On a scale of 1 to 10, fear of plastic food containers is about a 5 for me. It certainly doesn’t induce full-scale panic. But it does add to my aggregated anxiety—along with the economy, cancer and those lines on my neck.
While I can’t do anything about Tim Geithner, cell mutation or middle age, I can do something about plastic food containers.
And this weekend I did. After months of procrastination, I took action and bought enough quality lidded glass containers to store and freeze all our family’s food and leftovers.
Now that I’ve converted, I’m a glass evangelist.
6 good reasons to switch from plastic to glass food storage
Since I’ve been saved from plastics’ evils, I want to guide you to the light. I believe once you understand the benefits of glass food storage, you’ll come around from the dark side of plastic food tubs and petrochemical Ziplock bags.
You’ll be glad to know my conversion rests on rational as well as emotional pillars. While I’m sure there are more, I’ve uncovered 6 reasons why glass is superior. Among its advantages, glass food storage…
- Looks prettier. Okay, glass’ beauty is the least rational reason to switch from plastic to glass. But esthetics are the number one reason why I made the change.
Glass is simply prettier and more substantial looking than plastic. I enjoy the nostalgia stirred by glass kitchenware: I always loved my grandmother’s teal, cherry red and forest green Pyrex nesting bowls. Her etched glass casserole dishes, see photo below, were and are—I inherited them—a pleasure to the senses.
I wouldn’t dream of putting a plastic container of food on my dining table. But I often roll Grandma S.’s casserole dish from fridge to stove to table—even for guests, see photo, below. Glass containers retain their crystaline attractiveness forever. Unlike plastic, glass’ non-porous surface doesn’t absorb dyes or colors. You can store Bolognese in glass one day and put whipped cream in it the next—with no fear of garlicky after notes or greasy red stains.
- Keeps food safe. Scientists no longer ask if toxic substances migrate from plastic to food during microwave heating. They ask how much toxins migrate. They ask if you should use plastic to reheat foods for kids, the ill, the elderly. They ask far too many questions and provide too few reassuring answers, as far as I’m concerned. No doubt scientists will continue to duke it out. In the meantime, I prefer to play it safe if not in my house of glass—in a kitchen crammed with glass containers.
On another safety note: Glass is cleaner than plastic. Glass’ non-porous surface doesn’t absorb food and germs and it can be safely washed at high temperatures in your dishwasher.
- Enhances food flavor. Ever notice how milk and marinara from your grocer taste better packed in glass? The same is true of home-stored food. Food simply tastes fresher, cleaner and fuller stored in glass. Glass’ safe, glossy surface repels food odors and residual flavors. And food reheated in glass—whether in a conventional oven or microwave—tastes superior to victuals nuked in plastic. You won’t find plastic’s steamy greenhouse effect—and food has a less soupy consistency and watery mouth feel.
- Helps clean-up the planet. Using glass rather than plastic significantly reduces landfill. It also saves energy on plastic’s inefficient recycling process. And unlike that metastasizing heap of mismatched plastic containers in your kitchen cupboard, once you invest in glass storage containers, your supply pretty much stays steady. With care, you’ll use your original glass containers almost indefinitely.
If you break a glass container, you can recycle it without guilt:
- Up to 80% of all recycled glass can be reclaimed.
- Recycled glass uses 40% less energy than manufacturing new glass.
- Recycling doesn’t compromise glass’ quality or structure and no toxins are produced in it’s recycling.
A move to glass storage marks a raised consciousness—arguably glass’ most valuable environmental benefit. Your investment in glass helps you move from a throw-away mind-set to a more sustainable sensibility.
- Saves you money. Because glass is usually more expensive than plastic, at first glance, it seems a switch to glass will be more costly. But think about this: Unlike plastic, glass is pretty much a one-time investment. It actually saves you money in the long run. And glass comes in a wide range of prices—see Buying Guide, below.
- Eases food prep, serving and clean-up. You’ll find tempered glass food containers:
- Move effortlessly from freezer to fridge to stove to table.
- Reduce food waste—clear containers let you see what’s in the fridge and use up leftovers before they go bad.
- Let you safely check food as it reheats—glass’ clarity allows you to see what’s happening without removing lids.
- Wash-up faster and cleaner—you can safely pop glass into your dishwasher and cleanse at high temperatures.
