BYO Bag + Recycling Truths

The recent crusade against straws is not about the measly straw itself — the straw is symbolic of all unnecessary plastic use. The straw is a reminder to be conscious of how much waste you produce and how easy it is to cut down. Do you really need a straw in your water or a plastic lid to top off your coffee cup? Probably not.

3 Things To Know:
1. China no longer buys as much of our recycled materials
2. Many people participate in wishful recycling
3. Switching to paper products isn’t much better for the environment

China no longer buys as much of our recycled materials. It is important to consider the entire supply chain from raw materials to end of useful life when choosing what product meets your needs and how much utility you will derive from it. Recycling is a business: waste materials are purchased and reprocessed to be used as raw materials in a new product. China, which used to be the world’s largest buyer of recyclable material, announced in January 2018 that it will no longer accept certain paper and plastic materials. Some recycling inevitably ends up in landfills because it is either contaminated with un-recyclable products or there is no buyer for the waste.

Many people participate in wishful recycling. Items such as paper coffee cups (most are lined with polyethylene), greasy cardboard takeout boxes, yogurt containers, and plastic bags are typically not recyclable. If you are unsure whether something is suitable for recycling or if you don’t feel like thoroughly washing your containers, it is best to toss your items instead of possibly contaminating the recycling batch. Even a small amount of food scraps (such as a greasy cardboard box or an unwashed takeout container) can make the entire batch of materials not suitable for recycling, causing it to be diverted to landfills instead.

Switching to paper products isn’t much better for the environment. Plastic is made from petroleum byproducts. In other words, it is made from something that is already extracted from the earth anyway. Using paper products isn’t much better for the environment since paper straws and paper packaging are made from trees. If the demand of paper goes up, so will the demand for cutting down more of the raw material — the trees themselves. Moreover, paper products take more energy and water to produce than plastic. 

A landfill is lined so that nothing decomposes into the surrounding soil. If your paper straw or takeout box has food residue, it will end up in a landfill anyway, taking up more space than it’s plastic counterpart. If any products are marketed as “compostable” then you must actually compost it for it to realize that potential. Otherwise, a compostable product will sit in a landfill as well. 

Does this sound overwhelming? Trust me, it is not hard to make better choices! Avoid single use disposable products as much as you can. Notice how much trash is produced when you grab lunch to go. If you pick up a sandwich, say no to the extra bag that typically comes with the wrapped sandwich and just carry it. Every little bit can make a difference! 

3 Things You Can Do Now:
1. Bring your own bags
2. Refill your water bottle 
3. Stop using straws

Here are my go-tos to reduce how much daily garbage I produce. Once you develop your own routine, it is very easy to keep it up!

Reisenthel Smart Shopper Foldable Bag
This bag is extremely lightweight and I use mine daily. I love this bag so much that I even gave them out as favors at a party! It is very easy to wash - simply throw it in with your laundry in cold water and hang it to dry. Keep in mind that according to the Economist, “a cotton tote bag must be used 131 times before greenhouse-gas emissions from making and transporting it improve on disposable plastic bags.” Instead of buying brand new reusable bags, see if you have any around the house you can reuse. 

Klean Kanteen 8 oz Insulated Tumbler
I carry this around in my backpack and I mostly use this for coffee to go but I’ve also gotten creative and used it for ice cream or soup as well!

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straws With Silicone Top
I’ve always been afraid of stainless steel straws because I don’t want to accidentally chip my teeth, so I was thrilled when I came across these Klean Kanteen straws! They are very easy to clean with the brush that comes with it and are also dishwasher safe. Pop off the silicone top and you now have a short straw! I keep one at my desk, one in my bag, and two at home. My mom sewed me a case similar to this one for my portable straw. If I’m out, I just stick it in the case to wash later. 

Joseph Joseph Go Eat Compact Stainless Steel Cutlery Set
I picked these utensils because they are compact and I’m partial to using stainless steel utensils. The fork, knife, and spoon stick together magnetically and go into the silicone case. The silverware itself is substantial and great to use, but the case is a bit hard to wash. After I use these, I just wipe off excess food with a napkin and stick it back in the case to wash at home. I typically have no trouble flying with these utensils in my bag, but on occasion TSA will stop me to inspect my bag.

Miir 27 oz Water Bottle
This water bottle perfectly meets my needs! I prefer room-temperature water so I don’t need the added weight of a vacuum insulated bottle. This one is a great alternative to plastic; it is lightweight and just the right size for me. I take this bottle with me on trips and I haven’t had any trouble finding water fountains at airports. I also have a S’well bottle for when I need my drink to stay cold at the pool or in the car. 

Yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
This is my work desk mug. I drink tea religiously since it is freezing in my office year-round. The 20 ounce size works well for me because the Yeti does an excellent job of keeping liquids hot for a few hours. 

Lifefactory 22 oz Glass Water Bottle
This glass water bottle is covered in silicone in case you drop it. This bottle is great to for trips to the water cooler at work but it is too heavy to carry around daily.

Wet-It Swedish Dishcloth
I recently made a rule for myself to only use the hand drier if it is available (instead of wasting paper towel). However, I hand-wash my Yeti and utensils at work, so I needed something to dry my hands and dishes. I saw a coworker using something she called “reusable paper towel” and I immediately got my own. This Wet-It dishcloth is super absorbent and comes in a variety of designs. I also bought the herbs print to use for drying herbs in my kitchen instead of using paper towel!

Do you have any questions about reusing or recycling, or do you need additional ideas? Please ask me any questions below.
 

At-Home Food Storage

Glass containers are my main way to store food at home. Unlike plastic, glass has been proven to not leech toxins into food and never retains the smell or color of yesterday’s leftovers. 

Do not reuse restaurant takeout containers for food storage; they are designed to be single use and are not engineered to withstand dishwasher or microwave heat. Instead, hand wash these types of containers and re-purpose them for storing accessories or use them as drawer dividers. Here are my favorite containers to use at home.

Weck Jars

My friend introduced me to these containers a few years ago and I have loved them ever since! They are very prevalent in Europe and come in a variety of sizes. The 0.5 liter jar is the perfect size for a hearty lunchtime soup or leftover spaghetti squash with meatballs. I also use these smaller 0.25 liter jars for homemade dips because it’s easy to take the top off and serve directly from the glass container. These containers are great for freezing foods such as single portion soups. Just remember to leave about an inch of space at the top because otherwise the glass can crack as the frozen liquid expands.

The gasket creates a pretty good seal once you fasten the metal parts. To break the seal, simply tug at the external gasket piece. Although Weck Jars are not necessarily leak proof, I generally do not have a problem if the jars are stored upright. I usually transport it in a reusable bag (such as a small Lululemon shopping bag with a rectangle bottom) so if it does spill, I can easily rinse the bag. The best feature is that if the rubber gasket gets smelly or if you lose a part, you can buy each piece separately.

Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Container Set

These glass containers are stackable AND most of them share the same size lid — how exciting is that?! I love maximizing precious kitchen cabinet space! I use these containers for all sorts of leftovers. The containers also come in a stackable 1.5 cup size, which is a great size for freezing soups. Another great thing about these containers is that they work well for serving food for casual meals. After eating, it is easy to pop the lid on and store leftovers in the fridge.

I think it’s best to start with a set and then customize your set by buying additional containers you need individually. However, the lids are plastic, so I try not to fill the containers to the top with food and I never put the lids in the dishwasher. If the lid absorbs the scent of strong-smelling food, just sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for a day or two. This trick works like magic! I keep a baking soda shaker near my sink at all times. After you wash your lid, the smell will be gone.

Other Glass Containers

Did you know that typically the most expensive part of an item sold in glass is the packaging itself? Don’t forget about the glass containers you get for free! My favorite local honey comes in 8 ounce glass jars and, over the years, I have amassed a large set of the perfect glass jars to use for single portions of chia pudding and overnight oats. I bring my green smoothies to work in glass bottles that were originally filled with kombucha, and Trader Joe’s salsa jars make the perfect re-purposed cocktail glasses or small vases to store fresh herbs.

To remove stubborn labels, soak the glass jars in hot water for a few hours and then carefully peel the label off.  If that doesn’t work, put on gloves and get to work with WD-40 and cotton pads. I typically use WD-40 as a last resort and then make sure to wash my glass jar reeaaalllyy well before using it with food.

How do you like to store leftovers at home?

Cookware Essentials

If you buy organic food, then it only makes sense to use cookware that doesn’t leech toxins into your food. Good cookware is an investment and can get expensive, so it might be best to replace one item at a time, starting with the things you use most often. First of all, get rid of any old, scratched nonstick pans and torn Nylon utensils. If you still have Teflon in your kitchen, I urge you to replace it as soon as you can. The fumes released from nonstick Teflon pans can kill birds, so it certainly cannot be good for humans. Nylon utensils are not intended to be used with temperatures over 400F. And keep in mind that an empty pan on high can reach 700F in just 3 minutes.

