MNN - Mother Nature Network

I haven’t totally given up my plastic food storage containers yet, but I’m working on it. I’ll be buying glass containers from now on. The list of health concerns about the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) that leaches from plastics keeps growing, the latest concern being that it makes male mice act more like females. Even BPA-free plastic can cause problems, so it makes sense to err on the side of caution and start to eliminate plastic.

 

I’ve been taking a look at what storage options are out there, particularly ones that are affordable. I’ve been looking specifically for glass containers from some of the more well-known manufacturers because in a couple of weeks I’ll be with some friends on a shopping weekend to some outlets. I’m hoping to be able to pick up some glass food storage containers while there. Here are some systems I found in my research that I think I might be able to find at the outlets.

 

Rubbermaid Glass with Easy Find Lids – The lids and bases of these glass containers nest neatly for easy storage. These glass containers have only plastic lids, but the plastic lids create a leak-proof seal, according to the description on the website.

 

 

 

 

Anchor Hocking Glass Storage Dishes – These dishes are oven safe with glass lids, and I also find the ribbing on them to be attractive. I’m not sure how well they might stack in the refrigerator with the textured lids, though.

 

 

 

 

 

Pyrex Glass Lids Storage – Pyrex makes a glass food storage system where each container comes with both a glass lid and a plastic lid. I like this option because the containers are oven safe, and the glass lids can go in the oven, also. For those that don’t want any plastic near their food, the glass lids can be used in the refrigerator and freezer, too, but there is a risk of them coming detached. For those that want a safer seal on their foods, the plastic lids can be used in the refrigerator and freezer, or for transporting food, with minimal contact with the food.

 

Of course, you don’t have to spend money on glass food storage. Reusing glass jars with lids from foods like pasta sauce and peanut butter that have been washed well is also an option, but they’re not always the best way to store something like half a leftover chicken, are they?

 

Do you use glass food storage in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer? Are you pleased with it?

 

Photos courtesy Pyrexware.com; Rubbermaid.com; Amazon.com