People are making the move to exclude plastic containers from their lives. When we store food in plastic containers, toxins have been proven to slowly seep into the food, especially if we add warm or hot food to the containers.
Additionally, since only 9% of all plastic ever created has even been recycled, chances are some of these plastic containers are also contributing to pollution.
More people are gravitating towards safe, more sustainable options as more research emerges about the dangers of using plastic, especially with our foods. However, you might be wondering what those choices are specifically and what to look for when evaluating them.
This blog will cover the top 4 factors you should consider when choosing sustainable food products.
4 Things to consider with sustainable food storage products
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Look for BPA-free options - Many plastics contain a harmful chemical, known as BPA, that can leach into your food. Using containers labelled “BPA-Free”, such as glass, ceramic, silicone, stainless steel, or bamboo, will help you eliminate the possibility of that chemical getting into your food.
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Consider the packaging material - There are several different material options out there for sustainable food packaging. Some of the most common ones are silicone bags, glass containers, and Pyrex containers. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your personal preferences and uses.
Silicone bags are a perfect alternative to plastic cling wraps and zip-lock bags. They are reusable, safe for food storage, leakproof, waterproof, free from harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS, and take up less space than most other plastic alternatives. Some of them, like our ecoSENSE reusable silicone food storage bags, can withstand extreme temperatures. This means they can store foods that need to be refrigerated, frozen, and even reheated in the microwave or oven (up to 425 degrees C). Our bags are also dishwasher safe, which means convenience is definitely on your side.
- Storage period - Naturally, some containers store foods fresher for longer periods. This is another thing to consider when choosing plastic alternatives. Silicone food storage bags can store foods for longer days than traditional plastic storage bags. They can also hold the temperatures of the food for longer, making them travel-friendly for food you’ll want to eat on the go.
- Long-term sustainability - If you’re seeking food storage containers, you want to ensure they are sustainable for the long term. Seek out brands and materials that are truly sustainable and can last several life cycles.
Long-term sustainability requires containers that are made with recyclable materials. Silicone can be recycled multiple times without losing much of its structural integrity, which makes it a perfect choice for sustainable food storage containers.