#plastic swaps

Food Storage Part 1: Food Containers

I find these to be the easiest swap, there are many options out there and it doesn't have to be expensive. Of course, not every environmental action is possible for everyone, so don’t sweat it if this is one of the things out of reach for you. If you’ve found that you can try though, I have a few options below.

The more common options we see in online spaces are of course glass containers, silicone bags, metal tins, reusable bottles, ceramic containers, etc. If these options are accessible to you and you can afford them, do give them a try! In my experience, my glass containers tend to be easier to clean than my plastics. On the less anecdotal side, materials like glass and metal are also easier to recycle than plastic. Also, there are a few concerns that people have regarding plastic safety--which I’ll link to below--so it could be a better option if you have those same concerns. All-in-all, if you can choose these swaps, it’s worth giving a shot.

Many of us can’t afford or access these swaps, however. There are a few options that I’ve seen and use myself that are less costly and easier to find. The first thing I try to do is go to a nearby thrift shop and buy used versions of the options I mentioned above. I’ve gotten most of my Pyrex and glass containers that way! I’ve also heard that people have found these on online second-hand shops like eBay or Craigslist too.

Since food and other products often come in plastic packaging, I also save my old plastic containers, especially if they look nice and sturdy. This is one way to practice one of the three R’s--reusing--and you don’t have to spend any extra money. When they become old (as in scratched, broken, etc), you can recycle them too. This article explains which plastics are safest to store food in.

Having plastic containers that you bought yourself isn’t the end of the world either. Yes, it would be better for all of us if we didn’t have so much plastic in the world. On the other hand, plastic that you can use over and over again is still better than single use, and it’s often one of the only options people have. I myself have plastic containers that I’ve had for years, including some from my parent’s house.

Here’s some more information on the benefits of reusing plastic. 

And here’s more information regarding safety with reusing plastic.

Food Wraps

Food wraps can take a little creativity to get around. We’ve gotten pretty reliant on plastic to preserve, store, and prepare our food. Plastic wrap serves a lot of purposes, so it’s hard to find something that works for every function, for everyone.

Some of the more popular options I’ve seen online and in stores are beeswax wraps, silicone wraps and bags, silicone “food huggers”, beeswax or silicone bowl covers, cloth, wax paper, and just keeping food in containers (see my last post). I’ve even seen an oven-safe reusable food wrap. These are all great products to reduce the amount of plastic you use, and many of these can help you reduce waste, too.

I’ve found that many of these products aren’t very user-friendly or affordable, though. Some products, like the beeswax wraps, can be difficult to wash, and any reusable that needs to be washed can be inaccessible for those with mobility or energy issues. Additionally, it can be a learning curve to properly care for some reusables, and many people might not have the time to be able to adjust (or have the funds to keep re-buying a product if they’re used incorrectly). Many households need more than one or a few products, too. You might end up having to buy multiple sets and multiple types of these products, which can be financially inaccessible for some.

What other options are out there? Like every environmental action, this totally depends on you and what you’ve got on hand. Most people I know have a couple reusable options that they mix-and-match, or they make their own versions of certain products (like homemade wax wraps). A no-to-low cost option to cover your food is to cover bowls or containers with plates. You could also reuse plastic bags by washing them--but you’d have to throw them away after a few uses for safety.

All-in-all, if you’re looking to decrease your plastic wrap use, look at what you can afford and access. This may mean that you get a few reusables and just try to buy less plastic wrap. As I always say, just do what you can!

Kick Plastic To The Curb With These Eco-Friendly Alternatives Pinterest Facebook Instagram Twitter This post contains affiliate links which may earn us a commission. It’s that time of year again where people all over the world make a pledge to reduce plastic consumption: Plastic-Free July! Every year, tons and tons of plastic waste ends up in landfills, on the streets of our local…