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We live in a land of infinite choices: cash or credit? Take-out or delivery? And when it comes to food storage containers, glass or plastic? The answer isnt that simple. Aside from personal preference, the choice depends on environmental and safety concerns, space and weight considerations, and functionality. Below, weve laid out the factors to consider when choosing between glass and plastic, and determined a winning material for each category.
Glass is safer for health Most plastic food containers are made using polycarbonate plastics, some of which have bioactive chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: GLASS
First up: recycling. With care, glass containers will last almost indefinitely, and if you do discard of them, theyre 100 percent recyclable. An unfortunate amount of plastic, however, can’t be recycled in most municipal recycling programs. (Plastics are labeled with numbered symbols and local programs typically recycle some, but not all, of the labels.) According to a recent study, approximately 6300 metric tons of plastic waste had been generated as of 2015, 9 percent of which had been recycled. The only kind of plastic containers that might be comparable to glass in terms of environmental benefits are ones made of recycled plastic, like these by Preserve.
FOR PACKING YOUR KIDS’ LUNCHES: PLASTIC
If you’re sending your children off to school with their lunch, plastic is best for the same reasons above. Anya Hoffman likes this portioned option because it has tiny compartments for different items.
THE ONE PANTRY ORGANIZATION HACK THAT ACTUALLY WORKED | FRUGAL FIT MOM
FAQ
What is the best material for pantry storage?
Does food last longer in plastic or glass?
Is it safe to store pantry items in plastic containers?
Which container is best for storing grocery items?
Are glass containers good for food storage?
Glass containers for food storage: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in quality. Glass containers have a longer lifespan compared to plastic, reducing waste. The production of glass containers requires less energy and resources than plastic containers.
Should you buy plastic or glass containers for your pantry?
Plastic also tends to be less expensive, which can be an important factor if you’re planning to buy multiple containers to organize your pantry. If you’ll be switching up the contents inside your containers or washing them frequently, we recommend choosing glass over plastic, since plastic canisters will deteriorate and stain more quickly.
Should you store food in glass or plastic?
Aesthetically speaking, storing items in glass looks far more put together than storing food in plastic. Furthermore, if you are serving food in a glass dish, it looks much more elegant than doing so with plastic. You also avoid the risk of discoloration or strange smells that plastic containers often absorb.
Should food be stored in plastic containers?
To minimize health risks, it is recommended to choose BPA-free plastic containers and avoid microwaving food in plastic whenever possible. Overall, the health benefits of storing food in glass containers outweigh those of plastic containers.