Source: rawpixel.com / Jakub Kapusnak
In 2018, National Geographic estimated that Americans on average use 365 plastic bags per person per year. I am guessing that this number has gone up in the last six years, especially because it also includes plastic bags that are used for food storage. It is true that plastic is very effective at storing and insulating food with little to no leakage, but as mentioned many times in previous articles, there are a host of environmental concerns surrounding single-use plastics as well as health concerns when it comes to food storage.
Commonly referred to as Ziplock bags regardless of which company is selling them, plastic food storage bags, as well as food storage containers (e.g., Tupperware), are often made from any one of three types of plastic (i.e., Plastics #3, #4, and #5). All three types are not easily recycled and so almost always end up in the landfill. In addition, microplastics from plastic bags and containers can leach into the food contained within, especially if the food is heated and/or going to be stored for a long period of time. So, for reasons related to health and the environment, it is worthwhile looking for more sustainable alternatives for Ziplock bags.
Styrofoam is another material that is associated with short-term food storage (in addition to a host of other applications). The clamshell container that is used when ordering take-out or collecting leftovers following a meal at a restaurant, for example, is one of the most common uses of Styrofoam related to food storage. Styrofoam is made from foamed or expanded polystyrene plastic (Plastic #6), which is a hazardous material that is considered to be a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. This and the fact that styrene can leach from Styrofoam containers when ingesting hot foods or liquids are the reasons that Styrofoam has been banned in many places. Styrofoam used to be extremely difficult to recycle, but there are now facilities located around the country that will accept drop-offs or pick up your Styrofoam waste for recycling. Search for a location close to you at this website. For more details about Styrofoam waste and the process by which it is recycled, please watch the following video.
A third type of plastic often associated with food storage is plastic wrap (aka., Saran Wrap or cling film). Plastic wrap is also made from Plastic #3, which again is not easily recycled. The fact that plastic wrap is thin, clingy, and flimsy, causes it to easily clog standard recycling machines.
The good news is that there are many more environmentally- and health-friendly options for each of the different types of food storage discussed above.
Plastic-free food storage bags made from vegetables and/or corn starch are available. Companies that sell certified compostable (listed as BPI-certified) bags include Unni, Eargardin, Harps&Seb, Jencenbio, and moonygreen.
Compostable food storage containers made from sugarcane are available. Companies selling BPI-certified compostable containers with or without compartments include Ethereal Earth, Green Earth, and Eco Products.
Reusable food wrap made from beeswax and certified organic cotton are available from companies such as Bee's Wrap and BYTTIME. (Note: Look for organic cotton that has been certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard, labeled as GOTS-certified).
Objective
Select one type of food storage discussed above and try out one of the suggested plastic-free options.
Comentarios