Plastic storage containers have been all the rage in kitchens... for 70 years! Easy to use. Easy to share. Easy to throw away or recycle. So, what is all the hoopla surrounding their existence? Until recently, I confess, I did not know much about the great debate of plastic vs. glass beyond the obvious 'recycling' issues.
My (super generous) sister gifted to us a boxful of glass storage containers (because she had already done the research) and my daughter who is a 'strength and conditioning' guru and avid nutritionist, also encouraged me to dig in and learn more. Recently, I took up their challenge and have been diligently reading and researching the topic. Oh, what I have learned! I would be remiss to not let you in on it. Would you take a few minutes to read about compounds known as 'Xenoestrogens' that are present in many soft plastics? Find out what Xenoestrogens do and how they affect the foods we store in them. It may shock your socks off!
Although there is a plethora of clinical studies and scholarly articles written on the topic, I have chosen a couple of 'layman friendly', short articles to give readers the gist of it.
PLASTIC VS. GLASS...
What are Xenoestrogens and why should I be concerned?
Xenoestrogens are compounds present in many soft plastics. The term literally means 'foreign estrogen' that mimics the real thing with horrendously harmful side effects. (Why didn't I know about this?) "Most scientists that study xenoestrogens, including The Endocrine Society, regard them as serious environmental hazards that have hormone disruptive effects on both wildlife and humans."
Read more about the definition and dangers of Xenoestrogens at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoestrogen
How To Avoid Xenoestrogens in plastic?
- Use cling wrap that does not contain DEHA and replace cling wrap on meats and other foods as soon as you get home from the store, unless it is from a chain such as Whole Foods that doesn't use DEHA cling wrap.
- Never heat food with plastic in the microwave, even if it claims to be microwave-safe. Use glass or ceramics instead.
- Avoid Teflon and other non-stick cookware. Cast iron is an inexpensive, durable, and healthful alternative.
- Buy bottled water and other drinks in glass bottles instead of plastic.
- Minimize consumption of foods from tin cans. In the USA, over 85% of tin cans are lined with bisphenol-A (BPA) to reduce the metallic taste that can be present in canned foods. Unfortunately, BPA is a known xenoestrogen that leaches when exposed to heat, such as the sterilization process some cans undergo, or acid. BPA is also present in many plastic baby bottles, food storage containers, and other products.
- Don't drink from styrafoam cups or containers.
http://kerryg.hubpages.com/hub/Reducing-Exposure-to-Xenoestrogens
Okay. Now what? What to do???
As humans, we are curious souls. Once we become aware of an issue, we research it. Is it founded or false??? What then? We apply wisdom to knowledge that we have acquired and act on what we believe.
For our family that meant out with the plastic and in with glass. It also means we will be making the switch to stainless steel and cast iron cookware. But, I digress. Back to glass. What we have discovered since the switch to glassware has been all pros, no cons.
Allow me to share the benefits...
Glassware stacks 'like sizes' efficiently taking up less space in the cupboard. Glass also allows us to see the stored contents, it does not warp, stain or absorb food odors. It is incredibly easy to clean, dries quickly and does not release the harmful nasties 'Xenoestrogens'. Glassware can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator or freezer. It travels well in lunch boxes to school and work. We can safely reheat meals in their containers (without their plastic lids).
We have made the switch from plastics to glass and it tickles us to our toes!
Healthy decisions always seem to have that crazy, beautiful effect on us. :)
Healthy decisions always seem to have that crazy, beautiful effect on us. :)
Go Shopping!
Glass storage containers are available at box stores everywhere but they can be pricey. We recommend carefully considering the sizes you will use the most before purchasing. We chose to purchase glass storage containers at TJMAXX, Marshall's and Home Goods for a fraction of the price elsewhere.