What to look for when you shop for glass storage containers
To get the most from your investment in glass storage containers, look for:
- Glass containers with tight-fitting lids made of glass, rubber or non-toxic plastic. Try to find flat lids without knobs for easier stacking, see photo below.
- Oven-proof, freezer-safe tempered glass so you can move food from freezer to stove—or oven to fridge—without danger of cracked or broken glass.
- Square or rectangular shapes that allow containers to stack easily, pack close together and take up less space in fridge.
- Attractive design: Whether you like clean-lined modern classics or funky vintage glass, you’ll find plenty of eye-pleasing designs now that glass containers are on your radar screen.
Glass Food Container Buying Guide
The following list is far from comprehensive. Please leave a comment to tell me about your own glass sources and finds.
Here’s where I’ve seen great glass storage containers:
- Kmart: I outfitted my kitchen with two sets of Martha Stewart 14-piece ovenware and storage sets, “Everyday” lidded glass bowls for under $60.
- Ikea: Those environmentally progressive, design-for-the-masses Swedes purvey very nice glass food storage containers. As soon as I can pull myself away from my laptop—how about never? Just kidding!—I’m heading to Ikea Brooklyn to buy at least ten of these.
- The Container Store: While I’m put off by this store’s inflated pricing—that’s why I’m not linking to them—if price is no object, check them out. They offer an incredibly wide variety of glass storage containers and jars.
- Flea markets and garage sales are a fun way to unearth fabulous bargains on vintage Pyrex and etched glass food storage containers.
- Ebay. Warning: Vintage glass can become an addictive hobby—and Ebay is the Mecca for hobbyists of every stripe. Try searching for “vintage Pyrex,” “vintage glass casserole,” “vintage covered glass dish”—those are just a few of my obsessions. I’m sure you have your own. Don’t get me started on old lead-glazed Fiesta ware.
- Your local hardware store. You’ll find large and extra-large Mason jars—a great storage option—at hardware stores and departments. While researching this post, I happened upon Elana’s Pantry, the wonderful gluten-free food blog. Elana makes beautiful use of oversized Mason jars for food storage. Check out her “Why Glass?” post here.
Photo courtesy of Eneas
Great site! Thanks for mentioning my “Why Glass?” post. Isn’t it funny that something that looks so much better (glass) is so much cheaper than that something much more expensive and inferior (plastic).
Your writing is so pithy and fabulous that I am intimidated by the potential of my own poor prose as I write this comment. Anyway, enough about writer’s anxiety.
Love your post on glass!
Elana
Hi Elana:
Thanks for coming by and taking time to comment.
Your thousands of readers and fans would beg to differ with you about “poor prose.” Your power to communicate–and your endless creativity–shine in your blog’s delightful posts, innovative recipes and gorgeous photographs.
I’m on the lookout for a local place to buy those great 1/2 gallon jars you show in the “Why glass?” post. If I can’t find them locally, I will, as you suggest, order online.
I switched to pyrex, mason jars, and other glass recently and they are fabulous. I love being able to put them on the bottom of the dishwasher and they rinse out so easily. And they don’t dye containers nasty colors and flavors.
One other huge selling point for me: According to my family’s traditions, glass can be used for meat and milk containing items and is easy to convert to use for passover. It is so much easier keeping kosher with glass storage wear. With plastic, I’d have to label everything.
I’d like to see some of the glass containers you talked about with tightfitting glass lids because all I’ve seen used in conjunction with the glass bottoms is the pyrex plastic or mason jar tops.
Yes, M: I can see why glass would be excellent for Kosher/Passover foods as the medium is not permeable and won’t leave traces of foods that could mingle.
Take a look at these vintage glass containers with glass lids on Etsy site (no affiliate!) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18647323.
Also try ebay, garage sales, etc.
Replacing my plastic containers with glass ones has been on my To-Do list for a while. Every time I use plastic, I wonder what invisible toxins are seeping into my food. The glass containers I’ve seen so far have had ill-fitting lids or been sold individually (and therefore expensively), but the Martha Stewart set in your photo is the kind I’ve been looking for. Thanks for nudging me over the edge, and encouraging others make the switch as well!
Hi Melia:
Thanks for visiting.
I know what you mean about the ill-fitting lids. It really makes a difference to have the lids fit tightly, the containers stack easily–and to have enough containers on hand.
