Plastic free food storage

Caterina

I often buy groceries such as beans, grains and oats in bulk, but hate storing them in the plastic bags they come in, or even the 10ll plastic buckets that I can get from Indian restaurants, or plastic boxes.

I have a few large glass jars that I got ages ago from the fish and chip shops, they used to get gherkins and onions in them, but now they are all in plastic.

I am thinking of investing in half a dozen proper containers, in metal rather than glass, was thinking of galvanised metal buckets with lids, but I am not sure they are suitable for food storage as they are not airtight.

I would welcome suggestions from others here who have found a plastic free solution. Thank you.

Slowly57

http://www.wilko.com/food-storage/storage-jars+bread-bins/icat/storagejar
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/flour-storage

thriftwizard

I swear by the square-bottomed Kilner jars; they go up to 2l, which is big enough for most packs. They fit together in the cupboard better than the round ones, and I'll stack smaller jars on top if I think they're not going to get knocked off - slate floor beneath! However, I've no idea where to buy them new or how much they cost as I've picked most of mine up at charity shops, jumble sales, car boots & the local Tip!

Caterina

Thank you both, some of those are really lovely but I am looking for something that takes 6-10 Kg of stuff, so those would be too small. The search continues!

tori.k

Ikea do a 3.5L frosted glass jar with a steel lid, I wouldn't think you get much bigger non-plastic for food storage because of the weight issue.

jackyann

I would worry about storing food for any length of time in something not airtight. All the stuff you describe are magnets for little creatures!
In this situation I have used large plastic containers as primary storage, away from light, and transferring 1-2kg to large glass storage jars to keep in the kitchen.
I have also used very large tins, but am unsure how easy they are to come by. I also felt that they got easily bent out of shape & therefore no longer airtight.

I would google, as I have found that catering companies, especially those aimed at the Asian market often have useful inexpensive kitchen stuff.
I am not sure why you dislike plastic for bulk storage - the reason affects the solution.

Caterina

Thank you, tori.k, IKEA is one place I need to explore for medium size jars.

Thank you, Jackyann the reason I don't like plastic storage is because I am trying to remove plastic from my life, it is much more than just these storage boxes, it is becoming a way of life, to look for a non plastic alternative first. It might end up to be the only solution in the end but before giving up I really wanted to research options.

There is a lot of research being done into the evils of plastic and how it invades our lives, pollutes the environment etc...so I won't go into the finer details, there are anti plastic groups all over the internet that can explain much more eloquently than I could ever do if anyone is interested, this is one: http://myplasticfreelife.com/

I have found a firm in Birmingham that produces large steel canisters, for paint etc, but not sure whether they sell to the individual (I don't want a pallet load of the stuff!), have emailed them and waiting for the reply.

If I don't find anything suitable I have decided to ask a few restaurants for their discarded tubs, then I just store my stuff in fabric sacks in the plastic tubs. At least A) the food is not in direct contact with the plastic the plastic being used is recycled.

greenbee

Have you tried looking for 'feed bins'? Obviously you need to stay away from galvanised metal but enamelled might be ok e.g. http://www.gardman.co.uk/wild-bird-care/metal-food-storage-bin.html

Caterina

Hi Greenbee, please why would I need to stay away from galvanised metal, it was one of the options I was looking into. Thank you.

Edited to say, those food buckets look good, they are a bit on the expensive side as I need 6 or so, but if nothing else crops up I might consider investing in them, after all they should last forever!

greenbee

galvanised metal contains zinc, which can be contaminated with cadmium.

https://www.reference.com/food/dangers-galvanized-metal-containers-b9cc26835202bb28

Better to look for something enamelled, or consider some kind of lining to keep the food away from the metal. The risk is probably low with dried goods as there is unlikely to be any acidity to corrode the galvanised surface, but still worth bearing in mind. And obviously the seal is important.

You also shouldn't burn stuff in galvanised buckets as this can create toxic fumes.

Caterina

OMG thank you greenbee! I knew that it would be worth it posting here, there is always someone with amazing advice! I was seriously considering galvanised bins so without your kind advice it could have been nasty, I am really grateful.