• Just say no – to plastic in the kitchen
• Tips for creating a plastic-free kitchen

Today let’s look at some non-plastic kitchen food storage and other containers. Later we’ll take a peek at some non-plastic kitchen accessories and extras. The only downside to many food storage containers is that they’ll be made with an eco-friendly material and then the company pops on a plastic lid. Better than all plastic, but still not perfect. In any case, some of the containers below are totally plastic free and a couple utilize plastic lids. You’ll need to decide which fit your kitchen’s needs better.

AT HOME NON-PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE:

Perfect for every home counter top in need of sugar, coffee, or other scoop-worthy dry goods storage – Cuddle Canisters are bright white porcelain with stainless steel lids and magnetically attaching spoons. Comes in a set of three (small / 16 oz, medium / 24 oz, and large / 40 oz) and fit together perfectly to minimize space on the counter top.

Pantone Storage Jars: air-tight enamel storage.

French Bull storage containers – LOVE these! French Bull offers non-plastic, shatterproof, dishwasher safe, food storage in air-tight canister sets, storage container sets, and mini storage container sets. Many fun design options to choose from.

Glasslock Rectangular Glass Food Storage Containers: rectangular glass food storage containers in a three piece set – one each14oz, 34oz and 68oz . These container comes with a fitted Plastic Silicone Sealed Lid and are safe for microwave, top rack dishwasher, freezer, and oven.

Third Pan: Nonreactive stainless steel that can be used for breading and marinating foods, freezing ice cream, or other food storage. Extra-deep sides to hold ingredients and prevent spillovers. Comes with a plastic lid (blah) so you can stack them.

ON THE GO NON-PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE:

Japanese Bento Box made of Cedar and Coated with Urushi - not microwave or dishwasher safe, but they are perfectly safe for food storage.

To-Go Ware 2 Tier Stainless Steel Food Carrier: Made with stainless steel and an easy fold down handle. Also shown is the Sidekick from To-Go-Ware: Perfect for on the go snacks and made with stainless steel.

SIGG Lunch Boxes: Easy travel companions or could even be used for food storage at home. Note that SIGG says, “Not a cooking container; you’re just plain crazy if you put these in a microwave oven.” Point taken.

Plum Creek Mercantile Reusable Cloth Snack Bags: Great for all sorts of on the go foods – I LOVE mine.

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• When ditching plastics, make sure to get rid of any plastics #3, 6, or 7 first. The other plastics are far less toxic.
• If you keep some plastics, don’t microwave in them. This makes it more likely that chemicals in said plastic will leech into your food or drink. Use glass or lead-free microwave safe ceramic dishes in the microwave.
• Use foil or a food container made of non-plastic vs. plastic wrap. If you can’t give up plastic wrap, at least never use it in the microwave.
• Look to packaging. A lot of plastics that end up in our kitchen are due to packaging on kitchen and food products. Try to buy food and other items in sustainable packaging. For example, you can buy ketchup in a glass bottle vs. plastic. To learn more, read how to green audit your kitchen pantry.

• If you bottle feed your baby, or give your toddler sippy cups make sure you use only BPA-free versions. Likewise, if you use baby and toddler feeding dishes, make sure those are BPA-free as well. One example are the Green To Grow – Welcome Home Sets – Baby bottles made with BPA-free resin and 100% recycled paper and soy ink packaging.
• Don’t use plastic cutting boards. Wooden or bamboo cutting boards are perfectly safe.
• Think in all-over terms. Plastic wrap and plastic food containers are obvious. However, it’s likely you’ve got plastic slotted spoons, plastic drainers, plastic drinking cups, plastic measuring cups, and more. When ditching plastics, do a full kitchen check. Many of these items come in safer silicone or aluminum versions.

Coming up, plastic-free food storage options plus some other plastic-free dishes (think spatulas, colanders, and so on.

Have you been trying to go plastic-free in the kitchen? What sort of changes have you made?

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Why say no?:

More and more studies pop up all the time that note the dangers of plastics. Plastics can leach toxins into our food and drink and then into our bodies. The most dangerous plastic threats continue to be BPA loaded plastics, but other plastics can contain chemicals as well.

