We have gotten far better at recycling and reusing products in an effort to save our planet. But, let's face it, there are some things, such as plastic wrap, resealable bags and even aluminum foil, that are almost impossible to reuse. Most towns want clean aluminum foil, which means ninety percent of the foil used in most households cannot be recycled. All those bags and cling wrap go into the trash and clog our landfills.
More recently, companies have been developing so-called reusable, disposable plastic containers. They have that little "recyclable" symbol on them, but very few facilities are set up to recycle No. 5 plastics. So where do they end up? In landfills. That little number on the triangle included in most plastic products is a clear indication whether a product can be recycled or not. Yes, No. 5 plastics are considered recyclable, but most municipal recycling programs only accept No. 1 and No. 2 products.
Here's another thing to consider: While we're all being good samaritans by recycling everything under the sun, the market for recyclables is nearly saturated. Instead of being recycled, municipalities are stock-pilings tons of plastic and glass bottles and containers waiting for the day when someone will actually want them. In the end, the result is the same: a landfill stuffed with glass and plastic.
What's the answer, then? Buy something you don't have to throw away after just a few uses. The best way to go green with your food storage is to use high-quality food storage containers that will last for years. It's the way we used to store food before convenience overtook common sense. Long-lasting plastic containers got their start back in the 1945 when Earl Tupper recognized that the invention of a new plastic, Polyethylene, could mean the start of something big. He started producing plastic bathroom cups in a variety of colors and then introduced the lidded bowl. Much innovation has happened over the years, with more and more variety and versatility now included in today's container selection. You name it, you can find a container that can store it---and store it much longer than older containers. Many companies have come up with their own lines of plastic containers to compete with the famous Tupperware, which even after more than 60 years continues to be the industry standard.
Most recently came the advent of the disposable container. Thankfully, eco-friendly awareness is bringing back some common sense and more and more people are recognizing not only the economic benefits of buying good food containers, but also the environmental ones.
In fact, one major university is urging its students to use reusable food containers and ditch the disposable ones that have become quite popular among the dorm-living set. More glass containers are popping up, but many moms worry about breaking glass. You're not going to send a five-year-old with a glass container filled with carrot sticks to class. The most environmentally friendly and safe alternative is plastic storage containers.
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Jamison & Krista Alexander are the owners of http://www.keepmyfoodfresh.com and they promote
great quality food storage containers.
