PAW EcoJar™ Artist Ingredient Guide

This guide outlines what materials are allowed and not allowed when creating jars for PAW EcoJar™ submissions. Follow these requirements to ensure your jar is eligible for $15 buyback and potential inclusion in the PAW Carbon Memory Ledger™.

Jar Size Guidelines

- Acceptable jar sizes: 500 ml to 3 L
- Glass only, with a tightly sealing lid (no plastic jars or mason jars with damaged rings)
- Lids must be rust-free and watertight (for aquatic jars)

EcoJar v1 – Aquatic Ecosystem

This version contains a self-sustaining water ecosystem.

Ingredients – What to Include:

• Natural pond or stream water (no tap water)

• Clean local sand, river stones, or gravel (1–2 inches at the base)

• Aquatic plants (e.g., duckweed, java moss, hornwort)

• Optional: 1 small freshwater snail (bladder or ramshorn)

• Tiny air bubble space at top (don’t fill completely)

Do NOT Include:

• Tap water (chlorine kills ecosystems)

• Fish, shrimp, or any vertebrate animal

• Artificial decor, plastic plants, or glitter

• Rotting leaves, dirty substrate, or food debris

• Unsealed jars or anything leaking

EcoJar v2 – Dry-Life Ecosystem

This version is a closed terrarium without standing water.

Ingredients – What to Include:

Local moss (sheet, cushion, or clump style)

Natural soil or forest floor humus (2 inches at base)

Small bark chips, pine needles, or local twigs

Visible fungal growth or mycelium (optional)

One or two decorative stones (optional)

Do NOT Include:

• Potting soil or fertilizer

• Plastic items, toys, or miniatures

• Dead insects or animal material

• Overly wet or flooded moss (must be damp only)

• Large glass marbles or paint-coated items