Rodale.com has dubbed this month Plastic-Free February. From their site:
We’re going plastic free in February—or at least, trying to. Follow our efforts, share your advice…and join us if you dare!
After reading the difficulty that my fellow bloggers Christa and Theresa have experienced and what rock star Michael Nolan is already doing to reduce his dependence on plastic, I felt inspired to get involved.
To start I wanted to share with you what I’m doing to avoid plastic in my kitchen to cook and store food. There are definitely some areas that need work, and hopefully you can help me out with those.
The reasons to avoid plastic when it comes to cooking and storing your food are for both environmental (plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in the landfill) and health reasons. Yahoo! Green has a good story on which plastics to never use with food.
Cookware. This is the area that I need the most help in. Nearly all of my cookware is non-stick. I need to change over to cast iron and stainless steal. Read more about the dangers of using non-stick cookware from NaturalNews.
Kitchen appliances. I nearly used my food processor, juicer and Vita-MIx all on a daily basis. They are all almost completely made from plastic. I’m not sure of any alternatives for these. Anyone?
Freezer. My freezer is the area where I (re)use the most plastic in the form of Ziploc bags. They are what I store my scraps in to make my veggie broth. Not sure of alternatives for that.
Also the wheat and gluten free bread that we buy comes packaged in plastic. I know you can buy bread with no packaging at the farmers market, but not sure if they have wheat and gluten free.
Spices and bulk goods. Lately we’ve been buying items in bulk from our local co-op. This includes spices, grains, nuts, seeds and flours. We’ve been bringing out own glass jars to load-up. It winds up being cheaper and cuts down on all of the wasteful packaging.
Single-use plastics. There are a few scattered items that we have that were impulse or convenience buys that came in plastic packaging like sea salt and buckwheat. These are definitely items that could be bought in bulk.
Glass jars. We intentionally buy certain items in glass jars, like applesauce, so that we can reuse the jar afterwards. We now have a pretty big collection of jars that we are always reusing.
Herbs. Pretty much everything in my fridge is stored in glass jars, except for the herbs. We continually reuse plastic bags to help keep them fresh.
That’s what my almost plastic free kitchen is like. Does anyone have any suggestions for food processor, juicer and Vita-Mix alternatives? Or of another way to store the herbs?
You can check out the video below for a more detailed look.
Hey Mike – I bought these to use at the market instead of plastic bags and sometimes I store produce in the fridge in them. I wonder if you could use something like these for your herbs? They are super handy and durable and useful for other things as well.
http://www.reuseit.com/store/flip-tumble-reusable-produce-bags-p-2120.html
Mike, research the material that your vita-mix is made of. When I bought mine in the mid 90’s, is was reported to be made of a material (can’t remember the name), that the windows of the space craft are made of. Don’t believe it is toxic, or vita-mix may not have used it. Don’t know any of this for sure, so check it out. Really like your blog; the simple gardening especially. I think it was called “lexan”, just remembered as I was typing.~~~
I’m sure I’m going to get flamed for this but it bugs me.
This post is entirely about the negative effects of plastics in our lives from “take(ing) up to 1,000 years to decompose” to “health reasons”. You go on to mention a desire to replace the plastics you find in your “food processor, juicer, and Vita-Mix”.
At the same time in previous posts you’ve mentioned how you utilize plastic buckets and plastic soda bottles to grow your food in, including bottles that are not BPA free and are known to leech chemicals after prolonged usage. While the buckets are dismissed as being rated as “food safe” and safe to use to grow food in; isn’t it entirely possible, if not mandatory, that the same “food safe” plastic be required in your kitchen appliances and kitchen ware?
If plastics are bad, they are bad everywhere not just in your kitchen. You need to make a decision how you are going to handle plastic; right now it gives an appearance of a double standard.
I don’t know about how this works for other herbs but for cilantro I use a ball jar. I put about an inch of water and place herbs standing upright into jar. My cilantro lasts longer this way. However, keep an eye on the water – dump if it’s looking icky and put in fresh water.
