I see people toss perfect glass jars after one use. Fermenting in them instead of buying new containers saves money and reduces trash. Isn't that the whole spirit of DIY food?
When it escaped its jar and decorated the table, the shared laughter showed me that fermentation fails are part of the fun.
My next door neighbor saw my SCOBY hotel and now wants me to give her one to start her own batch. The thing is, she's the type to forget stuff in her fridge for months, and I know she won't keep it right. I feel bad saying no, but I also don't want to be responsible if she gets sick from a moldy brew. It's a weird spot between wanting to share the hobby and knowing some people just shouldn't mess with live cultures.