The Martha Stewart sets are working out even better than I imagined. They are attractive enough to use as serving pieces for family dinners–last night I moved them right from fridge to table.
I like them so much I’m buying another set this weekend. Or maybe two–I plan to use these containers at a function at my kids’ school. The containers are sturdy enough to transport food and look a lot nicer than plastic/paper.
Are Those Glass Jars From IKEA Freezer Safe?
Hi Dale:
I never did get the Ikea jars. I’m not sure whether or not they are tempered–i.e. freezer safe.
Loved your article, thanks…but I hope I don’t ruin your plans to use the KMart set indefinitely, because I have some news to share with you…I have found that the rubber lids on the glass containers you have pictured above drop a rubbery taste upon the food. I am convinced (by my taste buds) that the rubber lids leak microscopic stuff into the food while in the fridge. Thus, to experience the complete effect of what you are talking about, one must use fully-glassed containers, including THE LID! It’s not just about the time the container is in the microwave. The plastic/rubber seeps into the food even while in the fridge. Trust me.
Hi Ken:
Thanks for your input.
I’ve never been comfortable nuking plastic, even just the tops. So I don’t nuke my Kmart set with the plastic tops on.
I hadn’t heard about microscopic plastic migration on cold foods. But over time we keep learning more and more about environmental dangers, don’t we?
Coincidentally, I just nabbed a few small vintage Corning glass containers with GLASS tops! Will have to keep my antennae up for more.
I CAN’T FIND THE MARTHA STEWART SET ONLINE. I AM ON THE WEST COAST. CAN YOU TELL ME WHICH KMART STORE THAT WOULD SELL THE SET. SO MAY BE I CAN TALK THEM INTO MAIL ME A SET. THANKS
Hi ANH:
I had the same trouble finding the Martha Stewart set at my local KMart store last week. I’m not sure whether they are temporarily out of stock or have stopped carrying the set altogether.
I found a few other glass food container sets at Target.
Update November 13, 2018: The sets are no longer sold at Target. : < Hope you find what you need.
WHY is it that so many glass storage containers have PLASTIC lids? These are touted as being environmentally safe, but doesn’t a plastic-lidded glass container defeat the purpose? I’ve found few glass lidded products available–with the execption of Anchor Hocking small casserole-like containers.
I did this about two years ago — chucked all the plastic, and fell into the vintage-pyrex-ebay hole. However, between my pyrex and my insane love of mason jars, it’s all good. Well, except for my boyfriend’s fear of all those things in the back of the fridge in mason jars (what? they’re pickles! get over it!) … but that’s his problem. Love the site. Come check out livingsmallblog.com — also a place where I advocate cooking from scratch without making yourself insane …
@Maureen The plastic lids a hassle. I take them off before nuking. As mentioned above, you can sometimes find Pyrex and all-glass vintage containers cheaply in thrift shops, garage sales and on ebay.
@Charlotte Yes, glass does have a way of revealing all. Thanks for your kind words–can’t wait to explore your site.
I like the glass food storage containers too but now I am finding that the plastic/rubber covers degrade over time so that they do not seal tightly – sometimes they hardly even cover the glass bowl.
Any ideas on where to get replacement lids?
@John: I know what you mean. I find the tops also get lost frequently–no matter how careful you are.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a source for replacement tops. Yet. I’ll report back if I find one.
In the meantime, I use a jury-rigged system for tops: small bread-and-butter plates or saucers. The downside: not a very tight seal. My husband uses plastic wrap which I loath–I have one roll of plastic wrap that I expect will last a lifetime.
Doesn’t using a plastic lid on a glass container defeat the purpose?
Why don’t glassware containers come with *glass lids?
The plastic lids are tighter – at least when they are new – and I think that they keep the food better. However, if I can not get replacement lids, I think the next step is to use glass lids.
I am guessing that Corning and Pyrex are not making an effort to supply replacement lids so that I will buy a completely new set of containers. However, if I do, I think I will look to get glass containers with glass lids. I am pretty sure Anchor-Hocking has this product.
I really like using glass containers and switched some time back from plastic. I bought a Martha Stewart set at K-Mart (good price) and now, a few months later, all the lids (plastic? rubber?) have cracks in them and I need to find replacements. Anyone know where? Also I have several Purex glass containers with similar lids I have had MUCH longer and the lids are still in good condition and always fit better than those from Martha Stewart. So where to get lids??
