For years, l've been storing leftovers and beans, rice, and lentils in glass jars.
Why?
I've been concerned about chemicals from the plastic leaching into food.
When I read an article years ago in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "FDA Consumer," I threw out all my plastic containers. The article stated that the FDA hadn't tested what happens to food that is microwaved in plastic, but the agency decided to approve the use of plastic containers for microwaving anyway while it studied the matter.
Not good enough for me.
I bought canning jars, pint and quart size, mostly at a second-hand store. I was pleased with the results. The lids always fit. No more rummaging through the cupboard for the right size plastic lid to put on a plastic container.
Some plastic containers aren't good for your health, according to the article "Tiffany's Cupboard: Ridding Your Cabinets of Old Plastic Tubs Will Do More Than Just Save You Space" in the fall issue of "Green Guide" magazine.
The article advises consumers to get rid of:
- Plastics that are cloudier now than the day they were purchased and containers with scratches.
- Single-use containers, such as yogurt or butter tubs and take-out containers.
- Grooved or stained plastic cutting boards.
- Plastic you've used in the microwave.
The "Green Guide" recommends using instead:
- Glass, ceramic, and stainless steel.
- No. 5 plastic.
Thanks to your post, I’ve checked all of my plastic containers. Luckily they are all number 5 plastic!
Hi Lisa,
It’s great you checked your plastic containers. Everyone should be aware of what kind of plastic they’re using.
Rita