Many people’s kitchens contain an overwhelming number of plastic bowls used to store food scraps. Now that they know more about the dangers plastic poses to human and environmental health, some shoppers may be wondering if they should throw out their collection of used deli clear plastic containers.
Plastic is pervasive. It can be found in a wide variety of food and drink storage containers, including bowls, wraps, bottles, and bags. But more and more people are starting to wonder if it’s safe to expose our food (and ourselves) to so much plastic.
Research has shown that some of the chemicals found in plastic bowls can seep into the food and drink we consume. There is evidence that several of these substances contribute to diseases (such as obesity) and infertility. Plastics exposed to heat can accelerate and intensify this leaching. The simple act of microwaving food leftovers in clear plastic bowls may increase your exposure to dangerous chemicals.
The amount of plastic trash that has been recycled is a pitiful 9%. It is becoming increasingly clear that this inexpensive material has a high real cost due to its contributions to climate change and pollution, as well as the toxins and microplastics that seep into human bodies, the food chain, and the environment.
Throughout the food chain, plastic bowls contain hundreds of chemicals, the majority of which are mostly unknown. Unfortunately, our current understanding of several compounds found in plastic is cause for alarm.
Which Plastics Are Appropriate for Use as Food Containers?
You can’t just use any old clear plastic bowls for anything. Some are reusable, while others contain harmful substances. Choosing the ones that aren’t harmful to food is a good first step.
Polypropylene (PP)
You may use polypropylene (PP) containers every day because they are both lightweight and durable. They work in both microwaves and dishwashers, so we can use them to reheat meals. Meal prep boxes, yogurt containers, prescription bottles, and refrigerator food storage bins all use these food saver containers. These are standard storage clear plastic containers.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Plastic bottles, juices, salads, and other beverages can be packaged in these see-through, lightweight food saver containers. Green plastic packaging solutions often include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a substance that isn’t microwave-safe but is very recyclable. They impart a powerful aroma of the substance originally contained therein.
Polystyrene (PS)
In addition to having excellent thermal insulation capabilities, polystyrene (PS) is both hard and flexible. Because cold and hot meals need different types of insulation, this material is ideal for keeping soups, salads, and even puddings. But PS can’t withstand very hot temperatures. This renders them inappropriate for use in microwaves.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Food can be safely stored for an extended period in flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) containers. These food saver containers increase the product’s usable life the most. Items like baked goods, deli meats, and cheeses are common examples of what these containers are used for. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, on the other hand, aren’t microwave-safe because they could contain toxic chemicals.
Polyethylene–HDPE
These are quite sturdy and unyielding. This means they’re great for preserving a wide variety of foods, including sauces, oils, dry products, and prepared meals. You may store them in the fridge or on shelves, and they are mostly descriptive. Though they are often suitable for food storage, high-density polyethylene clear plastic containers can be difficult to clean.
Benefits of Using Plastic Bowls
Placing perishable foods in plastic bowls has many advantages, so most people choose them when transporting food. Here, we’ll examine the reasons why plastic bowl packaging is so popular and the environmental benefits it offers.
Sturdy
Clear plastic containers are sturdy because they are solid. They are more resistant to impact than ones made of glass or ceramic. Because of this quality, they are ideal for regular use, including putting away food scraps, organizing the pantry, and storing leftovers in the fridge.
Affordable
Plastic bowls are a great option because they are affordable. They are far less expensive than their stainless-steel and glass counterparts, enhancing their potential as effective food preservation methods.
Convenient
Plastic is convenient because it is light and easy to transport. On picnics or at campgrounds, it is ideal for carrying groceries or takeout food saver containers. We can eat the food we love without gaining too much weight, and it will keep for longer.
Multiple Use
Many shapes, sizes, and styles can meet storage needs and personal preferences. For instance, clear plastic bowls in both large and small sizes are perfect for holding refreshments meant to be shared.
Resistance
Plastic bowls are resistant to acids and other non-reactive compounds. It renders them ideal for the safe storage of acidic foods.
Recyclable
Some plastics used for clear plastic containers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are very recyclable. In addition to being adaptable, they are eco-friendly choices.
Downsides of Using Plastic Bowl
A negative aspect is always linked with a positive one. Similarly, takeout containers are made of plastic. We must recognize the downsides, even when there are some advantages.