@Maureen: I see your point. I still feel, however, that glass containers with plastic lids make a better option than all plastic. I don’t fill containers to the brim nor nuke with plastic lids, so my food is not in contact with the plastic. But so many folks are not looking for glass-topped storage, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see these start to come to market–see John’s comment on Anchor Hocking.
@John: Thanks for the info on Anchor Hocking. As mentioned in my post, I also find old Pyrex glass storage containers with glass lids at garage sales and flea markets–ultimate recycling!
@Barbara: There seems to be growing, dissatisfied consensus on plastic tops for glass storage containers.
So far, mine are holding up pretty well. As mentioned, I don’t microwave them and I’m always careful to put the lids in the top rack of the dishwasher where the heat and water pressure isn’t so intense. Maybe this has extended their life.
Unfortunately, I don’t know where to buy replacements–or even if replacements exist. It might be worth contacting Martha Stewart–please report back if you find anything!
Martha Stewart’s 14-Piece Glass Oven & Storage Set
Where can I find replacement lids for these great food storage containers?
Please help I love these things!
@Tony: As I mentioned to John in my comment, above, I don’t know of a source for replacement lids. And it’s becoming more and more of a hassle as I lose more lids! Perhaps my rising stack of lidless glass containers will motivate me to contact Martha Stewart’s company–likely the only way to get definitive information of replacements.
I also use and like these MS glass containers (got mine at Kmart as well), but have cracked and cracking lids (and one that won’t lose its mold smell from some pineapple that got moldy currently soaking in diluted bleach). Found this site looking for replacements, so figured I’d chime in and see if anyone follows up. If I find them, I’ll let you all know where. Anyone know if there’s any warranty on this product?
Thanks, Joe. The cracked/lost lids really are annoying. Seems so irresponsible of MS to make a supposedly green product then stymie customers by not offering a way to use the containers indefinitely. Martha Stewart is on Twitter and I recently tweeted the company, asking about replacement lids. They completely ignored my question. Perhaps I’ll try their Facebook page. In any case, I’ll report back as soon as I have any new info.
Thanks for inquiring into the replacement lids. It is irresponsible that MS does not offer replacement lids in a convenient way. I too have multiple cracked plastic covers and simply want to replace the lids. Our glass containers with glass lids were purchased at KMART and have performed great. If anyone hears about replacement lids, please let us know!
Thanks
MS sent me this:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
We are sorry that you are having problems with the green plastic lids
(which were part of the glass ovenware sets.) The sets were discontinued
in 2008. Our relationship with Kmart ended December 31, 2009.
The manufacturer of the ovenware pieces and coordinating lids is Anchor
Hocking. Since this product is no longer manufactured, Anchor Hocking
does not have green lids. They do, however, sell red-colored replacement
lids that will fit the glass ovenware.
To purchase, please visit:
https://www.oneida.com/storage-organization/food-storage/storage-replacement-lids.html
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Sincerely,
MSLO Customer Relations
customersupport@marthastewart.com
Please visit our website http://www.marthastewart.com for recipes, projects,
and more!
@Joe: Bravo to you for your tenacity in pursuing this issue. I’m THRILLED to learn about Anchor Hocking lids–plan to order tomorrow. I will report back when I receive them and try them out. A thousand thanks, Joe!
Thanks. Helpful. Am undergoing a raise in consciousness and transformation as well. We’re all in this together, the difference has and is being made. Great post.