Hamilton Beach makes a BPA-free food processor. Still plastic, but not as hazardous to your health.
We advise our clients to use stainless steel cookware of high quality. It is by nature non-stick when you use it right, is far more healthful from a material basis, uses far less energy to cook, and what you cook retains more nutrients. The very best is Lifetime cookware from West Bend. We’ve had the same set ourselves for 30 years, use it every single day, and it even still looks almost new. If you can’t afford the top of the line, then at least get decent quality stainless: Cuisinart makes a pretty good set that you can get on Amazon. It is not as excellent as Lifetime, but is still far better than using aluminum and teflon cookware
Thanks for the info and recommendation Tom.
That is a step in the right direction. Will look into it.
Good tip. I’ll give it a try.
Appreciate the comment. There are certainly negative effects of plastics that cannot be ignored, but they are everywhere.
I would certainly like to find alternatives to my food processor, juicer and Vita-Mix, but don’t know of any that currently exist. Therefore I am still using them and encourage companies to find alternative ways to make their products.
Yes I do use plastic buckets to grow my food in. The reason that I use them is because they are affordable and are going to be tossed into the landfill. I’m not buying virgin materials. In that post, I mentioned the balance between health and enviro reasons for using them.
I by no means am attempting to be completely plastic free nor have I claimed to be.
I avoid consuming and purchasing new plastics to the best of my abilities. The purpose was to how people alternatives when it comes to plastic, not to preach being perfect.
Thanks will certainly look into. I’m pretty sure that only their newer models are BPA free. Don’t think that they all were historically.
I actually have some of those. Never thought to put the herbs in them because that would’ve made way too much sense.
ya those mesh bags are pretty sweet.
you should be able to find a glass blender. i’m pretty sure my dad has one.
it’s hard to get away from zip locks for the freezer though. we just try to reuse them as much as possible.
we also have a ton of glass tupperware (glass container, plastic lid).
i really like the mason jars and the ones with the latch lids. they are pretty cheap at ikea.
Mike, your refrigerator looks very similar to mine! In fact, I’ve been planning a refrigerator show and tell post for a long time.
I don’t have alternatives for the food processor and Vitamix except to suggest a blender with a glass pitcher instead. But I know blenders don’t work for everything. Vitamix pitchers used to be made from polycarbonate, which contains BPA. But I think they have switched to a BPA-free material. Of course, we don’t know what chemicals could leach from the new material either, so whether it’s safe I can’t say.
Why not store your veggie scraps in glass jars too? It’s no big deal to store glass in the freezer.
And yeah, if I were you, I’d switch out the cookware right away. It’s probably the most toxic thing you’ve got right now.
Cheers!
great share Mike posted you to my fb page as Inspiration to go no-plastic Bravo Annie
Food processor alternative: mortar & pestle (ancient Latin American secret ssshhhh….) I’m sure you can find a good sized one at a local market, especially a Mexican market. Great for mashing and grinding. Traditionally used to grind corn and nuts in the americas and mash up fruits & veggies. In Europe traditionally used to make pesto! It’s even exercise for your arms!
If you decide to invest in one think carefully on the material. Many traditional Mexican mortars are made with a rough stone that can be difficult to clean well, but that roughness makes it easier to mash… My friend has a little wooden one that is very deep and narrow for making garlic butter. I have a little high-fired ceramic one for crushing eggshells and seashells into powder for my gardening. It is non-porous so it doesn’t absorb particles or moisture, just rough enough to really grind, and cleans very easily. I think the guy I bought it from makes full sized ones too.
Could definitely get a glass blender, but it would be no Vita-Mix.
Gonna look into the latch lid mason jars.
