A couple of weeks ago the Attainable Sustainable Facebook community was discussing this article about plastic. In a nutshell, the article states that BPA-free plastic may not be any safer than the BPA-laden stuff we’ve been using.
The plastics industry is the third largest manufacturing industry in America. Can I trust these folks to be straight up with me about the safety of eating food from plastic? My money’s on “no.” But while I haven’t flocked to snap up the BPA-free alternatives because, why, BPA-free sounds almost like a health product, I still use way too much plastic. It pains me to admit that, but it’s true. At least until last week it was true.
That Facebook conversation prompted me to finally say, “enough.” While we do store a fair amount of food in glass, our collection of plastic containers make it all too easy to just keep using them. I stopped buying plastic zip top bags quite awhile ago; if we don’t have them in the house, we have to figure out an alternative. I figured the same would be true of plastic containers, so I gathered up all of the Tupperware, all of the sour cream containers (some used over and over again until the print has worn off), all of the Ziploc brand plastic containers. And I got rid of them.
We’ve had some grumbling about the new plan, but for the most part my guys are adapting quite nicely. Beyond the fact that our food is no longer ensconced in plastic, I’ve noticed another benefit: with everything in clear glass, it’s very easy to see what’s in the fridge and leftovers are much easier to manage.
I’m not promising that I’ll never bring another plastic container home – our local artisan goat cheese, for instance, is sold in plastic containers – but I am making sure that I’m bringing food home in plastic containers less frequently. And instead of continuing to use those containers for food storage, potentially exposing my family to the chemicals found in plastic, I’ll recycle the containers immediately. It’s not ideal – ideal would be the ability to get everything I buy in glass – but it’s a change I think is worth making.
What long-ingrained habit are you working on changing?
Photo: Flickr user JodiWilcome
wow that is a brave move and very sensible. I’m not ready to throw out the plastic yet, but I have been accumulating a massive collection of glass jars. This is not easy when you don’t buy processed foods, mainly people are giving them to me. When I have enough jars I will change over. What do you use in the freezer though? We get our steers butchered, so its hard to have a freezer full of meat without wrapping the cuts in plastic bags. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
@farmer_liz Can you request that your butcher use butcher paper? That’s how we used to get it when I was growing up. It does have some plastic in it, but way less than the plastic packaging. Our local butcher shop uses plastic packaging, but if I order ahead, I can request that they use paper.
As for what I use for freezer storage, I’ve switched over to glass. I use the wide mouth, straight sided canning jars and make sure I leave plenty of head space.
@farmer_liz I know a lot of people that “can” beef and venison in mason jars. My parents do that and it’s fantastic with rice or noodles. I can’t vouch for this website but it gives some ideas….http://www.simplycanning.com/canning-meat.html#axzz1nmuWb9Sd As far as freezing I know a lot of people wrap in wax paper before the plastic wrap- doesn’t eliminate plastic but I guess reduces how much the plastic is touching your food.
@farmer_liz wax paper just like my grandma did. you’ll learn how to wrap it efficiently.
I think I’m gnawing on the bullet. Glass in the pantry, *some* glass for refrig’ing….but, sigh, still have quite the handful of plastic for fridge storage. Someday.
So, what do you use for sandwich baggies instead? You know….for kids lunches (the ones not careful enough for glass).
Made the switch to glass in the pantry. I use a bento box for the kids’ lunch (or a cloth snack bag). I also use oven and fridge safe pyrex containers with glass lids instead of plastic containers. Slowly but surely…
Wish I hadn’t just invested in Tupperware flour and sugar containers last year …
I save the Vlasic pickle jars. They work out really well for storing all kinds of dry goods.
Rebecca Green: http://amzn.to/x5RWmd Not cheap, but they last forever according to my neighbor.
Interesting….stainless steel!! Love it! Thank you very much!!!
I’d love to get rid of my plastic storage containers. Unfortunately I tend to drop things quite often. My kids tend to try to get things on their own. We had a few glass containers a few years back for sugar and rice and flour. Two of the three containers were dropped and broken within the first week.
I just switched for the pantry. What would you use for the freezer? Like to store soup or premade meals?
I have the exact same ones and I love them!
Gina Moyer: Some ideas (and check the comments for more). I’ve yet to find a *perfect solution, but I’m moving to primarily glass jars. Straight-sided work best, and you’ve got to leave enough head space, but I’ve had zero breakage since I switched to only straight-sided jars.http://www.attainable-sustainable.net/plastic-free-freezer-storage/
Denise Montague: Ceramic containers? Cork floors?
Excellent! I had no idea they made those. Thanks! ;0)
Denise Montague….you could do what I do with my daughter whenever she is helping me cook….I take a can-coozie and cover the jar with that in order to stop breakage if a drop should happen.
I was always obsessed with glass jars anyway!!!
Little by little I’ll get there.
Yes, got rid of our all our plastic and now use glass to store.
Been working my way to a plastic free kitchen for awhile now, have just enough glass storage, next replacing serving spoons and spatulas!
Slowly but surely!
I did this almost a year ago and haven’t looked back. It can be done! http://www.brownthumbmama.com/2010/05/replacing-plastic-with-glass.html
Replaced all my plastic storage with glass and I love it!