I saw some large mason jars in Michael’s Craft Store over last weekend, and bought two for $3.00 each. The lids were screw-on metal with a metal/lined insert, like many of the old mason jars. Because I have no one to please but myself, I also have been doing a lot of food shopping with glass jars in mind. I have found Smucker’s large size peanut butter in a great jar, jellies, mango juice imported from Mexico in glass carafe-type bottles with a wide mouth. Bought two. I saw some great, huge pickle jars, but passed because it would take me a year to eat them all. I bought two Perrier glass bottles of water and a funnel to put my milk into them. All of these have metal screw-on lids except for a neat juice bottle from the 70’s I got in a thrift store. It has a plastic lid. For lost tops, I have found that wax paper and rubber bands work on any size container, and while it might look like something out of the 50’s, it works, and the wax paper can be washed with the dishes and reused. I had forgotten how much I love wax paper. Great, unpretentious stuff, that! Baby jars work great for small amounts. And don’t forget that stainless steel is a great product for kitchen storage and cooking. I got three stainless steel bowls at the thrift shop for three dollars, big, too! Dollar stores often have mason jars, stainless steel bowls, and ceramic and glass mixing and storage containers. Be wary of ceramic from other countries, as lead may be an issue. With glass or stainless steel, you don’t have to guess. As long as we are being purists here, check out what microwaving does to molecules. It changes them to an unrecognizable form and is unhealthy. I tossed mine years ago after reading horror stories about what these ovens do to food. It’s online, just look it up. People think I’m crazy, but it’s not my information. It’s science. Just passing it along.
@Lynn: Thanks for sharing all the wonderful storage ideas. I, too, am using tons of recycled jars these days–peanut butter, jam, salsa, etc. I love your idea for Perrier bottle re-use.
I don’t know where you live, but if you’re anywhere near a Christmas Tree Store (a big box home and houseware chain store), you might want to check out their selection of pretty glassware that can be used for storage. I bought a 12-count flat of Mason jars, glass flasks with hinged tops (great for salad dressing, syrup, etc.) there. Apropos of your milk storage: the Christmas Tree Store stocks fabulous “distressed,” vintage-looking French milk bottles with lids for around $1. I’m lucky to have my milk delivered in returnable glass bottles from a local dairy, but I use the French milk bottles for ice water, iced tea, chocolate milk and more.
I agree, stainless steel is another great storage option. Also vintage enameled stainless storage containers with loose-fitting lids, often found at flea markets and garage sales.
Lastly: Wax paper–yes, I love it also. And small wax paper sandwich bags–when you can find them–have multiple storage uses.
Unfortunately, after looking the Christmas Tree Shops up online, it appears I am out of the loop. Down here in St. Petersburg,Florida, we have none. Apparently, according to the website, the nearest one is Georgia. But interestingly, it was purchased by Bed Bath and Beyond, which is just up and around the corner, sort of. I was there last weekend also, as that is where Michael’s Craft store is. BBB is so overpriced it is ridiculous, and I do not think that Michael’s and the CTS carry the same merchandise, even though it is the same owner. So, I can’t go get some of those great French bottles you mentioned. They do not appear to ship or take online orders, either. In this economy, it almost seems crazy to have a store and not ship merchandise. But, what do I know? Those bottles sound gorgeous. I would have gotten them today. Thanks for a great website.
Correction – I meant to say that I didn’t think Bed Bath and Beyond carried the same merchandise as the Christmas Shop. I got befuddled because BB and B is in the same shopping center as Michaels. Plus, some days I only have one brain cell working, and it’s quivering.
Hey replacement lid folks! I just received replacement lids from Anchor Hocking and they fit my Martha Stewart glass containers perfectly. I ordered the 4 cup round and 7 cup round lids. But best of all Anchor Hockings sent them Fedex FREE SHIPPING! So go for it at their online store. Thanks to everyone who has researched and helped us “lid replacers” find ours.
@Juanita: Thanks so much for your due diligence on the glass container lids. I confess, I haven’t replaced my lids yet: I actually went through the hassle of hauling out all the containers, measuring and making a detailed to-buy list–which I promptly lost. Your comment and news of FREE SHIPPING (are there any more glorious words?) gives me a kick in the pants. Thanks.
Glass containers are great!
I agree with plastic being really bad, I have spoiled so many kilos of Kosher Style pickles in plastic.
But for pickling stoneware is even better than glass because it lets clusters of beneficial bacteria cling to the rough texture.
So for storing glass is better, for curing and pickling stoneware rocks!
I’m looking in thrift shops to find glass containers with glass lids or tops like casserole dishes to only store food in the fridge. I don’t care if they stack (for now). Should I only be looking for completely super clear ones or can they be glass with a “clearish” color like light tan, amber or light blue?
What if they are glass but a totally solid color like white such as Corningware SimplyLite 10-pc. Casserole Set? (is this even considered “glass” ?) and safe? The dish is white but the tops are clear glass.
