Plastic is a huge part of your life, no matter how much you would like to think otherwise. It is there in your kitchens, baths, apparel, and even home decor. Millions of tonnes of trashed plastic end up in landfills. The harmful impact that plastics may have on our health is just as terrifying.
Artificial chemicals such as phthalates and BPAs can leach from the plastic food containers into their contents – soup, water, dry goods, dairy, or the leftovers you're bringing to work for lunch – especially if they're heated. Those chemicals may mess with the hormones, and their 'endocrine-disrupting' effects cause a variety of adverse health consequences, ranging from an increased risk of obesity and diabetes to reproductive development issues.
Thus, getting rid of plastic food storage containers is the simplest approach to protect yourself. If you think that you cannot survive without using plastic products, you must definitely look at the other food storage alternatives. It's a significant change, so do your bit by gathering some of your favourite bamboo, stainless steel, silicone, cork, glass, linen, and wood plastic-free food storage containers. Refrigerate, freeze, and microwave as much as you'd like.
Here is a compilation of 10 plastic-free ways for you to consider for storing food.
Glass Jars
Glass jars are one of the most common choices of people for keeping different types of food. These reusable storage jars are available in various sizes and shapes, both online and offline. You may also carefully clean and reuse glass jars from previously purchased food to save money.
They are perfect for storing salad dressings, soups, different types of grains, nuts and seeds, flours, juices, smoothies, spices, and herbal tinctures. They're also great for keeping chopped vegetables that you've prepared ahead of time for the week. Taking your meals in glass jars is undoubtedly heavier than plastic boxes if you're on the run, but think of it as your day's weight-bearing workout.
Stainless Steel Containers
Another lightweight and environmentally friendly food storage option are stainless steel food containers. Their built-in carrying handle allows you to quickly take meals from one location to another. There's no need for a bag as they have distinct sections to keep numerous items organised.
You can get them in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes including leak-proof, insulated, and bento box-style alternatives. Stainless steel is convenient and long-lasting and can withstand a lot of wear and tear! Just make sure the containers are 100% food-grade stainless steel rather than aluminium.
Silicon Containers and Bags
These versatile storage alternatives are available in several colours, with some even being oven-safe. They're wonderful for storing and freezing liquids, and they're dishwasher safe. Look for silicone storage bags manufactured of food-grade silicone that are free of hazardous chemicals such as PVC, BPA, and phthalates.
Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags
Next on the list is reusable snack and sandwich bags that provide the flexibility of plastic containers without the use of plastic. These are an excellent lunch box alternative since they can hold dry foods like baked goods, trail mix, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose products that provide organic, non-toxic textiles – and if they're machine washable, that's even better.
Beeswax Wraps
Want to cover veggies, fruits and other food items along with dishes, mugs, etc? Then why not switch to biodegradable beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap? Beeswax food wraps are simply a fabric wrapped in beeswax and tree resin that may be placed on dishware to produce a natural seal after warming up in your hands. Wraps made of beeswax may be used to cover dishes, keep cheese, and wrap snacks and sandwiches, and more. Currently, beeswax wrap is the only reusable food wrap accessible. However, vegan beeswax wraps use plant-based materials instead of beeswax.
Veggie Saver Bag
The Veggie Saver Bag is ground-breaking for something so basic. Not surprisingly, it's one of our favourite non-plastic food storage alternatives. This storage solution saves food and plastic waste by keeping fruit and vegetables fresh, crisp, and nutrient-rich for two weeks or longer. These biodegradable, washable bags are made of 100% natural, unseeded and unbleached cotton to keep the moisture in and lock in the freshness of the food. Yet, because of a proprietary design that enables ethylene gas to escape and avoids premature ripening/rotting, they won't smother your fruit.
Bento Boxes
How can you forget the bento boxes when it comes to storing food for a long time? These containers are often found at Japanese restaurants, but you can now acquire them for your house as well. They're composed of stainless steel or wood and include various dividers to keep portions or things separated.
Cloth Food Sacks
Cloth food sacks are a great alternative to plastic bags for storing sandwiches and dry snacks. Sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables can be wrapped in them for quick, temporary storage. You may buy them online, at various places, or make your own if you are crafty.
Wooden Bowls
If you are looking for some bowls to store dry to semi-dry food items, then opting for the wooden bowls is great. With a smooth rim, ten edges and food oil coating, these bowls can also be used for serving snacks to the guests. The use of mango wood helps you use them for a long time. Simply use a wet cloth for wiping them after use.
Paper Bags
This is one of the most preferred and easiest ways to store food. Refrigerate delicate vegetables such as berries and figs in brown paper bags. Make careful to toss these in with the rest of your compost.
Saying no to plastic products and avoiding their usages is not as difficult as you think. There are now a plethora of superior options to pick from. Amala Earth is a one-stop-shop where you can find eco-friendly products that can help you store food without losing their nutrients. Their goal is to build an environmentally friendly community that connects and promotes a conscious lifestyle.
