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  • Dec 27,2023

Hey, do you love food as much as I do? If you do, then you probably want to keep your food fresh and tasty for as long as possible. But did you know that the way you store your food can affect its quality and safety? That’s right, the containers you use to store your food can make a big difference in how your food looks, smells, and tastes.

You see, most of us use plastic containers to store our food. Plastic is everywhere. It’s convenient, cheap, and durable. But it’s also harmful to our health and the environment. Plastic can leach chemicals into our food, especially when heated or scratched. These chemicals can mess with our hormones, cause allergies, and increase the risk of cancer. Plastic can also pollute our oceans, soil, and wildlife, creating a global crisis of plastic waste.

That’s why I decided to ditch plastic and switch to plastic-free food storage containers. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I improve my health and reduce my environmental impact, but I also saved money, reduced waste, and supported ethical and sustainable businesses.

So how can you store your food without plastic? Luckily, there are many alternatives that are safer, greener, and more sustainable. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best plastic-free food storage containers that I use and love. I will also give you some tips and tricks on how to use them effectively and efficiently. Let’s get started!

Glass Containers

Glass is one of my favorite materials for food storage. Glass containers are transparent, so you can easily see what’s inside. They are also non-porous, so they don’t absorb odors or stains. Glass containers are microwave-safe, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to use and clean.

Glass containers come in various shapes and sizes, with different types of lids. Some lids are made of metal, wood, or bamboo, which are completely plastic-free. Some lids are made of silicone or plastic, which are not ideal, but still better than plastic containers. You can also reuse old glass jars from pasta sauce, jam, or pickles, as long as they have a tight seal.

I use glass containers for storing leftovers, soups, salads, sauces, and baked goods. I also use them for freezing food, as long as I leave some space for expansion. I love how glass containers keep my food fresh and flavorful, and how they look elegant and classy in my fridge and pantry.

Stainless Steel Containers

Stainless steel is another great material for food storage. Stainless steel containers are lightweight, sturdy, and rust-resistant. They are also non-reactive, so they don’t leach metals or chemicals into your food. Stainless steel containers are ideal for dry foods, liquids, and leftovers. They are not microwave-safe, but they can be used on the stovetop or in the oven.

Stainless steel containers come in various shapes and sizes, with different types of lids. Some lids are made of stainless steel, which are completely plastic-free. Some lids are made of silicone or plastic, which are not ideal, but still better than plastic containers. You can also reuse old metal tins or cans, as long as they have a tight seal.

I use stainless steel containers for packing lunches, snacks, and picnics. I also use them for storing spices, herbs, and teas. I love how stainless steel containers are durable and recyclable, and how they keep my food cool and fresh.

Silicone Containers

Silicone is a synthetic rubber-like material that is flexible, heat-resistant, and water-resistant. Silicone containers are soft, collapsible, and easy to store. They are also microwave-safe, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to use and clean. Silicone containers are ideal for liquids, soups, sauces, and dressings. They are not very suitable for dry foods, as they may absorb odors or flavors.

Silicone containers come in various shapes and sizes, with different types of lids. Some lids are made of silicone, which are completely plastic-free. Some lids are made of plastic, which are not ideal, but still better than plastic containers. You can also reuse old silicone bakeware or molds, as long as they have a tight seal.

I use silicone containers for storing and transporting liquids, such as soups, broths, and smoothies. I also use them for freezing food, as they are easy to pop out and thaw. I love how silicone containers are flexible and colorful, and how they can be used for multiple purposes.

Other Plastic-Free Food Storage Options

Besides containers, there are also other ways to store your food without plastic. Here are some of them:

  • Beeswax Wraps: These are natural fabric sheets coated with beeswax, resin, and oil. They are reusable, biodegradable, and compostable. They can be used to wrap foods like cheese, bread, fruits, or vegetables, or to cover bowls or plates. They are not suitable for raw meat, fish, or eggs. They can be cleaned with cold water and mild soap, and refreshed with more beeswax when needed.
  • Organic Cotton Bags: These are natural fabric bags made of organic cotton. They are reusable, washable, and breathable. They can be used to store dry foods like grains, beans, nuts, or seeds, or to keep produce fresh in the fridge. Some of the best brands for organic cotton bags are [Simple Ecology] and [EcoBags].
  • Vejibag: This is a special fabric bag that creates a humid environment for your produce, keeping it crisp and fresh. It is made of organic cotton and hemp, and is reusable and washable. It can be used to store leafy greens, herbs, celery, carrots, or other vegetables. It works by moistening the bag, wringing it out, and placing your produce inside. It can be stored in the fridge or on the counter.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many options for plastic-free food storage containers that you can use to keep your food fresh and toxin-free. By choosing these alternatives, you are not only protecting your health, but also the health of the planet.