With so many plastic-based products filling our pantries and drawers, creating a zero-waste kitchen can seem like a difficult task. But there is no wrong way to begin reducing waste in the kitchen – the best place to start is with food storage. Investing in a set of durable, reusable containers is an excellent way to save money, reduce waste from baggies and single-use packaging, and even add a touch of style to your kitchen space. Whether you’re storing pantry staples or leftovers, preserving produce, or extending the life of your leafy greens, you’ll always have reliable, convenient containers ready at your disposal.
If you’re looking for more sustainable options to store your food, whether it’s for meal prepping or simply packing leftovers, there are many alternatives to plastic containers and wraps.
Why choose plastic-free containers
Plastic-free food storage containers are a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. They provide an easy and convenient way to store food without contributing to our global plastic waste problem.
Reduce Plastic Pollution
We need to curb our everyday plastic use if we want to reduce plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, and it’s only getting worse as the global production and consumption of single-use plastics continue to rise. The average American uses about 0.34 kilograms of plastic every day, which is three times more than the amount used in Canada and Mexico combined.
This massive accumulation of plastic is having devastating effects on ecosystems around the world, from killing off marine life by suffocating them or poisoning them with chemicals, to polluting land-based habitats with microplastics that are impossible to recycle.
Plastic waste also releases methane into the atmosphere when it breaks down, contributing significantly to climate change and global warming. It takes between 400 and 1000+ years for most types of plastic to decompose, meaning that all the accumulated plastic waste will remain in our environment for centuries if not longer. To prevent future generations from facing an even greater plastic crisis, we must take steps now to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and find sustainable alternatives wherever possible.
Prevent Food Waste
Using non-plastic containers to store leftovers is one of the most effective ways to reduce food waste. This is because plastic containers are not as durable, easy to clean, and leak-proof as their non-plastic counterparts. The greater durability and better sealing capabilities of non-plastic containers mean that food can be kept fresher for longer, reducing the amount of waste generated when food spoils or has to be thrown away prematurely.
Avoid Health Complications
Using plastic containers to store food can cause a variety of health problems due to the presence of certain chemicals. These chemicals, which are inherent in plastics, are known as “plasticizers” and can migrate into foods and beverages stored in these containers. The leaching of these chemicals has been linked to a range of metabolic disorders such as obesity and reduced fertility. Furthermore, studies have found that the risk of leaching is higher when plastic is exposed to heat, such as when using a microwave to reheat leftovers.
In addition to the aforementioned metabolic issues, some types of plasticizers may also be linked to other serious health conditions. These chemicals can interfere with hormone production and activity, potentially leading to cancers and reproductive disorders. Plasticizers may also cause genetic mutations that could lead to birth defects or other developmental issues in unborn children or infants.
Top Plastic-free Storage Containers
Silicone Bags
Silicone bags are an excellent alternative to plastic food storage bags, as they are much stronger, longer-lasting, and avoid the risk of leaching chemicals into food and beverages. These bags can be used just like their plastic counterparts; for storing, freezing, and microwaving food – although it is usually recommended that they be hand washed to avoid any potential damage from heat.
Silicone is well known for its durability, as it is both heat and cold-resistant and doesn’t wear down or degrade over time. This makes silicone bags a great investment if you’re looking for a reusable container that won’t deteriorate with regular use. It also adds a certain level of safety when storing food due to its natural resistance to bacteria and mold. Unlike some alternatives like plastic wrap, silicone bags are also non-porous so there won’t be any worry about bacteria or odor transfer from one type of food to another.
Another great feature of silicone bags is their flexibility; they come in various shapes, sizes, and styles which makes them perfect for different types of uses. From snack packs to sandwich holders, silicone can accommodate almost anything you need to store or transport. Furthermore, their lightweight design allows them to be easily carried around with little effort – making them ideal for picnics or lunches on the go!
The only downside to silicone bags is that they aren’t very sustainable since they’re not biodegradable – however, this shouldn’t stop you from investing in a few as they’re still much better than single-use plastic options out there.
Stasher silicone bags
Stasher bags are made from pure silicone which is 100% plastic-free and fully recyclable. The bags are BPA-free, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic and have passed all US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) standards for food safety. Plus, they’re reusable and will last much longer than disposable plastic bags.
These versatile bags can be used in a variety of ways. They are ideal for sandwiches, snacks, leftovers, and half-used produce that you want to store in the fridge or freezer. They come with an easy-to-use pinch-and-press seal feature which ensures your food stays fresh while keeping out any moisture or air. Plus, they’re microwave safe so you can easily reheat food without having to transfer it into another container.
You can also write on them with a chalk marker if you need to label what’s inside or note the expiration date – making it easier to keep track of what’s in the fridge or freezer.
Bamboo & Cork Canisters
Bamboo and cork are two of the most eco-friendly materials around, and these canisters provide an innovative way to store food in an earth-friendly manner. The bamboo bases and cork lids are BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free, ensuring that your food is stored safely without toxic compounds leaching into it. Not only are these containers made of recycled materials, but they’re also dishwasher-safe (without the lid), making clean-up easy and convenient.
