Adding food storage containers to our kitchens is a simple approach to make our lives a little easier in the long run.
Prepare your pre-portioned meals in advance, pack them for lunch at work, reheat them in the microwave, and even consume food from a few of them is a simple process.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind…
Non-plastic food storage containers should take the place of your plastic ones., as they are more environmentally friendly.
It’s time to stop using plastic throughout the globe.
As an added bonus, you’ll be helping the environment and your own health!
Importance of Using Eco-Friendly Food Storage
Plastic has a variety of uses, including cling wrap, zip-lock bags, food packaging, and the huge selection of plastic containers that litter kitchen drawers and corner cabinets.
However, several studies have discovered that certain chemicals in plastics can seep out and into food and beverages.
These compounds have been linked to a number of health problems, ranging from metabolic irregularities to decreased fertility.
Plastic has the potential to have a negative impact on the environment as well.
Every year, up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean, and much of it is disposed of in landfills, which can require years to decompose completely.
Good no plastic food storage, on the other hand, is a key step in reducing the 7.3 million tons of supplies wasted each year – which equates to approximately $3800 worth of groceries in the trash for the average family.
The practice of preserving food to extend its shelf life not only benefits your wallet but is also an important gear in the efficient lifestyle wheel.
It is because it helps to reduce methane emissions from landfills and preserves energy and resources during the food manufacturing process.
Best Alternatives to Plastic Food Storage Boxes
1. Stainless Steel Food Storage
If you prefer to eliminate plastic entirely, you can choose stainless steel food containers that do not include a silicone seal lid.
Some examples of this are an Indian tiffin box or a tiered lunch box.
There are numerous types of tiffin boxes available, many of them are geared at the ‘lunch’ category since they often feature multiple layers for storing various food items.
Alternatively, you can purchase individual cartons that are ideal for preserving leftovers.
There is a slight trade-off when purchasing 100% stainless storage with lids. This is because the lack of a silicon seal snaplock lid implies that they may not be completely leakproof.
If you intend to use them to hold wet or dry meals at home, you will face no issue.
Additionally, this is not a problem if you do intend to use them as a lunchbox for lunches or other dry meals.
However, if you were hoping to bring a soup to the office in one stainless steel food container, you may definitely be better off seeking another plastic-free storage option.
2. Silicone-sealed Stainless Steel Containers
If you’re ready to make a compromise and purchase a food storage box that is largely steel but has a silicone seal to keep it leakproof, your options broaden.
A variety of ‘bento’ boxes, as well as other silicone tiffin tins and boxes, are available to purchase separately.
Aside from that, there are several “lunch” boxes available that are made of steel yet include a BPA-free plastic lid. Several sources recommend that you avoid freezing them!
Stainless steel food storage containers are frequently dishwasher and freezer safe, though they may be a little cool when first retrieved from the freezer, so use caution while removing them from the freezer.
In addition, they should never be used in a microwave oven because they are not recommended for oven cooking.
3. Glass Food Storage Containers
You’ll find that the vast majority of the glass storage containers you’ll come across are jars designed for holding dry goods.
Even though these glass containers with glass or bamboo lids are not normally intended for use in the refrigerator or freezer, you can find glass jars with lids that are safe for use in both situations.
The majority of them, as is the case with many of their steel counterparts, will have silicone seals on the outside.
If you’re looking for plastic-free containers to store leftover food, there’s a big selection of glass dishes with silicone lids to choose from.
The advantage of these sorts of glass storage boxes is that any leftovers from the freezer can be reheated in the same container they were frozen in saving you some time and effort with dishwashing.
Alternatively, wrap leftovers in wax paper and place them in a glass dish to keep in the refrigerator.
4. Bamboo Containers
Additionally, bamboo food containers are available. They cannot, however, be used in the freezer.
They’re great for storing leftovers in the refrigerator, as well as carrying meals on picnics or using as a lunchbox.
If you do choose, you can have your bamboo food containers decorated if that is your preference. They are normally sold with plastic covers.
Bento boxes made of bamboo are also extremely popular and look quite good.
The lids are typically constructed entirely of bamboo and sealed with silicone, while the boxes themselves are typically made of bamboo fiber and even corn powder.
Final Thoughts
We frequently are unaware that the packaging from our take-out food containers contributes to global pollution, especially when we discard them at our preferred fast food restaurant or home delivery.
The issue with these containers would be that their packaging is not particularly environmentally friendly.
The majority of them may contain inks that leach dangerous chemicals into the environment, and several are composed of plastic that cannot be recycled once destroyed.
This is why some individuals opt for reusable food containers.
If you want to be more environmentally conscious about the containers you use to preserve and store your food, you may be seeking the best eco-friendly food containers.
