5 affordable ways to switch to non-toxic food storage. Learn how to upcycle everyday items for a healthier more sustainable lifestyle.
Nothing is better than a perfectly organized kitchen, where everything has its place, and you know exactly where to reach for something. But, when it comes to kitchen storage, it's easy to get trapped in the cycle of buying just the right bins and baskets to keep everything organized.
However, the cost of these items can add up quickly while contributing to the production of single-use plastics. Beyond that, plastics can leach harmful chemicals into our food, posing health risks.
Upcycling, which involves finding creative ways to reuse and repurpose everyday items you likely already have in your home, is a great place to start if you're looking for safer, more sustainable alternatives for storing your food.
In this post, we share 5 ingenious upcycled ideas for non toxic food storage that will help you breathe easier in the kitchen. These ideas are sure to inspire you to get creative.
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Why Is Non Toxic Food Storage Important?
Many plastics can leach harmful chemicals when they come into direct contact with our food, especially when food is hot or acidic. As plastic containers become scratched and damaged over time, the chance of exposing your food to toxic chemicals increases. Plastic-free food storage options can reduce exposure to these harmful substances to protect our health.
What Are Some Common Toxic Chemicals Found In Plastic Food Storage Containers?
Common toxic chemicals found in plastic food storage containers include BPA, phthalates, and PVC. These chemicals can harm our health and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, fertility problems, and developmental issues in children.
How Can I Upcycle Items In My Home For Healthier, Non Toxic Food Storage Solutions?
It is generally recommended to store food in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers. These materials are less likely to leach chemicals into the food and are more durable. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find endless upcycling opportunities for creating non toxic food storage solutions in your home.
5 Ideas For Non Toxic Food Storage Alternatives
1) Save Your Glass Spaghetti Sauce and Jelly Jars
Recycling jars for food storage is a cost-effective and environmentally effective way to store your food. So hang on to your glass jars, whether spaghetti sauce jars, peanut butter jars, or mayonnaise jars, you name it! The great thing about recycling glass jars is that they come in sizes that are convenient for storing any amount of food, whether an unused half a lemon or an entire jar of soup.
They have tight-fitting lids that help keep food fresh and prevent unwanted smells from escaping into your refrigerator. And since they are transparent, you can keep a close eye on any foods that are starting to go bad or that you need to restock.
Suggested Reading: Refrigerator Organization Hacks To Keep Food Fresher Longer
How to prepare an upcycled glass jar for storing food:
Wash the jar: Begin by thoroughly washing the jar with warm, soapy water. This will help to remove any remaining food residue or odors from the jar. Rinse the jar well, and then dry it completely.
Sterilize the jar: To sterilize the jar, you can either place it in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or place it in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 20 minutes. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present on the jar.
Let the jar cool: Once you have sterilized the jar, allow it to cool completely before adding any food.
Label the jar: Mark the jar with its contents and the date. This will help you keep track of what is in the jar and when it was added.
2) Hang On To Your Oui Yogurt Containers
If you're a fan of Yoplait Oui Yogurt and their cute little jars, don't toss them once you're done with them. These little glass containers are amazingly versatile, and you can purchase a set of wooden bamboo lids so you can continue to use them again and again. These little jars are perfect for storing spices or sprinkles or stashing a small snack of nuts or chocolate chips in your bag when you're on the go.
3) Reuse Wine Bottles To Make Cooking Oils Handy
Empty wine bottles make excellent vessels for storing olive oil and other types of cooking oil, especially if you buy these items in bulk. You can transfer your oil of choice into a clean wine bottle and place it next to the stove, so it's easy to grab and pour whenever you need it. You could even add some garlic and rosemary to add a little extra flavor to your cooking oil. Wash them out well, fill them with oil, and top them with a removable pour spout. Full-size wine bottles work great for cooking oil, while smaller bottles (splits) are perfect for dipping oils.
4) Save Your Candle Jars With Lids
If you're a fan of fancy candles, you've likely got a few in your collection that have their own lids. Both glass and ceramic jars can become great options for storing food items. Once you've burned the candle down, the trick is to clean the jar thoroughly and remove any waxy residue before it's ready for storing food. Only consider reusing your candle jars for food storage if you use candles made from natural, organic ingredients like soy or coconut wax and fragranced with essential oils.
How to prepare a used candle jar for food storage:
Remove any remaining wax: You can heat the wax with a hairdryer and then scrape it out with a spoon or butter knife. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the freezer for a few hours and then tap out the wax. Pouring boiling water into the jar and then letting the melted wax rise to the top and cool so you can remove it is another option to try.
Wash the jar: Once the wax is removed, wash the jar thoroughly with hot, soapy water. This will help to remove any remaining wax and fragrance residue from the jar. Rinse the jar well, and then dry it completely. Do a final rinse with a little rubbing alcohol or vinegar to help remove any traces of oil residue and fragrance left behind.
Sterilize the jar: To sterilize the jar, you can either place it in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or place it in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 20 minutes. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present on the jar.
Let the jar cool: Once you have sterilized the jar, allow it to cool completely before adding any food.
5) Repurpose Candy Tins For Storing Small Food Items
Candy tins, like the packaging used for Altoids mints, are a versatile and attractive way to store a variety of small kitchen items. These tins can be repurposed to keep everything from spices and herbs to tea bags and sugar packets neat and organized. Candy tins can also be used to store baking supplies such as sprinkles, food coloring, and icing tips. The compact size of the tins makes them perfect for small kitchens, and they can be stacked to save space. They also often come in bright and colorful designs, which can add a fun touch to your kitchen.
Switching to non-toxic, plastic-free food storage options can be easy and affordable. Upcycling items like glass jars, wine bottles, and candy tins can reduce your environmental impact and promote a healthier lifestyle. These ideas are a just a starting point and there are many other options out there. Remember to always do your own research, be open to trying new things, and to have fun with the process!
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