Do you want to reduce your packaging waste? Buying in bulk eliminates the use of single-use plastic. Many organic produce stores and community co-ops stock foods and other products that can be stored in glass containers at home. A bonus is the foods usually have a long shelf life.

Reusable containers

Glass Mason Jars
Glass is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Mason jars are a great way to preserve foods for up to a year and are also excellent alternatives to plastic bags or disposable containers for storing leftovers.  They also perfect for the use in bulk stores.

Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are very convenient, they are not heavy, easy to transport and won’t necessarily break if dropped. But plastic is causing a major environmental issue. In Australia, only 14% of plastic is recovered for recycling or energy recovery. A shocking amount of this plastic either can’t be recycled or just isn’t recycled.

However, plastic containers also create health risks when heated. Many plastics contain BPA (bisphenol-A) and phthalates. These substances are added to shape and stabilize plastics. Unfortunately they are “endocrine disruptors”, which cause chronic health risks.

Now that you know that plastic is not just a big issue for our environment, but also can create health risks, it’s time to let go and choose more sustainable alternatives.

Glass and Silicone food containers
Glass and Silicone food containers are more sustainable and do not create any health risks.

• Glass is cleaner compared to plastic. The non-porous surface of glass does not absorb food and germs or smells.
• Glass can be safely washed at high temperatures in your dishwasher
• You can use and reuse your glass containers again and again
• According to the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), “Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity.
• With glass containers, you don’t need to wait for your food to fully cool down before putting your leftovers in them.

Reusable Food Storage Bags
Plastic ziploc bags are a popular storage method for leftovers however are not recyclable and hardly reusable. 

There’s many environmentally friendly, reusable alternatives to single-use plastic bags, including silicone food bags. You’ll never have to buy another sandwich bag again. More information here:

More information here: http://www.designlife-cycle.com/ziploc-bags

What else can you do to avoid unnecessary packaging?