While some plastics are made with plants now vs. oil, most plastics are still made with non-renewable resources and while some are recyclable, many plastics are not tossed into the recycling bins. If plastics aren’t recycled, they’ll languish in the landfills for god knows how long. Other plastics are downcycled into products that can’t be further recycled. Furthermore it’s super expensive to recycle plastics and doing so causes its own set of environmental problems.

The worst plastic offenders for our health:

If you aren’t up for clearing out all the plastics in your kitchen just yet, at least avoid the following..

• #3 – PVC usually used in plastic wraps and bottles (such as salad dressing).
• #6 – PS used for meat trays and styrofoam cups.
• #7 – 7 plastics are an odd bunch. It basically means it’s not a plastic 1-6. Most of these contain BPA and are usually used in baby bottles, water bottles, metal can linings, many Tupperware containers, and more.

Plastics #1, 2, 4, and 5 are less toxic to humans but still not ok for the planet.

Next up in the plastic kitchen series, ideas to reduce your plastic use in the kitchen.

Are you using tons of plastic gear in your kitchen? Do you know what types of plastics you still have around? If not, it might be time to start sorting them out.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

How cool is this use it up soap deal? Very cool. Learn more at Treehugger.

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It’s a good question, because almost everyone I know uses foil. It’s also one of those luxury items. It makes life easier, but no one would die without it. Luckily it’s also a very recyclable item. You can recycle foil just like soda cans, but your foil has to be clean. So, if you use foil, wash it up soon after use, so you can recycle it.

Other options:

Cover your food with a lid. That’s what recipes told you to do before foil was invented.

Cover pie crusts with a Silicone Pie Crust Shield or a lightweight shield.

Buy 100% recycled foil; which takes far less energy to make than traditional. Then use it more than once, and recycle it later.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008

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1. Instead of foil – go without and wash your cookie sheet or pan.
2. Instead of paper muffin cups – use Silicone Baking Cups.
3. Instead of packing snacks and sandwiches in plastic baggies – try small containers with lids or these.
4. Instead of polyurethane laden sponges – use a washcloth or a greener sponge option.
5. Instead of spraying your kitchen counters with chemicals – don’t. Bonus point for not using paper towels.
6. Instead of keeping your coffee pot on – transfer hot coffee to a large thermos.
7. Instead of individual packaging i.e mini cereal and applesauce cups – buy the biggest package possible that your family can use up.
8. Instead of boxes and jars – buy bulk when possible (use your own containers). Try with items like raisins, spices, chocolate chips, and sugar.
9. Instead of an empty freezer – fill it up to conserve energy and make items colder.
10. Instead of boiling soup and steaming veggies on the stove top – use your microwave if you’ve got one.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008

[Image via stock.xchng]

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For the thrifty design divas: via Umbra…

madras soap pump

orvino soap pump

teardrop kitchen pump

vidrio soap pump

For folks who like a little lotion with their soap:

duo double soap pump

[via Umbra]

Hippie, earthy, pottery family friendly:

Soap or lotion dispenser from Gauley River Pottery

Patina, Rustic & Dawn from Little e Pottery

Dragonfly set in Bluegrass or Dark Blue from Cabin Pottery

Leaf from Cabin Pottery

Kid friendly:

Glee Soap Pump from City Living

Lodge Bear, Tiki set, or Chili Pepper from Ancient Visions Rustic Home Furnishings

Common Cold Soap Dispenser by Giant Microbes from Mod Cloth

Bizarre:Outhouse from Piper Classics

For Peggy:

Country Cat from Piper Classics

For me (I like this one – it’s so old school):

Hoosier Soap Dispenser from Piper Classics

Earth Friendly:

Note that anyway you play it, a refillable soap dispenser is a great green choice. However, for die-hard tree huggers, here you go…

100% Recycled Glass Soap Dispenser Cobalt Round or 100% Recycled Glass Soap Dispenser Clear Green Square from The Natural Abode

Luxury:

Fun to look, but um… no way! Although, technically one of these would eventually pay itself off.

Firsthand Soap Dispenser ($78) from Napa Style

K2 Wall Mounted Soap Dispenser ($211 – $296) from Ginger

Which one is your favorite? I like the Hoosier, all the pottery ones, and the little germ.

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Did you know that filling the freezer helps save energy?

If you have any other green kitchen tips you’d like to share, please leave a comment.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family