I mostly cook with stainless steel pots and pans, which are the safest, time-tested options. Once you get the hang of using it, I promise it is easy! I also have 1 cast iron skillet and I use a Greenpan nonstick ceramic pan only for eggs and pancakes.  Even though all of the cookware below (except cast iron) is technically dishwasher safe, I hand wash everything to extend its usable life. Here are my cookware essentials.

All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Covered Fry Pan

I’ve had this frying pan for 4 years and I absolutely love it. Wirecutter also agrees with me, rating this as the best skillet. The key to using stainless steel is to heat the pan thoroughly first. Test to make sure the pan is ready with a few drops of water. If the water forms little beads then the pan is hot enough. Now you can add your oil (make sure to cover the entire bottom with oil to prevent sticking) and then add your food. When you're done cooking, let the pan cool completely before washing it. I like to let it soak with soap and warm water first before washing. Read here for more information about cooking with and caring for stainless steel. As long as you follow the instructions, the cleanup is pretty easy.

Cuisinart also makes great quality steel at a lower price point. From my research, the two brands have similar performance for the average at-home cook but many professional kitchens use All-Clad. The major difference between the two brands is that All-Clad is primarily made in America and Cuisinart products are made in China.  

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 2-Quart Saucepan 

I use this saucepan for everything from re-heating soup to hard-boiling eggs to making rice. For the price point, it delivers exceptional value to me! Read an in-depth review here. The 2-quart size is perfect for 1-2 people and I use the All-Clad Stainless Steel 4-Quart Saucepan when cooking for a bigger group or meal prepping. 

All-Clad Stainless Steel 6-Quart Pasta Pot

I make a lot of soups and this stockpot can handle almost anything! I love the strainer insert, which is great for straining items like broccoli, corn on the cob, and pasta. I swapped the lid for this Gotham Steel 9.5-Inch Tempered Glass Lid because I like to see what is going on inside the pot. 

Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

This Lodge skillet comes pre-seasoned and will only get better with use. Cast iron takes a while to heat up but once it is hot, it retains heat extremely well. Always use a cover for the handle (but don't leave the silicone handle in the oven). This skillet is great for crispy, pan-roasted chicken or perfectly baked cornbread that is crunchy outside and soft inside. And yes, you can even make an Instagram-worthy skillet cookie or pull-apart bread in here too. Do not cook tomatoes, wine or anything acidic in this skillet because it will turn out metallic-tasting due to the iron -- save those recipes for your stainless steel cookware. 

The only reason I don’t use this skillet more often is that I can never get the cleaning part right, but I'm still learning! You are not supposed to scrub hard because it can damage the seasoning. In fact, my friend who cooks everything in her cast iron skillet just sprinkles coarse salt on it to help wash everything off. Read here for more details about using cast iron cookware.

GreenPan Paris 10-Inch Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan

Greenpan is a Belgian brand that makes nonstick pans with a ceramic coating. This skillet is hard anodized aluminum and coated with Thermolon, which is a ceramic coating made from a sand derivative. According to what I've read, this company is the best rated and most transparent among nonstick alternatives; however, I’m hesitant to use this for all my cooking needs just yet. Nevertheless, this pan is great to have for those times you would have used a regular nonstick pan. Right now, I only use it for making eggs, pancakes, and lightly cooked spinach with a little avocado oil or butter, and I never use it higher than medium heat on the stove. If you opt for another brand of ceramic cookware, make sure that it is not manufactured with lead.

OXO Good Grips Silicone Flexible Turner

This turner is stainless steel and covered in silicone. It is my absolute favorite spatula for cooking since it is flexible and can be used with all of the cookware above. Although it is dishwasher safe, I generally do not put plastic or silicone in my dishwasher and this turner is very easy to wash by hand. I reached out to the company and OXO recommends temperatures no higher than 600F for this tool. To be on the safe side, if I’m searing something on high, I use the OXO Steel Turner or OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs instead.

What are your favorite pots, pans, and kitchen tools?

Everyday Face Products

Scroll through to see my favorite everyday face products and read below for more details.

Eye Makeup Remover

Desert Essence Jojoba Oil

This is an easy change because jojoba oil is the best makeup remover I've ever used! It is gentle on your skin. It also ends up being very cost-effective because you only need to use a little bit on a cotton pad, lightly dab on your eyes, splash on some water, and wipe off. Jojoba oil is also good to have around the house to apply a little on dry skin or massage into nails after removing nail polish. For a travel-sized version, I pour the jojoba oil into this Nalgene Leakproof Dropper Bottle.