I’m sure you’ll love me after my long comment. I’ve addressed several of the items you’ve discussed, though, because my primary focus on eliminating plastic was in the kitchen. Then, I got to re-evaluate the issue after we moved from Michigan to Vegas because many of our glass jars (canning jars!!!!) were left behind by those graciously helping us pack when I couldn’t. (Beggars can’t be choosers or complainers…you just find a way to adjust.)
First…on the Vitamix. I LOVE my Vitamix and wouldn’t trade it. The best thing to do there is to ensure that you have their newer BPA-free containers. You can buy just those separately. That way, you at least have the “healthier” plastic. If you wanted to look at alternatives, you could get a blender with a glass jar. I have the Cuisinart blender & have tried the Kitchen Aid. The Kitchen Aid is a little better than the Cuisinart at giving a fully-blended Vitamix-like consistency to veggies (spinach, kale, & such). The Cuisinart does an okay job, but didn’t fully puree the salad veggies. Just be careful with the Kitchen Aid that you actually get one with a glass jar. They offer a polycarbonate jar as well.
There are higher-end (& more expensive) juicers that are entirely stainless-steel (the Norwalk & the Super Angel). For now, I just live with my low-end juicer knowing that the end-product does go into glass.
When we need anything I always go first to the thrift store, Craigslist, Freecycle, & Cheapcycle. I would much rather buy something used than something new. I’ll also pre-shop garage sales through Craigslist to see if there’s one worth going to. This goes for anything. I have purchased cast iron and stainless-steel cookware there. (My favorite is the “antique” Revere brand with the copper-bottom. My grandmother is still using Revere-ware that she purchased in the ’50’s.) I only buy older Pyrex as the newer containers (like the ones with the blue lid you have in your fridge) have a chemical on them that wasn’t on old Pyrex containers.
I store my fresh herbs in cheesecloth. I also dehydrate several of them for storage later. There are glass jars with metal lids online. There are a couple of different suppliers. Here’s a listing on Amazon: http://amzn.to/h26xlS. This is my favorite bulk jar supplier: http://bit.ly/efdODe (That’s a link directly to their jars, but you can see their other stuff on the left-hand side.)
I get my milk from a supplier who will put them in the half-gallon or gallon size mason jars with a metal lid. This farm normally puts them in plastic jugs. You have to ask for it to be put in glass.
We are gluten-free as well. We use spelt, buckwheat, & millet for most of our baking. I buy the berries themselves which I then grind & use in baking. I do store these foods in 3, 5, or 6 gallon plastic pails. However, I get them for free or buy them for $1 from our local bakeries & donut shops as well as Costco. This was one instance where I just had to give in…but I at least feel good about re-purposing used buckets.
I also make homemade broth. I keep a gallon jar in my freezer. I just dump the veggie scraps in. When it’s full, I make the broth. After I’ve made the broth, the remnants go in my compost. I make freezer jam & keep it in glass jars instead of the plastic ones. The thing to remember is to leave an inch of head space for the foods to expand when freezing. I’ve never had a problem freezing things in glass jars. I do it frequently.
But I heart my Vita-Mix Beth! I use that thing more than I do my bathroom. Unfortunately I think that I have one of the BPA laden versions as well. Once budget allows, I am replacing it.
A friend of mine found a good source of glassware that I need to check out in the area. Then can certainly start storing the veggie scraps in there. Though I did make the mistake of filling up a mason jar too full one time…whoops.
I’m gonna start hitting up thrift stores and yard sales for the cookware.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks as always Annie.
For MUCH cheaper, just get the metal lids for the mason jars. You need a new lid each time you can, but you can reuse it for just regular storing.
Thanks. Been talkin about getting a mortar and pestle. This is just another reason to.
Wow. Thanks for all of the info and ideas. I got lots to do!
What about recycling plastic? Why isn’t this mentioned?
Often enough I chose to buy products that come in recycled plastic. Make a circle.
I have to drive a few miles to take my recycles, but I do it. I don’t feel right if I don’t. I’m just saying, you know, not all plastic ends up in a landfill.
