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