EWG Rating: 1 (jojoba oil is the only ingredient)

Face Wash

Everyone Face Cleanse

This is a very mild face wash and I use it at night before going to bed. It doesn't dry out my skin.

EWG Rating: 1

Facial Scrub

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

I like to use this scrub in the shower. The product texture is pretty gritty and I feel like it really deep cleans my face, especially my forehead and nose.

EWG Rating: 1

Toothpaste

Tom's of Maine Whole Care Peppermint Toothpaste

This toothpaste tastes great and leaves my mouth minty-fresh. Most people are used to the brand of toothpaste they grew up with, so switching brands took a little getting used to, but now I can honestly say that I like using it. I also like that Tom's of Maine is very transparent with the ingredients used in this product.

EWG Rating: 1

Night Moisturizer and Eye Cream

Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Eye Cream

After testing out many natural moisturizers and eye creams, I've picked these two as my night time staples. The Andalou Naturals Purple Carrot + C Luminous Night Cream has a fruity scent that fades after a few minutes and it is a pretty thick cream, perfect for hydrating in the winter, but I use it year-round. The Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Eye Cream is a gentle eye cream. It doesn't sting when it gets in my eyes. I have normal to oily skin, so if you have a similar skin type, this should work well for you.

EWG Rating: 1

Retinal Serum

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Serum

As I've gotten older, I've heard that it is important to use Retinol to fight wrinkles and keep skin looking young, but it is tough to find a Retinol product that is well rated on the EWG site. I stumbled upon MyChelle Dermaceuticals Remarkable Retinal Serum at Whole Foods and I love how my skin looks after using this product! 1-2 pumps is enough to cover my face and neck. Be careful with Retinal products, as it makes your skin more sensitive, especially with the sun. I usually apply this serum 3 times a week at night after cleaning my face but before moisturizing. After 30 minutes, I apply my night and eye creams.

EWG Rating: 2

Day Cream

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream, Tinted SPF 30

I'm a firm believer that natural face products should not be a splurge but this is absolutely the best day cream that I've found! It is 12% non-nano zinc, which is the safest way to protect your skin against the sun. Zinc sits on top of your skin, forming a physical barrier against the sun. I'm working on a sunscreen post for later, but read about the safety of sunscreens here. The Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream, Tinted SPF 30 blends well into my skin and, unlike other zinc brands I've tried, it does not leave me looking ghostly-white. It looks great on its own or layers beautifully under a little under-eye concealer and powder. Just 2 pumps is enough to cover my face and neck. This day cream also comes in a regular (non-tinted) version, which is also fabulous, but I liked the glow I got from the tinted version. I'm pretty pale, but you if you have a darker skin tone, don't let the tinted or white color of the cream deter you -- I've still seen it blend well! 

I bought it at Credo Beauty in SoHo, New York City, which is basically a Sephora of natural products. The saleswoman who helped me was very knowledgeable about the pros/cons of each product and helped me select this perfect day cream. She even gave me a sample of this product to use at home, so I would be confident with my purchase before opening up the full-sized bottle.

EWG Rating: N/A (I looked up all of the ingredients individually and they are all 1-2, with the exception of potassium sorbate, which is 3)

What types of natural face products do you use everyday? Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for natural products.

Cleaning Basics

The best part of these cleaning products is that they are super concentrated and a little goes a long way! Not only are these products better for your health, they are also very cost effective.

Don't be fooled by the marketing efforts of companies advertising their products as "natural" -- there is no regulation for this word. The only way to know if a product is healthy is to look up the ingredients for yourself! I only use fragrance-free products in my home. "Fragrance" is a catch-all word that can mean anything. If you see this word on a label, be wary of why the manufacturer is not displaying the actual ingredients themselves. Unless a product specifies what ingredients are in the fragrance (such as lavender essential oil), I will generally buy the unscented version. Be careful because some fragrance-free products contain masking agents.  Scroll through my favorite household products to use and more details are below.

Cleaning + Laundry

Dishwashing + Soaps

Cleaning + Laundry

All Purpose Cleaner

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Cleaner 

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Cleaner is basically the only multi-purpose cleaner you need. I use it to clean windows, counter tops, and floors. Make your own counter spray and glass cleaner by mixing a 1/4 teaspoon Sal Suds with 2 cups filtered water in a spray bottle. If you have an empty spray bottle from a previously purchased glass cleaner, repurpose that one instead of buying a brand new bottle! I keep one bottle in my kitchen and one in my bathroom. It has a spruce scent and I like to use it as is, but you can also add in a few drops of your own essential oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil.