You can certainly recycle the plastic, but to recycle some plastic takes as much or more energy than it does to produce new.
I’m all for recycling and reusing, but when it comes to plastic my preference is to reduce the amounts of new plastic created and consumed.
Considering the food is touching the plastic in the processor/juicer/blender for a mere few seconds/minutes – I wouldn’t be overly concerned, but I am sure for an investment you could be able to upgrade 🙂
I know VitaMix does a BPA free jug, it would be great if they could all use glass instead of plastic (safe plastic or not).
It’s an upgrade that is definitely on the to-do list.
We’ve been switching to non-plastic storage and utensils for about a year now–and face a lot of the challenges you mention. Three of the biggest kitchen switches so far: Making our own healthy bread in five minutes a day (http://buildingordinary.blogspot.com/2010/08/zero-waste-challenge-no-more-plastic.html), making our own delicious crackers (http://buildingordinary.blogspot.com/2010/07/war-on-garbage-making-homemade-crackers.html), and making our own yogurt .(http://buildingordinary.blogspot.com/2010/10/zero-waste-challenge-yogurt-made-easy.html). These three simple, easy steps have reduced our plastic waste considerably. What’s more, they are fun to do together, especially making crackers with the grandkids.
And do you know Beth Terry of My Plastic Free Life (http://myplasticfreelife.com/). She’s done a lot of the research and testing alternatives for us.
The problem is, most recycled plastic ends up in huge unused piles in India, China and elsewhere. Much of it is never recycled. Learn more with Annie Leonard’s Story of Stuff/Story of Bottled Water at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se12y9hSOM0.
I have found that glass jars with shoulders break in the freezer if I fill to or above the shoulder.
Do we know yet how polyester reacts, or if it reacts, with foods? When purchasing, I use organic cotton bags, both mesh and solid muslin, and for storage, I am learning to follow the guidelines in this pdf file from the Berkeley Farmer’s Market: http://www.ecologycenter.org/factsheets/veggie-storage.pdf.
I have an all-stainless Vita-Mix (plastic spigot & handles, though). I think they still sell them!
Whoa…never heard of such a thing.
Yes, indeed. I got mine in the 1980s, but a friend just got one for about $30 in a thrift shop in brand new condition! If they aren’t making them any more, they certainly should! (Also has a wood ‘pusher’.)
One other tip for covering leftovers. This is quite a new product & really neat: http://www.abeego.ca
I also found a marble mortar & pestle in as thrift shop; a wooden one at a garage sale!
I read somewhere that we really shouldn’t re-use plastic bags (zip locks, etc.). You can get millions of mason jars, even with latch lids, in thrift shops & garage sales. I also use the glass lids as votive beeswax candle saucers.
Good point – it’s also more eco-friendly to use what you already have – i.e., it never makes sense to toss out something workable (assuming it’s not toxic of course!) for a new greener version.
This is a fabulous post (I never thought about the plastic of kitchen appliances!). And I totally have jars in the fridge that I can reuse. I don’t microwave plastic anymore but still wash it in the dishwasher (I know, I know…). I’ve been having a problem lately with the smell of dishwashing soap on plastics–there’s just something about smelling that stuff on plastics that turns my stomach. Another thing to switch 🙂
Jes
Oh, last night also remembered an article in Sunset you’d like that relates to this. It’s in the January issue (look @ library?) about a zero waste home. Might get food storage tips from her, has a blog. Here’s a news video w/link to her blog: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Zero_Waste_Family_Bay_Area-115618589.html
Small steps. seems like you are going in the right direction.
Absolutely. The challenge is finding the balance between eco-friendly and healthy.
Nice. Thanks for the links.
There are freezer-safe glass (or perhaps Pyrex?) containers that you could get. They often have plastic lids, but at least you can avoid the plastic touching the food. I have seen fridge storage containers made of glass with glass lids, but I’m not sure if those are freezer-safe.
I have some Pyrex. They can def get to be pricey.
