Ways to Switch from Plastic to Glass Containers

Go Green in 2014: Week 21

*I thought I had this post scheduled to automatically publish while I was away for Memorial weekend, but apparently I didn't, so here it is...a little late.

Although a lot of plastic containers and water bottles are labeled "BPA-free", they may still contain other harmful chemicals to replace the BPA. These chemicals can leech into your food and beverages, which are then consumed. First of all...

What is BPA?

BPA is short for Bisphenol A, which is an industrial chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Even miniscule exposures increase risks for breast cancer, prostate cancer, infertility, early puberty, metabolic disorders and type-2 diabetes (source).

Some BPA alternatives, such as BPS, have come on the market, but have yet to be proven safe.

Ways to switch from plastic to glass containers

• Drink from glass water bottles instead of disposable plastic ones. Not only are they healthier, but the water tastes more pure and you will reduce waste. If you can't find one in stores, you can order them online (the pictured bottle is not currently available, but this one has pretty good reviews).
• Store food in glass containers instead of plastic. This is especially important when the food is hot, because it can heat up the plastic, releasing the dangerous chemicals into your food. Never microwave a plastic food storage container.
• Use glass mason jars for storing food, drinks, and more. They work great if you make ice cream toppings, iced tea, or you could even a mason jar as a candy jar. Tied with a ribbon, they are a great way to present a "gift in a jar". And you can even turn mason jars into drinking glasses, soap pumps, and more (mason jars on Pinterest).

I'm going to cut it short this week, but before I sign off, I have to ask: What are some ways you have gotten rid of plastic in your house, particularly for food and beverage storage?

*Disclaimer: I bought all of these products with my own money, and have not received compensation of any kind to review them.


**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider starting to switch out your plastic containers for glass.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**