5 Alternatives to Plastic Food Storage

Whether it's in sturdy containers or flimsy Ziploc bags, plastic has a way of sneaking into our kitchens. Even reusable plastic containers aren't as sustainable as non-plastic containers because all plastic eventually makes its way into our air, land or water. In this post, I'll give you the DL on the best non-plastic containers on the market.

Why you shouldn't buy plastic food storage

The truth is, plastic in any form (whether it's a single-use clamshell or a reuseable Rubbermaid container) will eventually break down into "microplastics." Right now, our waterways, our air and even our food contain microplastics. If ingested, these uber small pieces of plastic can damage organs and leach out dangerous chemicals like BPA, which can mimic hormones in the human body. To prevent microplastics form taking over our world, we need to use fewer single-use AND reusable plastics.

The bad news doesn't end with microplastics. Although single-use plastics can be recycled to avoid microplastics for a short time, most plastics cannot be infinitely recycled. Each time plastic is recycled, it becomes a weaker form of plastic until eventually it cannot be recycled anymore. This is different from materials like glass and aluminum, which can be infinitely recycled. All that to say, we need to avoid plastic at all costs, even if it is reusable. Below are my top 5 favorite swaps for plastic food storage.

1. Recycled Glass Containers

   Lidded containers made of recycled glass can serve the same function as the sturdy lidded plastic containers you've been eyeing at the grocery store. Lidded glass containers are perfect for meal prepping, storing leftovers or packing lunches. What I love about clear glass in particular is that you can see what food you have stored inside. This way, you'll be less likely to forget which foods you have or let foods go to waste in mystery containers in your fridge.

2. Aluminum or Steel Bento Boxes

   If you're not familiar with bento boxes, they are Japanese-style containers that feature several compartments for storing different types of food. They are like those compartment plates you loved as a kid, but they're ready to take on the go. These are one of my personal favorite alternatives to plastic food containers because they're adorable, satisfyingly compact and perfect for portioning out each component of your meal.

3. Bee’s Wrap

   I've talked about Bee’s Wrap before and I'm not stopping any time soon. Bee’s Wrap is a waxy cloth that seals to itself similarly to plastic cling wrap. It can be washed and reused many times before being disposed of in your composter. Bee’s Wrap is perfect for storing bread, sandwiches, leftover vegetables or other foods that you're tempted to place in plastic zip-top bags or plastic wrap. As a bonus, it smells like honey and is sold in tons of cute patterns.

4. Linen Bread Bags

   As much as I love Bees Wrap, it can be a bit cumbersome for wrapping large items like bread. That's where linen bread bags come in. Since linen is super tightly knit, it is perfect for keeping bread fresh without a single-use plastic bag. These bags are perfect for taking to the bakery or bread counter in the grocery store so you can avoid buying loaves wrapped in single-use plastic.

5. Zip-Top Silicone Bags

   Although silicone is not as sustainable as glass or aluminum, it is longer lasting than plastic and is less likely to leach chemicals into your food. Zip-top silicone bags are perfect if you're still holding on to single-use plastic bags. I love to use them for bringing snacks on the go and for storing leftover fruits, veg or herbs.