Recycling is good because it avoids creating new products from raw materials. However, it is even better to reuse items like glass jars because it still requires a lot of energy to take an old glass container and convert it into a new product. In order for a product like glass to be recycled, it must be rinsed and it must not break when it is in transit; if the glass breaks, most of it goes to the landfill.
Lionheads 