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By Paige McBride/Aug. 31, 2021 10:21 am EDT
Many times, when someone gives their organization or storage tips, their ideas come wrapped in plastic. From plastic bins to Tupperware containers and more, it can feel impossible to find a way to effectively store your food without defaulting to using plastic. However, a few easy-to-use options are likely right in front of your face.
Martha Stewart notes that, instead of using saran wrap, you can just place a bowl over your food item — whether it sits on a plate or another bowl. While it’s not as air-tight as plastic wrap, it works in a pinch. For the days when you need to seal off your items, beeswax or oil wrap works as a plastic-free, reusable preservation material. The outlet notes that, with proper care, these wraps will last up to a year and can go in the compost bin once you’re finished using them. Yet another option comes from silicon lids; these come in different sizes and seal your bowl or plate shut. Essentially, it’s like Tupperware that doesn’t require a specific bottom and they’re easy to clean.
As for specific items like bread, the Zero Waste Collective recommends using a bread box to keep your loaf fresh. Otherwise, putting it in a cloth bag or wrapping it in a tea towel will help keep it soft for longer without using plastic. You can also use that beeswax wrap here as well.
Stock up on canning jars
Plastic Tupperware is a big problem. Between piling up in landfills and leaching chemicals into our food, this storage option will hopefully become obsolete within the next few years. To achieve that goal, start consolidating your mason jars. These are perfect for food storage after you chop some fresh vegetables; they also work for soups, juices and more. Martha Stewart recommends making overnight oats in your glass vessels and tossing your leftovers into these glass jars. In a similar vein, steel containers offer a plastic-free option that you can use to preserve your breakfast, lunch and dinner leftovers.
Furthermore, the Zero Waste Collective notes that these containers also serve as perfect vessels for your bulk items. If you head to the store ready to stock up on oats, seeds, nuts and other small items, make sure you bring your aluminum containers with you. Plus, these often have amounts on the sides, helping you keep track of how much you’re purchasing. Baking supplies like sugar and flour work well in these canisters. Opting for glass Pyrex containers will also give you more options when it comes to buying in bulk.
Even though going plastic free may require a larger investment on the front end, the money you’ll save in plastic wraps, bags and Tupperware will add up as well. By putting in a little extra effort, you can spare your wallet and the planet.
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