass bottle into the recycling bin. Glass is also more expensive and labor-intensive to recycle.
As if that wasn’t enough, you can recycle aluminum indefinitely. It never runs out. Not only can it be used forever, but the turnaround process is also quick. In as little as two months, your aluminum can go from the recycling bin at home to lining store shelves with a brand new use—without ever sitting in a landfill.
Okay, we know you’ve seen aluminum cans bound together by plastic rings, but we don’t use those. Their harmful effects on the environment and wildlife meant we had to find an alternative. Instead, our cans are responsibly packed together in recyclable paper boxes.
For Convenience
Finally, there’s the ease of portability that comes with using aluminum cans. Sure, glass bottles are stylish, but they’re not always functional in our busy lives?
We like to bring our drinks with us wherever we go, whether surfing, skating, hiking, or anywhere in between. Unfortunately, glass isn’t allowed everywhere, and it’s delicate. No one wants a broken bottle ruining their day.
Want To Join In on Our Mission?
If you’re ready to hop on the tree-hugging train and do your part to reduce your impact on the environment, we have a few more ideas.
After popping open a Junie, toss it in your recycling bin rather than the trash. No bin? No problem. There are countless drop-off locations all around the country.
Maybe you’re a DIYer, and you want to do your own upcycling with used cans. We’re cool with that, too. Here are a few project ideas you might like.
- Can herb garden: Cut off the top portion of the can. Paint the can and label it with what you’ll be planting. Add soil, seeds, and enjoy watching your new herb garden grow.
- Bird feeder: Remove the top and bottom of your can. Paint using bright colors to attract wildlife, and affix the bird feeder to a tree using string or twine. Fill with birdseed, and sit back, relax, and watch nature come to you.
- Pencil cups: Carefully remove the top of your can. Paint or decoupage using your favorite colors. Allow to dry, fill with your assortment of pens and pencils, and enjoy for years to come.
- Decorative lanterns: Remove the top of your can using an Exacto knife. Carefully slice vertical slits every 1.5 centimeters around the entire can. Gently push the can downward, causing the slits to expand and curve. Finally, add a candle and enjoy your new upcycled lantern.
Final Thoughts
From using recyclable aluminum cans to packaging in recyclable paper boxes, we’re making sure to do our part here at JuneShine. We know we aren't perfect, but we aim for progress over perfection, and that’s a step in the right direction.
Sources:
Recycling | The Aluminum Association
Glass vs aluminium: which is better for the environment? | Euronews