Attainable Sustainable I would LOOOOOVE cork floors. We didn’t have pickles for nearly an entire summer because I would drop the jar while I was putting it away.
I’ve been wanting to do this for some time but the glass systems and such are quite pricey. Might I ask what you started with?
Misty Thompson, I don’t have a “system” at all. I use canning jars a lot for dry storage, but I’ve just started using them for leftovers, too. I reuse a lot of jars – the Laura Scudders peanut butter jars are great for storage. I have a couple of glass (Martha Stewart, I think) bowls with plastic lids (which are cracking) and another set of mixing bowls that have lids. I’d say the best place to start would be a big container or two, since jars can handle the smaller stuff. This is similar to what I have: http://amzn.to/wM9XjQ
Thx
I spose I think it need be overnight but as many are saying slow and steady…perhaps canning jars may go on sale. 
Do you thrift? Or garage sale? I’ve had good luck there. It’s just a matter of keeping those in mind.
Misty: If it helps any, we were able to get the ball rolling with a set of Pyrex storage containers like this, which are under $25 a set: http://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-6021224-Storage-10-Piece-Clear/dp/B00005B8K5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1330405049&sr=8-3 We got one and I recycled a bunch of plastics, then we got another and I was able to recycle the rest. My husband has a handful of the square Ziploc plastic containers that he hasn’t given up yet, simply because they fit *perfectly* in his lunch bag and stay sealed properly (which is important in his larger bag, of course). I’ve conceded that battle as I see his point – one spill in with his work stuff = point proven.
I use the Pyrex for leftovers galore. I’ve also taken to saving glass jars from applesauce, etc for dry goods; I can’t re-seal the lids so I don’t use them for actual canning. We’ve stocked up on a few canisters that are specifically for the pantry but they are much more.
Those will be replaced some day too. Who wants splinters in their food? Sanding myself only goes so far. 
We were able to get some LunchSkins through a sale at VitaminShoppe.com one time – if you are an Ebates user you get a little bit back there too. Definitely slowly but surely in these parts – plastic utensils for wood are next. I have one wooden spoon I *love* and bought a multi-pack that turned out to just be junk.
People with young kids, please be very careful with glass. You can say that breakage teaches kids to be more careful and it’s a logical consequence, but it truly can be a life changer when one small jam jar breaks in a hand.
I use the Pyrex storage containers for leftovers. They have plastic lids, but it’s a huge improvement. We switched to those 8 years ago bc the plastic containers looked so scary to me. We made th einitial investment and have broken very few (even with 5 kids). I even put things like half an onion in one of those instead of a ziploc. I also use things like spaghetti jars (and lids) and canning jars, pickle jars, salsa jars, anything like that. They work great! No need to throw them away. It’s a free way to build up a supply of storage containers and lids.
i have been using glass forever. My mom used to cook oatmeal in the micro wave and reheat spaghetti in the same bowls. so our Tupperware as kids had visible oats melted in to the side and died orange. As a result I have a phobia to plastic. As soon as I bought my first apartment I refuse to buy plastic. I have glass, ceramic and a little stainless steel (careful it can change the taste of some things). As a added plus inside my cabinets looks so pretty. I have people comment on how neat glass and ceramic look lined up in my cupboards. Pyrex storage bowls have plastic lids but who says you have to use them. They crack too soon anyways. I just set a plate on top in the fridge and in the microwave. Leftovers are more visible in glass and therefore eaten sooner. Now I have three kids. As a toddler they got stainless steel cups (I only have two just rinse/wash and reuse). Now they have glass glasses too (buy cheap ones from the dollar store to start). No plastic plates for little ones either. I used corelware salad plates for little kiddos. They are tough and then they moved right into my real ceramic Crate and Barrel dishes. They do great. We just taught them upfront to respect the glass. They set and clear the table just like normal. I have only lost one plate since the birth of my first and it was my fault not my kids. My friends think I am strange but it’s a way of life for me. I never even think to save the plastic containers they go to the recycle bin. i store stuff or put left overs in mason jars with metal lids and rings. I have a double cabinet full of mason jars. I use them for food storage, canning, decorating, drinking and the list goes on and on…. I applaud you for making the change. You can do it. I have for years. Now if we could only buy less in plastic to start with.
Great idea. Think I’ll follow suit on the Ziploc bags too, even though I reuse. I’m mostly a glass gal, but you’re right, if there’s plastic in the house, it will just get used.
I don’t garage sale. Melonie love that though. I marked it to talk w hubby about. We’ve been married 6 years and a few of my Pyrex have broken so perhaps it’s time.
I save glass juice bottles, applesauce, Kombucha, etc as well 
Just been converting ex plastice bagged food into cool clear glass and loving it!
I never even thought about the plastic butter tubs. I will no longer buy them. Stick butter from now on.
Snap ware has a great set ( got mine at Costco) different sized containers with lids that snap into place. I send those to work with my husband with anything that needs heating, but they are heavy, so salads are still in plastic.
im working on it… slowly…
I have way too much Tupperware-type containers, and each time I use one I get a pang of “this is just wrong.” And I love the way glass looks…much easier to see what’s inside. I’m slowly making the switch.
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