How to avoid plastic use while prepping weekly meals?

Question

How can you avoid plastic use while prepping your weekly meals? Discover eco-friendly and safe alternatives like glass and stainless steel.

Answer 1

Reduce plastic use during meal prep by opting for reusable containers, beeswax wraps, and cloth bags for storage, and choosing fresh produce without plastic packaging whenever possible.

Detailed Explanation:

Avoiding plastic during weekly meal prep involves making conscious choices about storage, shopping, and preparation methods. Here's a breakdown:

1. Storage: Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel containers. These are durable, easy to clean, and won't leach chemicals into your food. For covering bowls or wrapping individual items, use beeswax wraps, which are reusable and biodegradable. Silicone bags are also a great alternative for storing chopped vegetables or snacks.

2. Shopping: Bring your own reusable cloth bags to the grocery store for produce and bulk items. Avoid pre-packaged fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic. Opt for loose produce and use reusable mesh bags to keep them organized. When buying meat or cheese, ask if they can be wrapped in your own container or reusable bag at the deli counter.

3. Preparation: Use wooden cutting boards instead of plastic ones. When freezing portions, consider using freezer-safe glass containers or wrapping food in parchment paper before placing it in a reusable bag for added protection against freezer burn.

4. Leftovers: Store leftovers in glass jars or stainless steel containers. Avoid covering plates with plastic wrap; instead, use a reusable silicone lid or a plate of similar size as a cover.

Pro Tip:

Keep a set of reusable shopping bags, produce bags, and containers in your car so you're always prepared to avoid plastic when you go grocery shopping. This simple habit makes it much easier to consistently reduce your plastic consumption.