I pre cook & store most foods (not freeze them) like chicken, brown rice, broccoli, cooked oatmeal & blueberries as I have diabetes type 2 to make it easier to fix meals quickly. Basically I am a horrid cook and this makes it easier.
Thanks if anyone can help.
Where can I get replacements lids they are cheap & have split.
I’m also a glass evangelist, Lorraine. My sister was buying Coconut Oil in a large plastic container and sitting the container in hot water to melt it because the oil solidifies in cold weather. Thankfully, I have converted her to buying the oil in glass jars.
And another thing. The Vitamix Blenders which are highly regarded as the best blenders on the market advertise that you can blend vegetables and then heat them for soup in the plastic jug. Not Good!!
I have bought a blender with a glass jug.
Hi. I found a nice set of Pyrex nested bowls (4) with multi-color lids at Target for about $20, when I decided to replace my plastic food storage containers and Tupperware-types. However, I could not find out any information about the composition of the lids. Would you know? Also what solutions do you have for replacing zip lock bags for packing lunches? My thanks!
I buy my mason jars at the local Salvation Army store. I buy regular and wide mouth lids brand new at the local Kmart (I wouldn’t want to reuse someone else’s lids). Sal Army’s price for the quart size jars is just 99c each which comes out a lot cheaper than buying a set of new ones. I use my mason jars for everything in the kitchen. I have a nice inexpensive label maker that I use to label the fronts of the jars (for different coffees, hot chocolate mixes, etc.). We also have home delivery for our milk from a local dairy in glass containers. I wouldn’t trade the taste of milk in glass vs grocery store plastic for anything. It’s nice to see that there are others out there that appreciate the “old school” ways too!
Here’s the response I got from Pyrex about lids, but would feel more comfortable with the rubber compound materials you mentioned.
“We appreciate your concern regarding our products. Our Pyrex brand lids are a composite of ingredients that, in the amounts included in the lids, meet all FDA requirements for food contact materials. We are sorry that we cannot provide you the exact ingredients in our lids. The actual list of those ingredients is proprietary to World Kitchen and its supplier. However, our supplier has confirmed that these covers do not contain any of the following ingredients. We hope this is helpful.
Polystyrene
Phthalate
BVP
PVC
Polychlorinated Vinyl
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Polycarbonate
BPS
please visit http://www.shopworldkitchen.com.
For further assistance, please contact our Consumer Care Center at 800-999-3436. Representatives are available from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, EST, and will be more than happy to assist you.”
Hello
I would like to ask if I am using a glass container with a plastic lid, should i remove the lid when I put the container in the microwave? Or should i heat the food with the lid on
Thank you
Thsnks for this informative post 🙂 anyway, I prefer to choose reputable brands like Pyrex, their material was good enough for me
As I know, the glass containers are far more harmless than the plastic one. The plastic ones may contains toxic elements. So, I usually use glass containers at home and even when I take food with me at work. Regards!
Very good detailed article! My fear of plastics was also somewhere in the middle of the scale of 1 to 10, but the more I’ve read the more I started to doubt the safety of even the best quality plastic storage boxes. Now I’m thinking of replacing them with glass container by the end of the summer, to store the fresh vegetables from this season in them.
That is a very nice casserole dish your grandma had. I too have a taste for glass wares, and like you say, it does feel nostalgic and “cozy” feeling using glass over plastic.
I’m laughing for a few reosnas. First, we were both enchanted with that glimmering sink shot today. And second, I remember having to work around a small tot hanging around the Christmas tree [4 times to be exact]. What a magical Christmas it will be for your fam this year!
I too have switched to glass. My favorite cookware is pyrex – the plain see-though type. I also use mason jars, from the 2-quart right down to the 1/4 cup sizes. I use them for canisters and storage, leftovers, lunch boxes – so many uses. But I do wonder about the white plastic lids you can buy for them even though I don’t microwave with the lids on. So far, so good, and taste doesn’t transfer even from the lids. All these are easy to wash and store – I have one cupboard with nothing but mason jars so anytime I need one they are right at my fingertips. Keep up the good work spreading the word on glass – so much better – so much less in the landfill.
@Georgia I have become a huge Mason jar fan as well. I use the 1- and 2-cup jars to pack breakfasts and lunches and the quart jars for food storage. The vertical storage is handy in the fridge, and you can stack the jars. I don’t believe I’ve seem a 1/4 cup Mason jar, but now I will be in the lookout for them!
