With our on-the-go lifestyles, most of us find ourselves in need of eating meals outside of our homes. Waste from the food industry as well as from lunches we eat at the office or at school is a contributing to the landfills and hurting the environment. Just using reusable containers to pack your meals instead of using one time use bags and wraps can make a big impact. Rather than buying take-out all the time, it is generally more eco-friendly to cook your own meals. With that said, it can be difficult to find products that will help you make it easier to pack your own lunches or take food with you on the go.
The best-known and most widely used food storage containers have been reusable plastic containers, the most famous of which is Tupperware. However, as more studies are being done, we are finding out that these plastic containers really aren't all that good for us or for our environment. Because they are made out of plastic, they typically are created from non-renewable resources and when they can no longer be used, they can be difficult to recycle. Some studies have also shown that plastic products tend to “leach” or allow toxins to enter into whatever food or drink you have placed in these containers. The leaching typically takes place when the plastics are exposed to high temperatures such as those from a dishwasher or a microwave.
There are several other products available that are more eco-friendly than plastic containers and that won't cause you concerns over your health. When considering what product is right for you, take into account what you are using the product for, where it comes from, what it is made out of, how durable it is, how it needs to be washed and cleaned, and how convenient it will be to carry around with you.
The best eco friendly food containers are great to not only store food but also transport it to work. The best green food storage containers ensure you're not adding unnecessarily to the landfill.