Getting rid of plastic in your kitchen (bento/ lunchboxes)

It wasn't until I decided to get rid of (or at least minimise) plastic containers in my kitchen that I realised how heavily I relied on them for storage and other uses. If you are thinking of doing the same I've listed some tips below.

Tips:
- Don't attempt to remove all plastic containers at one time as it will cost money to do this. Try to build up your stock of non-plastic containers and reduce your plastic containers over a few months.
- Remember that plastic becomes increasingly dangerous in extreme hot or cold conditions so try to replace this type of storage first i.e. plastic containers in the freezer, plastic containers used in the microwave etc.
- Be creative and think of budget friendly ways to collect non-plastic containers e.g. re-using  jam jars, glass bottles, biscuit tins etc
- Shop around and look out for sales and coupon offers in supermarkets/ petrol stations. It will make a big difference if you can buy these items at a reduced price yet not compromise on quality.
- Talk to family and friends you'll be surprised what you can learn from them. I was motivated to do this after talking to my friend who had started this already.

Where can I buy non-plastic storage containers and lunchboxes (bento):

- ECOlunchboxes.com (stainless steel bento/ lunchboxes)
This company is based in the US. If you order through their website from the EU you will be required to pay import duties and VAT. You can also buy ECOlunchboxes through amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.

- Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com
Have a wide range of stainless steel and glass containers including a brand called Indian-Tiffin bento/ lunchboxes.

- Tefal
Have a range of glass storage containers with a plastic (non-leak) lid.  Although the lid is plastic usually the food doesn't make contact with the lid so it's a nice compromise. Also these containers are ideal for packed lunches if you have liquids such as dressings, sauces etc.

- IKEA
Have a great selection of glass bottles and different sized glass jars.

What's wrong with plastic?
I'm still learning  and don't claim to know everything about this topic so please feel free to educate me! In summary there's a mix of chemicals in plastic containers which can leak into the food stored in these containers. The risk of this happening can increase when plastic is heated (e.g. put in microwave), old & scratched, washed in dishwasher etc.

If you have any tips on this topic or know other places that sell non-plastic containers please let me know via a comment on this post.

Remember that reducing our use of plastic will help the environment too!

Thanks Fiona

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