Considering plastics are a hormone disruptor, it is essential that we think of food plastic storage containers as a dangerous.. Even with BPS replacing BPA (tests were rigged I read, the rat species they used to test BPS was not estrogen sensitive) glass in still a no risk product. And you’re right about the chemical leakage into what is being stored. With the estrogenic type Breast Cancer epidemic ,I tossed all plastic out of my kitchen. BTW, “Slow Death By Rubber Duck” was a great book. “Toxin-Toxout” was the next book by these two “mensch’s”. (See YouTube for their work)
Great write-up. I’m in 3 Breast Cancer Prevention groups.
I hate how the opening of this was so dramatic. Like how it was saying the evils of plastic and pretty much compareing it to satin or something and the first reason was “Looks better” :/
I have a set of Anchor Hocking glass containers I have grown to love.. But it seems that recently there have been more and more stories of glassware exploding? What are your views on that? After reading the stories, I feel like I should throw my glassware away and find an alternative, especially since I have two young kids.
@Amelia Hmm. I haven’t heard about the exploding glass. Perhaps it’s non-tempered glass? I have had zero issues with Hocking, Pyrex and other tempered glass–and I’ve heated it in the microwave as well as baked with it in the oven. The only danger I can imagine is burning oneself on the glass which can heat to a very high temperature. It’s important to handle glass containers carefully, with a pot holder. And, of course, avoid overheating when heating up food. When microwaving, I heat slowly–say 20 seconds at a time for small portions. Lastly, I never let my young children heat food in the microwave or handle hot dishes. I also transfer heated foods to a bowl or plate before giving to kids–again, the glass gets hot. Hope this helps!
What? Recycle glass? Seriously?
A keen eye might or might not pick out the comparison of glass to itself: Recycled glass requires 40% less energy to manufacture than new glass. Not a comparison to plastic. Why not? Because glass is hilariously energy-inefficient to make (even recycle), ship, and store.
High-grade plastics like polypropylene recycle easily, with much less energy than any grade of glass. There’s no need to heat them to thousands of degrees, chemically purify them, and so forth. Both plastic and glass share a downgrading issue: unknown plastics shuffled into a mixed blob become a type 7 plastic, and glasses are highly-engineered compounds like steels and have a broad range of specific chemistry.
So plastic is not plastic, and glass is not glass. Plastics are specific compounds of various recoverabilities (pure HDPE, PET, LDPE, polystyrene, and polypropylene recycle quite well); glasses are engineered ceramics which require specific ratios of slica, bromine, boron, lime, and so forth. Glass is harder to quantify and mostly can only downgrade to non-specific glass; plastic sorts well, and can function as incinerator fuel in a pinch. Some plastics are biodegradable.
Oh, and polypropylene doesn’t leech any kind of soluble liquid compounds; its degradation (by UV light) can be controlled by antioxidant impregnation or by making it dark, and consists largely of aldehydes (a common organic subunit, such as banana flavor or flower fragrances) and carboxylic acids (flavor compounds found in foods like butter, vinegar, coconut, palm oil, and nutmeg). Polypropylene also melts and repolymerizes, so you can recycle it by application of heat (much less heat than glass). It’s acid- and base-resistant.
Polypropylene can be pretty stable, and it’s harmless when it’s not. The other end of the spectrum is PVC (so much that it’s illegal for cold water pipes and specifically listed as an engineering compound inappropriate for use in vacuum), and I’m not a fan of polystyrene.
There’s a third leg of this conversation: Metal. Plastics are a material class; glasses are a material class; and metals are a material class. We know e.g. Pewter is dangerous because both copper and lead are toxic; there’s debate over the toxicity of aluminum, especially in the presence of weak acids; and the rest is silver (semi-toxic) and steels (alloys of iron and carbon with nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and other additives). You can compare polypropylene to stainless steels (iron, carbon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, nickel) in the debate over toxicity; some people are nickel-sensitive, so there’s room to build a delusional narrative about heavy metal poisoning from your spoon, too.
Thank you for this post. I wanted to clarify that Pyrex glass is not recyclable, and the lid replacement (which is often for me) costs as much as the container. I guess I need to look at other glass containers in the future but I have already bought these and can’t recyle them:)