It was an exciting day. My daughter said she was finally ready to ditch her plastic food storage containers, and I could get her a set of glass ones to replace them for a Christmas present.
The photo above shows her new storage containers.
What’s wrong with plastic containers?
Plastics are made from mixtures of synthetic chemicals.
In addition, plastics can contain additives that color, scent, strengthen, or improve the durability of a plastic item. Some of these additives are hazardous to health.
Corporations use hormone-disrupting phthalates to soften PVC plastic and add fire retardants to plastic electronic items, according to the Environmental Working Group, an research and advocacy organization.
When plastics are heated or exposed to UV light, chemicals leach from plastic food containers.
Health effect also occur from very tiny plastic pieces that are everywhere in the environment, even in human bodies, because plastic is continually breaking down. It never goes away.
Scientists estimate that adults ingest the equivalent of one credit card per week in microplastics.
Studies in animals and human cells suggest microplastics exposure could be linked to cancer, heart attacks, reproductive problems, and a host of other harms, according to Stanford Medicine.
Why glass is better
Glass is non-reactive and non-toxic. It’s easily to clean and lasts a long time.
The photo above is of glass storage containers that I got when mom died in 2005. She used them for decades, although I think there may have been another container in the set.
Glass is also sturdy and heat-tolerant and doesn’t release chemicals or toxins into food. In addition, it’s inert and doesn’t react with natural chemicals or dyes found in food.
Food and beverages stored in glass containers also stay fresh longer. Glass can be microwaved, heated in the oven, and placed into the dishwasher. Glass is eco-friendly, being 100 percent recyclable.
While my daughter wanted nice-looking food storage containers with plastic lids, I’ve used glass canning jars for decades. They work great. And, I tell people, you don’t have the problem with them that you have using plastic food storage containers – you can never find the right lid among the many sizes.
For canning jars, finding lids is easy. You have two sizes – wide mouth and narrow mouth.
Stainless steel and ceramic also can be used
Stainless steel and ceramic food storage containers also have the advantages of glass, except stainless steel can’t be microwaved.
Disadvantages of glass, stainless steel, and ceramic
Some cons of these materials include weight, breakability with glass and ceramic, cost, bulk, and lack of portability.
Final thoughts
Throw out your plastic containers today. Look for articles, such as “The Best Glass Food Storage Containers, According to Real Simple Editors,” to help you pick out a high-quality set of glass food storage jars.
Or, use my method. Buy canning jars and metal lids. They work great.