In support of Plastic-Free February, I’ve been looking for a local source of glass swing-top jars to store dried peppers and other herbs that I grow. They have some at IKEA that are made in China, but it seems that it defeats the purpose to buy a “green” storage container that has traveled half way around the world to get to my kitchen. For now, these old glass peanut butter jars will have to suffice.
That’s certainly the challenge finding the balance between all of these factors.
I also have a Vitamix and LOVE it. I figure the nutritional value it gives us far outways any harm, especially taking into account that the food is only touching the plastic for a few seconds, for maybe a minute or two max. I wouldn’t suggest storing leftover smoothie in it (tranfer to glass), but I doubt it has much of a harmful effect.
I just got a set of Cuisinart stainless for Christmas and I love them. As long as you have enough liquid in the pan, there’s not much sticking. I thought they were pretty good quality and not too expensive. I do have one cast iron skillet too.
I second the idea of using glass mason jars for the veggies in the freezer. Just don’t fill any frozen jars of liquid too full or put into hot water to defrost! Another option for storage are stainless steel containers.
You can make your bread at home. If you are looking for gluten-free, here is a link for gluten-free sourdough http://everythingfreeeating.blogspot.com/2008/02/breatharian-revisited.html.
Awesome. Thanks so much!
For nonstick pan I recamend extrema cookware http://www.ceramcor.com/
I’ve started my plastic-free quest recently as well. To supplement my collection of re-used jars, I bought a set of Pyrex no-leak storage containers and also some jelly-size Ball jars (that you would use for canning) for smaller stuff.
I wouldn’t worry too much about your appliances, I think the main thing is not *storing* food in plastic. As for your herbs, why aren’t you growing them in containers and just snipping when needed? 😉 When I do buy them I like to put mine in a glass of water (like you would flowers) and keep them on the counter top. ChicoBag also makes a set of vegetable storage bags you might want to check out, too. They don’t keep things as fresh as I had hoped, but it’s better than getting cancer from plastic!
One thing I’m not sure about – how do you keep bread fresh without a plastic bag? Storing in paper, the loaf gets rock-hard.
Hey, also… As I’ve been getting rid of plastic I started thinking about all the plastic containers I garden in. Are toxins leaching into my soil and contaminating my plants? Scary thought, since I’m not sure what alternatives there are.
You bring up a great point – not so fresh herbs is definitely better than cancer from plastic. Hmmm, not sure on storing bread. Might want to check with Michael Nolan over at http://www.MyEarthGarden.com and tell him I sent ya.
I did a post a while back on how I justify my use of plastic containers and used one of the reasons that you gave about the alternatives https://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/2010/08/is-growing-food-in-a-plastic-container-safe/
Nice. Glad that you found some good information.
I’ve been seeking non-plastic alternatives that are affordable and yet to come across any. For now it’s reusing the food grade stuff.
Keep me updated.
Hi Mike,
Came across your blog from Vegnews, and I think it’s great! Wanted to add a couple of glass options that I use:
My blender is an Osterizer, and I found the glass top in several garage sales as I have already broken one! All the other parts are easily replacable cheaply.
Visions from Corning are stove and oven safe glass pots which I love. The fryi
salads a few times a week. And I grow peppers indoors in our kitchen year-round!
Hi Mike,
Came across your blog from Vegnews, and I think it’s great! Wanted to add a couple of glass options that I use:
My blender is an Osterizer, and I found the glass top in several garage sales as I have already broken one! All the other parts are easily replacable cheaply.
Visions from Corning are stove and oven safe glass pots which I love. The fryi
salads a few times a week. And I grow peppers indoors in our kitchen year-round!
Hi, a big chunk of my comment got deleted somehow. Here is what belongs after the frying pan:
ng pan is the only piece I couldn’t adjust to, but it would probably work fine on an electric stove if that’s what you use. But yes, this stuff is expensive, although outlet stores and used do exist. The great part is the pots keep food warm naturally!
