Choosing glass meals storage containers over plastic variations is one easy solution to scale back your individual plastic consumption. Higher but, the choose may additionally additionally profit your well being (to not point out amplify your fridge shelfie objectives and even encourage you to complete your leftovers).
Forward, meals security professional Trevor Craig, company director of technical coaching and consulting at Microbac Laboratories, unpacks when and why it’s superb to retailer your meals in glass containers. Plus: finest practices and recommendation on navigating plastic containers when it’s unavoidable or a extra viable answer in your price range and meals storage wants, all with out chopping corners in your well being within the course of.
3 explanation why glass containers are optimum for (most) meals storage
1. Glass safely accommodates excessive and low temperatures
Craig explains that tumbler is usually safer for a large temperature vary. In contrast to plastic, glass can “get sizzling or chilly, preserve its form, and keep away from any breakdown that might leach dangerous chemical compounds,” he shares. For these causes, glass containers are perfect for protected, long-term meals storage in freezers. Glass can even stand up to scorching sizzling temps within the dishwasher, which leads us to the subsequent perk.
2. Glass is extra sanitary
You know the way it is inconceivable to get that marinara sauce tinge out of your plastic containers? Plastic is guilty right here, as a result of it is porous. “Glass is non-porous, so it’s simpler to scrub. This implies there are much less stains but additionally much less locations for meals and micro organism to get into that may be tough to scrub,” Craig explains.
Plastic, quite the opposite, presents obstacles on the cleanliness entrance. As Kate Reeder, MCN, RDN, LDN, beforehand instructed Nicely+Good, plastic meals storage can develop into a literal breeding floor for micro organism to type. “Plastic is a porous materials, which means that it really has tremendous tiny holes in it, which permit particles to move by and be absorbed,” she warned. Furthermore, Trevor provides that plastic has the next tendency to retain odors, which—to place it modestly—is much from savory.
3. Glass has an extended lifespan
Though glass meals storage containers are inclined to value greater than plastic options, they’re typically a greater funding in your meals high quality, well being, and cost-per-use. “Glass lasts longer and may be reused and recycled,” says Craig. “That isn’t at all times the case with plastic since it will probably lose form, inflicting cracking or flaking and ought to be disposed of extra typically.” After all, you’ll have to deal with your glass gently to keep away from breakage. But when you are able to do so, you may anticipate to maximise your funding over the long term in comparison with the choice—all of the whereas doing all your half to not add extra (future) plastic waste into the ecosystem.
FYIs and security ideas for plastic meals storage containers
Whereas glass meals storage has some clear benefits, chances are high you may’t (and received’t) use them for any and each meals storage occasion. “Basically glass is generally safer however doesn’t work for everybody or each scenario,” says Craig. “It typically prices extra, isn’t precisely childproof, and may be broken as effectively. It may also be heavy and never simple for on-the-go use like tenting, infants and youngsters, or day by day lunches.”
If and when it’s extra sensible to retailer and/or transport your meals in plastic containers, heed Craig’s insights to make sure you’re utilizing the very best kind of plastic. “PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE or LDPE (high and low density polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene) are all protected for meals,” he shares. “Usually, you could find this data on the underside of the container or on the packaging.” Furthermore, he strongly advises utilizing plasticware that’s clearly marked as BPA-free. (BPA, a chemical used to harden plastic and line meals cans, is an endocrine disruptor linked to numerous well being issues together with early puberty, breast most cancers, and coronary heart and metabolic points.)
As well as, Craig warns that not all plastics are designed for reuse. This contains many takeout and meals supply plastic containers, that are usually designed for one use solely and aren’t as sturdy because the plastic containers you’d buy for longevity. (This, too, extends to single-use plastic water bottles—the fabric of which, as Craig beforehand defined, “can break down and seep harmful chemical compounds” when reused.) “Many extra aren’t microwave-, dishwasher-, or freezer-safe, and none are oven-safe,” he explains. “General, consider meals containers as particular plastic designed for short-term storage (days or perhaps weeks)—not single-use plastic [items] like wraps, utensils, or bottles.”
On a parting word, he advises tossing your plasticware as quickly because it’s broken—i.e., scratched, warped, discolored, smelly, and so forth. “Whenever you’re throwing it away, look into your native recycling legal guidelines to see if it may be recycled, as many sorts of plastic can’t be,” he provides. (Glass, however, may be recycled endlessly, presenting one more perk of this meals storage answer.)
