Are you tired of worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your food? Ready to ditch plastic food storage containers for good? You’re in the right place! Let’s dive deep into the world of non-plastic food storage options that are better for you and the planet.
Why Go Plastic-Free?
I remember the moment it hit me. As someone who meal preps religiously, I cook all my lunches and dinners on one day to save time during the week. It’s efficient, ensures I eat high-quality food, and eliminates the hassle of daily cooking and cleaning.
But there’s a downside—I was using a lot of plastic containers. Over seven days, that meant 14 containers, each microwaved twice a day. That’s when I learned a shocking fact: heating plastic containers releases millions of microplastics into your food.
🤯How Bad Is It 🤯
Let’s break it down:
- Each heating event releases around 4.22 million microplastic particles and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles in just three minutes.
Over 7 days, that is 14 plastic containers, microwaving each twice a day, for a total of 28 heating events.
With 28 heating events a week (14 containers, heated twice daily), here’s what you’re consuming:
- Microplastics: 62 billion particles, or approximately 30.89 grams.
- Nanoplastics: 31 trillion particles, or approximately 15.44 grams.
- Total plastic consumed: 46.33 grams of plastic in a single week.
An estimate of calls can be found here (ESTIMATE ONLY)
That’s nearly 50 grams of plastic every week—just from heating your food in plastic containers. Let that sink in for a moment.
Let’s Visualise this
I DID THIS FOR YEARS !!!
So, if you’re still on the fence, consider this: by simply switching how you store and heat your food, you can cut your microplastic exposure by over 10 times. It’s a small change with a huge impact on your health and well-being.
Glass: The Clear Winner
Pros:
- Completely microplastic-free
- Safe for microwave, oven, and dishwasher
- Doesn’t retain odors or stains
- Allows you to see content easily
- Recyclable and can be repurposed
Cons:
- Can be heavy
- Risk of breakage
- Initial cost may be higher than plastic
Glass leftover containers are a fantastic choice for those seeking non-plastic food storage. Brands like Pyrex, Glasslock, and OXO offer durable glass food storage containers with lids that seal tight, keeping your meals fresh and your conscience clear.
🔥🔥 Pro Tip: Look for containers with leak-proof, airtight lids. Some brands offer lids with vents for microwave use, preventing splatters while reheating 🔥🔥
Stainless Steel: The Durable Option
Pros:
- Virtually indestructible
- Lightweight
- Great for on-the-go use
- Doesn’t retain or impart flavors
- 100% recyclable
Cons:
- Not microwave-safe
- Can sometimes impart a slight metallic taste (rare with high-quality steel)
- May dent if dropped
Stainless steel storage containers are perfect for those who prioritize durability. They’re ideal for packing lunches, storing dry goods, or keeping leftovers in the fridge. Brands like U-Konserve, Klean Kanteen, and LunchBots offer a variety of sizes and styles.
Types of Stainless Steel Containers:
- Single-wall: Lightweight and great for dry goods or room temperature items
- Double-wall insulated: Keeps hot foods hot and cold foods cold, perfect for picnics
- Stackable sets: Great for saving space in your kitchen
🔥🔥 Pro Tip: Look for containers with silicone-sealed lids for a leak-proof experience. Some brands offer divided containers, perfect for bento-style lunches 🔥🔥
Silicone: The Hidden Godsend 😂
Pros:
- Microwave and freezer safe
- Lightweight and collapsible
- Available in fun colors
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can withstand high temperatures
Cons:
- Can retain odors if not cleaned properly
- Not as rigid as other options
- May stain with certain foods
Silicone containers offer a unique blend of functionality and eco-friendliness. They’re especially great for storing smaller portions or as travel containers due to their collapsible nature. Brands like Stasher,and Zip Top offer top quality products.
Innovative Silicone Products:
- Reusable silicone bags: Great replacement for single-use plastic bags, personal favourite of mine is the Stasher Gallon Bag! See image below.
- Collapsible containers: Save space when not in use.
- Silicone lids: Can stretch over bowls of various sizes, replacing plastic wrap.
🔥🔥Pro Tip: To remove odors from silicone, try soaking in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar, then baking in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 20 minutes 🔥🔥
Other Eco-Friendly Alternatives
- Bamboo:
- Biodegradable and naturally antibacterial
- Lightweight and durable
- Great for dry goods storage
- Look for containers with silicone lids for a tight seal
- Beeswax wraps:
- Perfect for covering bowls or wrapping sandwiches
- Reusable and biodegradable
- Can be refreshed by re-waxing when they start to lose their cling
- Glass jars:
- Ideal for storing dry goods or homemade sauces
- Reuse jars from store-bought items (pasta sauce, pickles, etc.)
- Great for organizing pantry items
- Cloth bags and wraps:
- Washable and reusable
- Perfect for sandwiches, snacks, and produce
- Look for organic cotton or hemp options for added sustainability
Making the Switch: Tips and Tricks
At first, switching felt expensive, not really worth it? Plastic is everywhere, how on earth can I avoid it is ? it really worth it? But I took it slow, buying one glass container at a time. Gradually, it became a habit, and now my kitchen is free of plastic clutter, and I feel better knowing my this one of many toxins my body is avoiding.
As Sahil Bloom says
“In 2022, I asked an 80-year-old man what advice he’d give to his younger self.
His response: “Treat your body like a house you’re going to have to live in for the next 70 years.”
It hit me hard.
Your body (and mind) are, quite literally, the “house” you have to live in until the end of your days.
And yet, how often do you make decisions that treat that house like crap?
Treat your house with reverence: Build a solid foundation, embrace the daily investments, and make the minor repairs along the way.”
Getting rid of plastic is cleaning out the cupboards and improving my house, oddly satisfying 🙂
Transitioning to non-plastic storage containers doesn’t have to happen overnight. Here are some tips to make the switch smoothly:
- Start by replacing one type of container at a time (e.g., lunch containers first) some of these products are much more expensive than plastic alternatives, so don’t be too hard on yourself, times are tough out there. Perhaps buy one new container per week.
- Look for sales on glass or stainless steel containers to build your collection affordably.
- Repurpose glass jars from store-bought items for storage. This is real cost effective way to cut down microplastic exposure.
- Consider your lifestyle and cooking habits when choosing containers.
- Use a mix of materials to suit different needs (e.g., glass for home, stainless steel for travel).
- Donate or recycle your old plastic containers responsibly.
Caring for Your New Containers
To make your investment last:
- Hand wash silicone to prevent odor buildup
- Use baking soda paste to remove stains from glass
- Dry stainless steel thoroughly to prevent water spots
- Avoid extreme temperature changes with glass containers
- Re-wax beeswax wraps every few months to maintain effectiveness
- Clean bamboo containers with mild soap and water, avoid soaking
Switching away from plastic tupperware to non-plastic food storage containers is a smart move for both your health and the environment. Options like glass, stainless steel, or silicone are excellent alternatives that help reduce your exposure to harmful microplastics.
Take it step by step and find solutions that fit your lifestyle, cooking habits, and storage needs. With so many non-plastic options available, it’s easier than ever to make a healthier choice for your home.
Ready to make the switch? Start small, be consistent, and your kitchen will soon be a healthier, plastic-free space. Your future self—and the planet—will thank you!
Talk to you again soon,
Miles