Stainless steel containers
Stainless steel containers are an incredibly versatile, long-lasting, and sustainable choice for food storage. Unlike plastic, which can leach harmful toxins into foods, stainless steel is non-toxic and doesn’t release any chemicals when exposed to heat or cold. This means that it’s a great option for all types of food storage – from freezing leftovers to packing school lunches.
Due to its corrosion-resistant properties, stainless steel won’t leach metals like iron or chromium into the food the way other metals will. It also has very low maintenance requirements; unlike plastic, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often due to wear and tear, making it a much more economical choice in the long run. Stainless steel containers are also available in many shapes and sizes with various features such as airtight lids and compartments, making them ideal for storing both wet and dry goods.
Tiffin Boxes
Tiffin boxes are an ideal non-plastic alternative for food storage, perfect for picnics, lunch on the go, potlucks, and leftovers. Most tiffin boxes are constructed from tiered stainless steel that is durable. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, these boxes offer a unique space-saving design that makes them easy to stack or store away in cupboards when not in use.
The tiffin box is especially useful for packing meals due to its impressive temperature-holding capabilities – the steel helps to keep food hot or cold for longer than plastic containers. Tiffin boxes can also be used as lunchboxes since their multiple tiers allow you to easily separate and store different types of food items. This makes it easier to pack complete meals with all the sides and snacks you need throughout the day.
Upcycled glass jars
Upcycling glass jars is a great way to decrease your environmental impact while also creating a sustainable and safe food storage option. Not only does upcycling glass jars reduce the number of new resources used in producing them, but it also increases their lifespan, reduces energy consumption, and limits the need to recycle them once they are no longer needed.
It’s easy to find ways to upcycle glass jars; simply look for old pasta sauce, soup, or jam jars in the pantry that you can repurpose for food storage instead of purchasing new plastic containers. Make sure to clean off any labels before placing food inside the jar and store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight. It’s important to also check for any cracks or chips because these could allow bacteria to get into the jar and cause contamination.
Using upcycled glass jars is beneficial not just environmentally but also health-wise. Unlike plastic containers, glass doesn’t leach chemicals into foods since it’s nonporous, so your food isn’t tainted with harmful substances like BPA. Using upcycled jars is also great if you want to shop in bulk since you can easily fill them right at the store and save on packaging materials associated with pre-packaged items.
In addition, when you reuse glass jars rather than buying new ones or recycling old ones you are making use of existing resources which helps lessen the strain on our environment by reducing the number of resources extracted from our planet’s finite supply. Additionally, using reused items decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing and shipping new products which help combat global climate change.
Beeswax bags!
Beeswax bags and wraps are an ideal replacement for traditional plastic food storage bags and cling wraps. Being made of natural materials like organic cotton, beeswax, and plant-based oils means that these items are not only biodegradable but also reusable. Unlike plastic food storage bags, which can only be used once before being thrown away, beeswax bags and wraps can be reused again and again.
The warmth from your hands is used to mold the wrap around the item you wish to store, creating a snug fit that helps keep it fresh. In addition to being reusable and compostable, beeswax wraps do not contain any chemicals or toxins that could potentially leach into your food. Furthermore, they are highly versatile as they can be used to store various types of food such as fruit, cheese, leftovers, sandwiches, and more.
Etee Beeswax Bags
These beeswax bags come in various shapes and sizes – from snack-size baggies to larger versions for sandwiches or cut vegetables. They’re perfect for meal prepping or taking food on the go; all you need to do is rinse and air dry after each use! Plus, with the natural properties of beeswax, these bags help keep food fresh by preserving moisture levels.
The material used to make these beeswax bags is a blend of organic cotton and hemp fabric plus soy wax, coniferous tree resin, organic jojoba oil, organic cinnamon, clove essential oils, and natural dyes–all non-toxic materials that won’t leach chemicals into your food.
This special combination of ingredients gives the bags their wax-like texture while also allowing them to be breathable enough to prevent spoilage.
Not only is this a more sustainable option, but their beeswax bags are also USDA-approved certified organic, meaning they have passed rigorous standards for safety and quality. Furthermore, you can reuse these bags and they will eventually decompose, making them even more environmentally friendly.
Bee’s Wrap
Bee’s Wrap is made with certified organic cotton, responsibly sourced beeswax, certified organic plant oils, and tree resin which creates a strong, yet pliable wax wrap that can be used again and again.
This combination makes it naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and breathable which helps to keep food fresher for longer than traditional plastic wrap. It also comes in three sizes (small 7 inch x 8 inches; medium 10 inch x 11 inches; large 13 inch x 14 inches) so you can use them for any occasion.
Cloth bags
Cloth bag food storage is an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plastic food storage bags that are all too common in most households. Unlike conventional plastic bags, cloth bags are reusable, so you can use and reuse them over and over again without having to worry about a single-use plastic bag ending up in a landfill.
