this post was submitted on 23 Sep 2023
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Wow. I honestly didn’t think much about microwaving stuff like tupperware before, but I think this convinced me to switch to glassware.
I started replacing my food storage containers with glass a few years ago. It's not only safer, but also nicer looking and easier to clean.
I didn't want my old plastic to go in the waste stream, so I use it for overflow dry goods, hardware storage, and household cleaning tasks.
We ALL need to do what you’ve been doing.
My household eliminated plastic and non-stick items. We’ve been using only cast iron and stainless steel for stovetop, glass and stainless steel for oven and mixing, glass and stainless for eating. Even the pets’ bowls are stainless steel.
Plastics and Teflon coatings are pure poison.
Pro tip for stainless steel: Bar Keepers Friend is an inexpensive, mildly acidic cleanser that makes short work of even the toughest cooked oils stuck to pans. Just be sure to wash & rinse afterward, so residue doesn't end up in your food.
It also works wonders if you have spilled something on your induction stovetop and forgetting that wiping it away with a fabric rag, thereby melting the rag on the burner...
Basically, that shit will take off plastic, the irony with the thread lol
If you have anything stainless steel BKF is a must-have. It's crazy how dingy my kitchen sink basin gets.
I agree with all of this but I want to go further. Just tossed that dishcloth that I think is plastic. Have not yet figured out replacements for my dobie scrubber or all these microfiber dusting cloths I have...suggestions welcome!
Also need to replace more of my plastic cooking tools: flip turners, etc.
Non-abrasive scouring pads made of coconut or agave fiber are becoming more common. They look like Scotch-Brite pads, but are brown/beige instead of green/yellow. (Note that plastic lookalikes exist, so it's worth checking the label.)
I find that a slightly damp cotton washcloth picks up dust pretty well. If you have lots of dust, it's easy enough to rinse, wring, and repeat.
Thanks, ono! Great ideas.
Just ordered new scrubbers. Scamazon has some made from sisal. I did not find any there made from coconut or agave but I'll check stores when I can.
Great catch on those scrubbers - I hadn’t even thought about everything I use to clean, aside from plastic-free dishwasher pods. Thanks! And ono’s suggestions are awesome!
You are welcome.
Also...use powder not pods in your dishwasher. Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rBO8neWw04
Dusting cloths: tear old cotton flannel sheets into squares. You can do this to sheets in your own rag-bag, or buy sheets at the charity shop. Old towels work well, too. They can be washed and re-used for quite a while. Old cotton knits work fine, if you don’t mind waving your dingy old tightie-whities and sweat stained tees around.
Anything soft and slightly fuzzy, and if the cloth alone doesn’t do the trick all you have to do is get it damp with plain water.
Take up knitting and knit yourself some washcloths and dusting cloths! Pretty common here in Scandinavia (you can actually just get cotton machine knit ones in the supermarket but I'm not sure those are a thing elsewhere) and they're pretty much baby's first knitting project because it's just, a square
Is there glassware with lids that closes well enough to transport it?
I like my glasslock. Glass body, plastic/rubber top. They seal incredibly well, you can turn it upside down and shake and it won't leak.
Just don't microwave it with the top on. I just toss a damp paper towel over it before microwaving.
Yes, glass and stainless steel containers with air-tight lids exist. Some use a silicone or natural rubber gasket for the seal.
If you can't find those, canning jars (Ball, Mason, etc.) have been around for ages, and you can always wash and reuse empty jars that once held food from the market. You can avoid food contact with the lid coating by keeping the jar upright.
When I need a microwave-safe lid, I find that a damp paper towel or upside down plate works well.
Jars
Ikea has plenty of options, with either plastic lids or bamboo and silicone (neither of which are microwave safe)
Any suggestions for food storage containers without plastic lids?
Compact: Fido jar, wide mouth Ball/Mason/canning jar, emptied sauce jar.
Large: Saucepan, dutch oven, stock pot. (These are cheap at thrift shops.)
Stackable: Mixing bowls with bamboo lids, steel lunch containers with clamp-on steel lids.
In a pinch: Any bowl with a plate on top.
Yeah I'm starting to think about this as well