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Safely storing food has always been a struggle for me. How easy is it to throw leftovers into plastic storage containers or wrap leftover mozzarella in plastic wrap? Pretty darn easy! But, lets think logically here and find ways to make safe, toxin-free storage just as easy.

Step 1: Part Ways

Say goodbye to the old plastic storage containers that have slowly changed color and even texture over the years of use… as well as the new ones that are marketed as “disposable”. Take them out of the cabinet and REUSE them to store non-food items like art supplies or items in your garage. Say goodbye and don’t look back.

Step 2: Replace

Replace plastic storage containers/plastic wrap with glass containers that have sealable snap lids. You will find that the glass storage-ware is actually MORE convenient, you can take it right out of the freezer, bring it to room temperature and re-heat in the oven! Plastics have been shown to emit estrogen that disrupts the hormonal system, affecting young growing bodies the most. This occurs more readily when plastic changes temperature (i.e., filled with hot food). Opt for glass and avoid this negative exposure entirely.

Replace plastic water bottles with BPA free stainless steal or re-usable bottles (try those from Klean Kanteen), they come in all sizes, colors and cute designs, there’s one for everyone! The idea here is the same as above, I know I have left a clear plastic water bottle in the car on a hot day and then took a sip from it when it cooled down later on… best to opt for a BPA-free bottle you can easily re-use, worry free.

Replace plastic baggies with unbleached parchment paper bags. Although you cannot put wet food items in the parchment bags, they are perfect for fruit and nut snacks, sandwiches, crackers, etc. For the other items that you would normally store in plastic baggies, use tiny glass storage containers (which are now readily available).

Step 3: Reinvent

We live in a world where eliminating plastic completely is not practical. The best we can do is make an effort to avoid using them ourselves and ask those around us to do the same. If you have a favorite take out restaurant, ask them about eco-friendly packaging, etc.. As the consumers, if enough of us demand a change, it will happen.

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy World.

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