Having a green kitchen means many things: eating more vegetables and less meat, purchasing ingredients mindfully, composting, reducing food waste, to name a few. The way you store your food also matters, and there are plastic-free, eco-friendly, reusable storage options for everything from staples to leftovers.
Innovative eco-friendly food storage containers are continually hitting the market. With so much to choose from, it could be mind-boggling to make a decision. Many factors go into determining what's suitable for your needs. The design and overall look of the storage container will play a significant factor. Also, what are you going to use it for? Does it need to be portable? What's the material made - how long will it last, and is it recyclable?
How to choose an eco-friendly food storage container
Eco-friendly storage can come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Take a little time to focus on what your needs are so you can narrow down the right products based on space, material, and design. Your goal is to purchase items that will suit your needs for many years. That's thinking like a zero-waste consumer!
First, choose the space:
- home - pantry, counter, refrigerator
- office - desk, refrigerator(labeled)
- travel - lunch bag, suitcase, plane
- child-friendly - school, diaper bag
Second, choose the material:
- glass - long-lasting
- silicone - durable
- bamboo - sustainable
- repurposed - innovative
Third, choose your personal design preference :
- size & shape for space
- color & design
- look & feel
- seal on lid
- dishwasher safe
Once you've narrowed down these 3, you are well on your way to selecting eco-friendly food storage containers that may last you many years to come. It will also set you on the path to a more organized kitchen. Imagine opening your pantry or refrigerator and seeing this:
Being better organized in the kitchen will also help with quick and efficient meal prep. How often have you wasted time searching for an ingredient in a disorganized pantry only to find you don't have it? It can be very frustrating!
Disorganized & Disposable (left) OR Organized & Eco-friendly (right)
Since some of these food storage containers can be expensive, start out with a few and add more to your collection over time. Before you know it, you will be well equipped with an arsenal of eco-friendly food storage containers for your home, office, and travel.
A few suggestions:
Verel Food Storage offers these beautiful glass containers with bamboo lids. Made with the strongest glass available that's safe for freezer, microwave, and oven. Made with Eco-Conscious materials that are kind to nature - from the box down to the silicone seal that keeps the lids airtight! It is topped with a dual-purpose Bamboo Lid that can function as a cutting board, while the leakproof cover ensures no spills.
Bklyn Bento Boxes are food containers made with 100% Stainless Steel. They now have a line of products that can hold hot foods and liquid (leak-proof). Bklyn Bento box is 100% FREE of BPA, BPS, and Phthalates. Bklyn Bento's owners designed these products because they care about our planet and hope people learn to use less disposable plastic.
Bee's Wraps are reusable Beeswax Wraps that offer a 3-in-1 alternative to plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and Ziplock bags. They are made in the USA with certified organic cotton, responsibly sourced beeswax, certified organic plant oils, and tree resin. Bee’s Wraps make a thoughtful gift for holidays, housewarmings, dinner parties, and potlucks.
Compostic reusable bags are another great alternative when you're on the go. Products are made from three biopolymers that will break down within 24 weeks in your compost at home or within 12 weeks in a commercial compost facility. All of the products are Non-GMO and BPA free.
Common everyday jars & containers that can be re-used
We often buy tomato sauce, cooking oil, baby food, bottled water, etc., that come in beautiful glass jars. Instead of tossing them in the recycle bin, why not make use of them for everyday storage? You'd be amazed at how creative you could get when you stop to think about reducing the number of items you throw away.
Check out our ZERO-WASTE section, where we share even more eco-friendly ideas on reducing the number of items you throw away!
Adam Rich
Cool ideas, thanks for the share.