Environmental Affect
The environmental impact of single-use plastic bowls is high, making them a poor choice for packaging and water bottles. Their intransigence renders them exceedingly resistant to decomposition. Contaminated places, like oceans or landfills, can harbor them for years, endangering marine life in the process.
Health Concerns
Many clear plastic bowls contain harmful substances, such as phthalates and BPA, which can have an impact on human health. Hormonal imbalances brought on by these components can lead to infertility and other issues over time.
Not Durable for Long-term Use
Plastic food saver containers are not ideal for long-term use due to the possibility of discoloration. They can be altered by eating acidic or spicy meals. As they get older, their color fades, and they start to smell bad, and it’s hard for those smells to go away.
Microplastic Contamination
Clear plastic bowls release microscopic particles called microplastics, which can contaminate the environment. These particles are harmful to human health because they can build up in the body and bring on illnesses like inflammation and cancer.
Food Degradation
Many of the plastics used to make clear plastic containers dissolve in fat. If fats are stored in these food saver containers, toxic substances can seep into food, making eating them risky.
Problems with Recycling
Most plastic bowls are neither biodegradable nor readily recyclable, with the exception of PET. We have recycled a meager 9% of plastic trash thus far. As a result, they rank high among the most polluting industries.
Safety Considerations
While plastic food saver containers are convenient, they pose threats to wildlife and human health. Nonetheless, these problems must have an answer, doesn’t it? Some questions concerning the security of these clear plastic containers are as follows.
Options Free of BPA
One common ingredient used to make plastics harder is bisphenol A or BPA. Hormonal abnormalities, including elevated levels of estrogen and testosterone, can result. Because of the risks it poses, several manufacturers are now looking for alternatives that do not contain BPA.
Despite their superior safety, these alternatives still have plastic limitations. Be sure to look for “BPA-free” on the label of every clear plastic bowl you purchase. This way, we won’t have to worry about ingesting substances that have negative effects on the body.
Secure for Use in the Oven and the Dishwasher
The friction and heat of a dishwasher and microwave are too much for some plastics. Things can deform, melt, or even leak toxic compounds into the environment if not stored correctly. For this reason, the USDA recommends using containers that are safe to heat in a microwave. High temperatures do not cause chemical leaching from these food saver containers, unlike disposable bowls.
Hand-washing plastic bowls is preferable. The key is to find containers that say “dishwasher-safe” if you plan on washing them in a dishwasher. Do not put anything in the dishwasher if it has damage, such as scratches, cracks, or worn surfaces.
Avoid Using For Hot Food
Only use plastic to store leftovers. Nevertheless, when storing food in clear plastic containers, it is crucial to consider the temperature. Plastic chemicals are more likely to leach into food when it’s heated. To prevent chemical leaching from occurring due to plastic, wait until the food has cooled before placing it in the package.
Another option is to put them in a glass or stainless steel container. These materials are typically safer when it comes to preserving hot food. If you’re feeling eco-conscious, opt for thermoformed disposable bowls. Because it is recycled, this component is good for the environment.
Keeping Plastic Out of Your Food
Here are some ways to reduce your reliance on plastic and avoid eating food that contains it in light of all the unknowns and the devastating effects of our addiction to plastic on the environment:
- If you can, use containers made of glass or metal instead.
- When handling takeaway containers and other non-reusable plastics, it’s best to avoid using heat sources such as the microwave or dishwasher.
- Look for “expiration dates” on items like SodaStream bottles and steer clear of cracked or discolored plastic. Plastic does not have an infinite lifespan (though the chemicals it contains may).
- Because many of the chemicals used to make plastic are fat-soluble, it is not a good idea to store oily or fatty foods in plastic.
- Lessen your use of plastic water bottles; they add to the problem of people swallowing microplastics.
- Think about switching to beeswax wrap or another sustainable alternative to plastic wrap.
Choose food-grade plastic bowls certified by the appropriate health authorities. Also, consider repurposing them for one-time uses, which is what they were originally designed for. Plastic can degrade with repeated usage or exposure to high temperatures, which raises the possibility of contaminants seeping into the food. Last but not least, the type of plastic and proper handling procedures determine the extent to which food served on plastic plates poses health risks. Here’s to a healthy lifestyle!
