For all of those who are on the decision to start going green and want to kick-start a new healthy lifestyle, one of the first steps should be food storage. In today’s busy and fast-paced world where everyone is so busy, it might be difficult to get in the kitchen to cook up something fresh every single day. So typically what is done is that when we get the time we cook in large quantities and store it in a container and place it in the fridge for the following days. The same is done with leftovers or carrying snacks or lunch when on the go.
So while doing all of this, it is important to consider the material used to store the food. We all know how harmful plastic is harmful to our health, so when using plastic containers to store your food, chemicals leach into your food which can promote human breast cancer cell growth and lower sperm counts. Even worse when heated, the more it’s heated and cooled, and heated and cooled, the more the chemicals in that container begin to break down. This breakdown leads to the break of the food inside which as a result activates the rise of serious health issues.
Yes, we all know that plastic containers are more accessible and they have a range of aesthetically pleasing and practical ones to choose from but do you want to intentionally cause danger to your body? Or would you rather use alternatives that do you no harm?
Alternative and sustainable choices that are reusable and keep your food fresh include containers or bags that are made from stainless steel, glass, silicone, beeswax or cotton muslin. Unlike plastic, these are earth-conscious and toxin-free that consider your and the planet’s health.
So, remove all those plastic food storage containers or bags from your kitchen and replace them with these choices that help you have a healthier, fresher and happier lifestyle!
On a zero-waste mission, 4 My Earth produces bags and covers that for years, machine washable and have a plant-derived thermoplastic lining with help keep food fresher for longer. These products are food safe tested, biodegradable, vegan-friendly made from cotton grown in India and woven to cotton canvas and OXY bleached.
For instance, an excellent replacement to single-use plastic wraps, their vegan-friendly Snack Pocket which is made from 100% cotton canvas is perfect to carry a snack while on the go. Muffins, slice, nuts, biscuits, carrot sticks and so on, these biodegradable bags have a unique food derived inner coating that keeps food fresher for a longer period.
If not bags or pockets, you can also use 4 My Earth’s Food Covers that are designed to cover leftovers as well as cut-up fruits and vegetables and store in the fridge. Free from PVC, BPA, nylon, phthalates and heavy metals, these covers are also perfect for BBQs and picnics to keep the bugs off!
On the same mission as 4 My Earth is Seed and Sprout Co, which also focuses on reducing reliance on single-use plastics, produces leak-proof jars, stow sets, food pouches, and food wraps among others. The material used to made such eco-friendly storages include stainless steel, organic cotton muslin, beeswax, and sand-derived silicone to name a few.
Their Leak Proof Eco Food Jars is suitable for the fridge, freezer or pantry storing wet, cold, dry or hot food without the fear of leaking. Designed for easy storage, these jars are made of stainless steel with a leak-proof silicone seal. For the ones who are not aware, silicone is made of sand and not plastic and is more ocean-friendly, durable, and stands up better against heat and cold than the latter.
Alternatively their Eco Stow Set which looks good and functions well too is made from borosilicate glass which is known to handle heat better than pyrex. These pantry perfect items are covered with a sustainable bamboo lid with again a silicone seal inside for leak proof.
The love for silicone doesn’t end, the reusable Silicone Fresh Food Pouch is a great option to store fruits and vegetables keeping them crunchy and fresh for days and the vegan silicone Reusable Clear Food Wraps which in contrast to beeswax wraps adhere and stretch protecting and making a leakproof seal. Similarly the silicone Food Huggers is designed to embrace fruits and vegetables of all sizes and shapes, providing a comfortable space for any cut leftovers.
For the large quantity, loose goods such as grains, seeds, and cereals Organic Bulk Food Bags is the one. Made from organic cotton muslin with a drawstring to close, these bags are machine washable and perfect to store directly in your pantry or fridge.
Other ethical food storage includes Apiary Made’s beeswax wraps that come in various sizes and printed with hand-designed patterns containing images such as beehives, bee smokers, honey jars, bees and so on. Typically made with organic cotton, beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, beeswax wraps are perfect for wrapping cheese, sandwiches, salads and fruits and vegetables keeping them fresh. The warmth of your hands allows you to shape the beeswax in whatever form you want and when refrigerated it forms a firm cover to protect your leftovers.
For the babies and little kids, Little Mashies Reusable Squeeze Pouch comes in handy to store baby food or send yogurt and other squeezable snacks (custard, smoothies or mouse) to school. Made from the highest quality BFA free components these pouches are fitted with anti-leak ziplock and can be used again and again. The wide ziplock along the bottom of the pouch is great for easy filling and cleaning.
When shopping for vegetables or fruits, start using Reusable Produce Bags from Greensacks. These reusable bags holds up to 3kg and are made from lightweight net fabric that is strong and durable.
To sum it up, fresh or leftovers, get into the green routine by using these sustainable, reusable and non-toxic food storages and bid adieu to plastic and begin to live a lifestyle that is good for you and good for the earth!