To make a DIY floor cleaner, add a half tablespoon Sal Suds to 2 cups water to mop with my favorite OXO Good Grips Spray Mop. This mop is excellent and it comes with a washable microfiber pad and a refillable container.

Sal Suds is concentrated so make sure to dilute with enough water, otherwise everything will be soapy. See Lisa Bronner's Sal Suds Dilutions Cheat Sheet for a full list of uses.

EWG Rating: A

Laundry Detergent

Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid

This unscented laundry detergent is very gentle, but effective. It is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. I've been using it for 3 years and am happy with how it cleans my laundry. This is safe to use for babies and the ingredients here are much better than some of the advertised "for baby" brands, which contain toxic chemicals. It's so easy to just use one product for the whole family!

EWG Rating: A

I stopped using dryer sheets and now use Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls to keep my laundry fluffy and static-free. This is also an environmentally-friendly option since the wool balls are reused many times, instead of using disposable sheets. If you want scented laundry, add a drop of lavender essential oil to the balls before drying.

Dishwashing + Soaps

Dish Soap

Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid, Free and Clear

I don't need my dish soap to be bright orange or smell like fresh citrus; I just need it to work. This product contains SLS, which can be a mild skin irritant, but this dish soap does a good job of getting out grease. I've tried other brands with a better EWG rating, but I have yet to find anything rated A that works well. I use dish gloves when washing a lot of dishes by hand so it doesn't come in contact with my skin.

EWG Rating: C

Dishwasher Detergent

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Powder, Free & Clear

This detergent works well in the dishwasher. Occasionally, I see some streaks on glasses, but it is easy to wipe off with a microfiber cloth. I've also used the Dishwasher Packs, which work just as well, but I'm opting for a product with less packaging.

EWG Rating: A

Hand Soap (and more!)

Dr. Bronner's Unscented Pure Castile Soap 

This is my favorite mild, all-purpose soap! I keep a foaming soap pump near my kitchen sink with homemade foaming soap (fill the container 1/5 of the way with castile soap and fill to the top with filtered water) since I wash my hands so frequently in the kitchen. I also use this soap as a fruit and veggie wash and scrub them with a brush. This product also works great as a body wash and baby wash. Read Lisa Bronner's Liquid Soaps Dilutions Cheat Sheet.

EWG Rating: 1

EO Lemon & Eucalyptus Hand Soap 

I use this soap in my bathroom and love how it smells. It has a nice, light smell and the formula does not dry out my hands. I buy the giant refill container and keep refilling the same soap dispenser.

EWG Rating: 2

What are your go-to cleaning tips? If you can recommend a great dish soap with an EWG A rating, please share in the comments!

Everyday Body Products

Did you know that your skin is your biggest organ? Many of the products you use on your skin can be absorbed into your body. Scroll through my favorite natural products to use and full descriptions are below.

Body Lotion

Ever since I made the switch to natural lotions, I honestly have not experienced dry skin in the past 5 years. Coconut oil and shea butter are often used as ingredients in lotions -- so why not just go straight to the source and use the real thing? Each product has its pros and cons, so I found that a mix of these three work well for me.

Coconut Oil

Make sure to buy food-grade coconut oil, which is typically found in the same section as olive oil in the grocery store. If it is edible, it is certainly better to use on your body. I love the faint coconut smell and usually apply it after I shower at night before going to bed. Since it doesn't absorb well, I apply all over my skin and wait a few minutes before wiping off the excess with a towel and putting on PJs. In the winter, I sometimes apply this to my face as well. Be careful about getting this in your hair or on silk clothing.

I usually buy a big container to keep in my kitchen for cooking and scoop out a little at a time to keep in a glass jar in my bathroom. 

EWG Rating: 1 (coconut oil is the sole ingredient)

Acure Body Lotion, Unscented

This lotion absorbs better than coconut oil (but still not as well as the commercial lotions we are used to). I usually use this in the mornings when I am in a rush.

EWG Rating: 1

Shea Butter

This is great for cold, dry winters! It is a thick butter that you need to warm in your hands first so it melts a little before applying. This is wonderful as a hand or foot cream for super dry skin. Do not put on your face because it can cause breakouts.

