I know that using resealable plastic bags, air tight disposable food containers, and things like plastic wrap are super convenient… but they’re also incredibly wasteful, terrible for the environment, and leach toxic chemicals into your food and your body. Here are some of my ideas on how to store your foodies more responsibly.

Invest in some trusty glass food storage dishes: Make your way to the local thrift store, or even Ebay and snag yourself some super cute vintage Pyrex glass refirgerator dishes. These suckers last a lifetime and they won’t end up at the bottom of a landfill. Glass containers may seem a little heavy to lug in and out of the fridge, but it’s so worth it. I’ve also found that food stored in these containers last longer and stays fresher, because it’s not airtight… food actually needs to breathe folks. If you’re like me and your wallet can’t compete with those Ebay bidders, no worries, Anchor Hocking makes a modern version that are near identical. They’re priced great, readily available online, and worth the investment.

Don’t toss that vegan cream cheese tub!: If you’re looking to carry your lunch to work or school, obviously glass storage is out of the question. But there are many resourceful ways to store food in a more mobile manner. Be super responsible and recycle while you tote your lunch by making use of all those containers your food comes in. Rinse out those plastic tubs and use them until they lose their life, then recycle them. While plastic isn’t the greatest way to store food, sometimes you need that convenience to hold things like soup or hummus… so at least recycle what you already have on hand right? Check the bottom of your plastics, do you see a number 1,2,3,4,5? Well chanes are your town might not be equipped to recycle plastics 4,5, and higher… so if you can extend the life of those little guys you should.

Wrap it up old school: Chances are your sandwich or snack would do just fine wrapped up, it doesn’t need a fancy plastic tub or case to hold it together for a couple of hours or so. So why not get a little old school and wrap your goodies with wax paper, the way grandma used to? Wax paper is just that, wax and paper… biodegradable folks, and free from chemicals that can leach into your yummy food. Invest in a nifty thrifted retro lunchbox, sew yourself up a fabric sack, even grab a bucket and toss your naturally wrapped meal in there. They even make these neat wax paper bags that are great at holding in those messy leaky foods or snacks like chips and cookies.