Cloth bags are made from materials such as organic cotton and hemp, which can be trusted near food as they don’t contain any harmful chemicals that could leach into your food. These bags also come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find the perfect way to store your food while also keeping it looking stylish.
Although cloth bags may not keep food as airtight as plastic bags, they make great storage containers for whole fruits and veggies since they protect against environmental contaminants like dust and dirt. They’re also great for covering bowls before storing them to help prevent spills from happening. Even better, when used to store bread, cloth prevents the bread from going stale far longer than any plastic bag would.
Pyrex Containers
Pyrex containers are the perfect alternative to standard plastic food storage containers. Not only are they made out of eco-friendly and sustainable materials, but they can also be purchased secondhand, adding to their environmentally friendly status. These containers come in a variety of retro colors and patterns and are renowned for their durability.
With Pyrex, you can easily store food for weeks or even months without worrying about it going bad. Moreover, Pyrex containers can handle extreme temperatures; you can safely put them in the oven or freezer. Additionally, these vintage-style jars are multipurpose and can be used to serve food as well.
Unlike conventional plastic food storage containers that contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is not biodegradable, Pyrex materials consist of tempered glass which is both non-toxic and recyclable. Furthermore, unlike plastic containers made with BPA, Pyrex does not contain toxins that could leach into your food when heated up.
Multipurpose Glass Jars
Storing food in glass containers is a fantastic eco-friendly replacement for plastic containers. Jars and containers made from glass are entirely recyclable, making them an Earth-conscious option compared to one-time-use plastics. Also, you can reuse them time and time again without having to fret about toxins like BPA, BPS, and phthalates leaching into your nourishment the way they might with regular plastics.
Glass has a few advantages when it comes to storing food. It won’t stain like plastic and you don’t have to worry about absorbing an unpleasant smell from leftovers. You also don’t need to worry about microwaving or reheating food in the same jar or container because nothing will leach into the food as it could with plastics.
High-quality glass storage containers are a great option for long-term use since they are more durable than conventional glass. Tempered glass or borosilicate glass can withstand regular wear and tear better than standard glass. This makes them a good choice for storing food for longer periods as opposed to single-use plastic options which are often only meant for one use before needing to be thrown away.
Le Parfait
Le Parfait glass jars are an ideal choice for non-plastic storage and glass containers for storing food. These French-made jars are crafted from high-quality crystal clear glass, allowing you to easily monitor the contents of your pantry or refrigerator. They’re also airtight, thanks to their iconic orange rubber seal that ensures pests and spoilage don’t get in.
The rounded design of the jars also makes them easy to stack on top of each other for even more space-saving potential. And with sizes ranging from 0.5L to 2L, you can find the perfect size jar for almost any food item in your kitchen. The 1L jars are perfect for stocking up sauces, stocks, and soups while the 2L size is great for bulk flour, masa, beans, and rice.
The best part about Le Parfait Jars is that they’re made using all-natural materials so you know whatever you’re storing is safe from contaminants without having to worry about BPA or other chemicals getting into your food supply.
Additionally, these jars come with stainless steel wire lids which means you can easily tell when your food is sealed tight by listening for a click sound as it closes. Moreover, since these jars use a vacuum system to keep their contents fresh and free from moisture or oxygen exposure longer than usual storage containers – they save you time in your daily cooking schedule as well!
Bormioli Rocco
Bormioli Rocco glass jars are a great option for storing pantry staples with their airtight rubber seal and angular shape that makes it easy to save space. Not only are they an efficient storage solution, but now they offer a completely plastic-free version that features bamboo lids for added sustainability.
The Bormioli Rocco range has sizes to suit different needs, from the 0.5L size ideal for smaller items to the 2L size perfect for bulkier items. These jars have a unique design that looks great on any kitchen shelf or countertop.
Not only do Bormioli Rocco glass jars look great on shelves and countertops but they also keep food stored safely inside without any worries about plastic toxins or other chemical contamination. In addition, their airtight seals make them ideal for keeping ingredients like herbs and spices fresh for longer periods
Ikea Glass Containers
IKEA glass containers are the perfect way to store food in a completely plastic-free manner. The container is made of high-quality, durable glass that won’t break or crack due to temperature changes, and comes with a functional yet stylish bamboo lid. This material is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps keep food fresh for longer. Plus, it’s easy to stack multiple containers together to save on fridge or pantry space.
Not only are these containers plastic-free, but they offer some additional benefits as well. For one thing, glass can be easily recycled without losing its strength and quality, making it an eco-friendly choice. Plus, because it is non-porous and doesn’t absorb odors as plastic does, you don’t have to worry about your food tasting like the container itself.
The bamboo lid provides a secure closure for your food items and also looks great when opened or closed. Furthermore, the natural lightness of bamboo makes them easier to open than heavier lids made from other materials such as metal or ceramic. One potential downside of the bamboo lid however is its durability: repeated exposure to moisture can cause the wood to warp or grow mildew over time if left unchecked.