EWG Rating: 1 (shea butter is the sole ingredient)

Deodorant

All natural deodorants work differently for everyone and you need to find the brand and formula that works well for you, so I'm listing a few options. In short, nothing works as well as good old deodorant with aluminum so natural deodorants take some getting used to. The deodorants below passed the summer sweat test! However, you may experience some wetness during very hot summer days; all of the brands below make a convenient travel-sized version, so bring it with you. Keep in mind that these deodorants are made with coconut oil, which is difficult to remove from clothing without washing it. I usually get dressed first and then apply the deodorant to avoid stains.

Lovefresh All Natural Deodorant (Unscented)

This is my new favorite natural deodorant and I've tried a LOT of brands over the years. This company makes its products in Canada and all of the ingredients are simple and transparent. The deodorants are scented with essential oils; grapefruit and lemon verbena smell wonderful! I’m convinced that the addition of zinc oxide is what differentiates this product and it is hands-down my favorite of the bunch.

EWG Rating: N/A (I looked up all of the ingredients individually in the unscented version and they are all safe)

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin - Fragrance-Free

Schmidt’s is another great brand of natural deodorant. This is one of the first widely-distributed natural deodorants and is available at Whole Foods. It also comes in a glass jar packaging, which is more eco-friendly since I can recycle the glass. To apply the jar version of the deodorant, you scoop out a little bit, warm it between your fingers, and then apply to your armpits. I like the jar because I can scoop some out into a very small container for travel. 

I've used this deodorant for a while but noticed that it runs down my arms when it is too hot outside and I put too much on, so I may continue to use this brand when it isn't as hot. However, my friend who proclaimed that natural deodorants don’t work for her swears by Schmidt’s!

EWG Rating: 1

Body Wash, Shave Cream, (and more!)

Dr. Bronner's Unscented Pure Castile Soap 

This product really is amazing because it has so many uses. I use the same proportions for a foaming body wash and shave cream as the hand soap (1/5 part castile soap and the rest filtered water). Of course, you can also use this product directly on a loofa -- just a small squirt is enough, but I prefer the foam texture. Although I generally like to use glass containers, I refill a plastic dispenser for the shower since I don't want the glass to break. Even better, you can re-purpose a foam dispenser you already have. Two other popular scents are lavender and peppermint. Just note that the peppermint soap can sting, so keep it away from sensetive areas. Read about other ways to use castile soap here.

EWG Rating: 1

What types of natural body products do you use everyday? Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for natural products.

To-Go Food Storage

I use glass containers at home since plastic can leach into food. But glass is just too heavy to lug to work for lunch or on a trip for snacks. I primarily use stainless steel containers for food on the go. Here are my favorites that I use each week.

Large Lunch Containers

Lunch Bots Clicks 4 Cups Container

$26.99

This container is great for bringing salads and cold lunches to work. The lid is plastic, but the interior is completely stainless steel, so no plastic touches your food. Although Lunch Bots calls this container "leakproof" it is not. Nevertheless, if I carry it upright in a bag, I don't have any problems.

ECOlunchbox Solo Rectangle

$20

This my go-to container for leafy salads with a lemon wedge, cut up veggies, or sliced fruit. It is very lightweight and dishwasher safe. This container is not for liquids, so if you have something juicy in here like sliced tomatoes, I'd recommend keeping it upright and secured with a rubber band.

Smaller Containers for Dips and Snacks

LunchBots Dips

$27.99 for 3

These 1.5 ounce containers are great for when you want to bring dressing with you or if you want to bring a small amount of nuts. There is an internal gasket that makes these containers leakproof if screwed on correctly.

ECOlunchpod

$26 for 4

Each container holds 5 ounces and is great for snacks such as carrot sticks, edamame pods, or nuts and dried fruit. Two medium-sized hardboiled eggs can fit in each container. These are small and very lightweight and are perfect for healthy in-flight snacks. 

Food Wrap

Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wrap

$18 for 3, assorted sizes

This reusable food wrap is the perfect plastic wrap replacement! It is great for covering cheese because the cloth is breathable, so the cheese lasts longer. This also works well for wrapping fruit or sandwiches before tossing into your bag.  This packages comes with 3 different sizes. Simply use the heat of your hands to stick the edges together and seal closed. This wrap does have a faint smell, but it does not bother me and it does not transfer to the food. To wash, simply rinse under cold water with soap and air dry. 

What types of reusable containers do you use? Please comment below with any ideas or questions.