Also, I call myself a gardener, but I also only grow food! Used to be part of a Community Garden but now I am lucky to have bought my childhood home in Berkeley. Tons of work needed to be done on it, but my biggest priority was putting raised beds where the lawn was and now my husband and I eat fresh …
Sorry about the missing and multiple comments!
Sorry about the missing and muliples!
Awesome. Thanks for the tips and ideas. Keep me updated on the progress of your raised beds.
I’ll post the same information to my blog, thanks for
ideas and great article.
Almost the opposite of you: all my cookware is stainless steel, save for some baking sheets. I need to replace those. Most of my storage containers are plastic, but I am looking to get glass ones instead. The ones I have that are made of glass are old sauerkraut and vegan mayo jars. Go figure!
We keep fresh herbs on the kitchen counter in a cup of water – sort of like cut flowers. It keeps them fresh for a few days, or up to a week. Cilantro is the exception. That stuff loves to wilt immediately!
Sounds like you need to start to love eating it faster 😉
Doh. I totally missed this comment. How’s it coming with the plastic storage?
I’m like you where I store practically all I have in food stores in glass containers, but left overs go in plastic as they go in the freezer/fridge temporarily and I’m a huge klutz and I drop glass dishes. My husband is actually a thermoplastics expert and he always looks at the labels (little codes found on the bottom of plastic containers) to see what they mean before we use them as his way of saying “Go” or “No go”. Great article!
Nice!
Juicer alternative: Angel. It’s expensive but all stainless steel and has a good warranty.
Thanks for the link. The reuse concept makes total sense.
How do you make / where do you buy wheat-free bread?? Thanx!!
Hey, I know this comment is rather old, but for the home made bread in 5 minutes a day you mentioned here, I was wondering what you use to store your dough in the fridge. I can’t find anything conclusive on whether or not it’s ok to store it in stainless steel.
I’d be so grateful to hear back from you!
I don’t know if you like this idea or not but you could try using those paper milk cartons, or paper juice cartons if you don’t use milk, to store broth in, for the freezer. Many of them have plastic caps though. Some of them don’t and still use the folding mouth. You might have to toss them after one or 2 uses. You could also try using glass jars. I know if they would break if frozen though.
What about plastics in cereal or plastics in frozen food? Also is plastic bad only if you consume it or is it also bad if you touch it?
I would like to add, what about plastic at the stores that you have to use to buy groceries and plastic on meats and chicken?I just recently found out of all this and is seriously freaking out lol
I have an “old fashioned” style blender by Oster that is made out of glass. The only bit of plastic is the part that creates a water tight seal for the blade and the blender. I know it’s not the same as a food processor or vitamix – you have to blend it for a while to get the same smooth texture as a vitamix, but it might be a good alternative for you 🙂
Hold on to those glass applesauce jars…you can’t get them anymore. I just went to the store looking for applesauce and found that every brand on the shelf had switched to plastic jars.
Might want to be careful with these containers as well. They are likely coated with something (who knows what) to keep them from leaking. I’m pretty sure they’re just as bad as ALL types of plastic, for this reason.
For storing vegetables use or make cotton bags. I bought mine from reuseit.Com
I want to start my own garden. Raised bed in Texas. Problem is. I ABSOLUTELY know close to nothing on gardening.
Only know that garlic is good for repelling insects and that some fruits and vegetables you have to seed them yearly or periodically and some self seed. But which ones . Clueless.
I would love to get some inside From you guys.
I am starting my own compose from the produces I purchase on those cotton bags but right now. It just looks like a pile of garbage..
My email is my user name @ yahoo Com
Weather here is… bipolar (tripolar) if it’s a word..
raining, sunny, cold.
it rained the last two days. Today was beautiful but now it’s getting cold. [11:27pm, I know because I am still outside ]
What fruits and vegetables are good in this weather?
Not to be a downer, but you know Chico bags are made from recycled plastic?