What are the Best Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics in the Kitchen? | Gear Heads

[@FlashOhJoy]

Ball canning jars are wonderful for storage too!

[@thevirtualtraveler]

Old school!

[@lindaburley9813]

A little over the top but I vacuum seal my canning jars with the attachment on my FlavourSaver. It's great for pantry items.

[@vegangelist]

​@lindaburley9813 same. About 5 or 6 years ago, I picked up a pantry moth infestation and overhauled my pantry in the process. I did spend quite a bit on numerous flats of Mason jars in every size and shape they have. But now my dry goods go from package to Mason jar and get vacuum sealed. So any future pest issue would be contained. Plus: things last longer when kept vacuum sealed, which is helpful for our empty nest house.

[@johnclaybaugh9536]

What does a cake look like after beong stuffed in a jar? Lol.

[@likethedrinkbutspelleddiff4605]

The fact that Lisa is still using an actual iPod above her microwave for music in the kitchen is what really impressed me. 👍👍

[@MarjaMariachi]

I like to imagine it's all full of death metal!

[@Genevieve1023]

Those came out before Apple started building stuff to break in two years of less.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

I still have one. It works great and the battery has not died which shocks me.

[@patyoung9412]

My husband still uses his too❤

[@potterma63]

Tip for washing plastic bags: turn it inside out, stick you hand inside, add a dot of detergent and "wash your hands". Works a treat!

[@DeliaLee8]

@potterma63 Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@mlob535]

I do that too! It’s so easy!

[@Ekreagan]

What a great idea! Thank you!

[@freespirit3891]

No longer plastic grocery bags in ny, for larger stuff, but bread and burger/frank bags are real good..keep the plastic tie/clip that comes with it to close

[@ph11p3540]

Except for where meats are concerned. It's not good enough to have those bags washed. They must be sterilized after they were used for storing meats or sous vide cooking.

[@jake9705]

* The Pyrex nesting multi-bowl set with matching lids is an excellent alternative to the disposable plastic covers. One of ATK's best ever recommendations; I've used them for two years now and they're great. * Store your stainless straws in the freezer and they won't become moldy. Works great for Camelbak bladders too.

[@DeliaLee8]

using the freezer to store the straws! great idea!

[@poonamabbi7448]

The lids break way before the containers

[@katiebergeron7384]

Honest question. Why are straws molding? Are people not using them frequently enough? We have had ours for three years and never had this issue but we also use them multiple times a day.

[@luke8173]

I received the Pyrex set several years ago for Christmas - I use them for so many things, I have even dropped them and they didn't break - totally recommend

[@danixoxo8637]

Moldy straws? Gross. How? Never knew this was a thing. I rarely need one, but people don't let them dry completely before storing them??

[@akr01364]

BTW: for a cheap, homemade plastic bag dryer, chopsticks stuck into an unloved coffee mug works great.

[@lorettawatkins5024]

Yes! And one less thing to buy and store.

[@Carol-ck2pg]

Love this. Now use these products and options in your cooking demos...spread the word.

[@CreamyJalapeno]

I love my glass straws more than any others. It's nice that you can see all the way through for cleanliness. I put mine in the dishwasher too.

[@kenmore01]

The dishwasher won't clean those.

[@CreamyJalapeno]

@@kenmore01 wanna bet?

[@kenmore01]

@@CreamyJalapeno I'm a fan of dishwashers, but I believe the random spraying wouldn't reliably clean the inside of a straw.

[@lrhurst3033]

@@kenmore01 That's why you clean them first with a pipe cleaner and just use the dishwasher as the follow up and sanitizer. Works great for me.

[@jjpp2216]

Instead of plastic wrap or beeswax wrap on a bowl, just put a plate over top and plop it into the fridge. I do it all the time and if works perfectly. Or just buy bowls that come with lids (ceramic to match the pot). You have to look out for them but they’re out there.

[@GKP999]

I do the same! Plate on top of a bowl!

[@rikkitikkitavi997]

I do that a lot too.

[@lordgarion514]

The plate trick works pretty good for short periods. The only real problem with using a plate is that it won't seal, which let's moisture and odors enter/escape. Of course that's not much of a problem for short periods with food that doesn't have a strong odor.

[@jjpp2216]

@@lordgarion514 what I’ve found is that it works long enough (a day or two). If you need longer, you should be freezing, not refrigerating.

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

Haha! I said the same thing before I read the comments. What did people think anyone used before there was plastic wrap I mean the stuff is in a hundred years old and people been eating for a lot longer than that haven't they? Or or what they would have done was to have bowls and things that have lids with them.

[@lettersnstuff]

been watching on and off for a while and I think you guys are really hitting your stride in terms of tone and target audience and just seeming so much more relaxed in front of the cameras, I’m happy for y’all

[@annek1226]

It is amazing how many of these kitchen tests produce an OXO winner!

[@marysummers]

I've had those OXO glass containers and they are HORRIBLE! Impossible to close and chip easily. 2/3 of the set was chipped in less than a year. And I have other glass containers for years that never chipped. I love other OXO products, but stay away from those glass containers!

[@kimberlindy]

I've been using the OXO for a decade with no chips, but they can require some force to get the last side of the lid to snap in.

[@bbetts74]

An episode of Unwrapped covered how Oxo develops their products

[@donlibes]

I have beeswax-infused cloth that I bought from a local crafter. She never explained that they seal with hand heat! (I've been using rubber bands to seal and hold them in place.) Thanks for the tip!

[@rve420]

I've used some glass straws made from a Pyrex type of glass. Zero chips or breaks in years of use.

[@WaterNai]

Glass straws are great! They don’t chip. I get borosilicate glass (which most are), so they’re sturdy. I also like that they’re clear, so you can be sure that they’re clean. You can even get ones with little decorative glass animals, flowers, and geometric designs.

[@BP-yd9vn]

I think this topic needs to be revisited regularly because there are always new products coming onto the market and newer concerns. For instance, right now, I'm all concerned about microplastics so bpa-free or not, I would still rather go for glass all the way. Also, I wish someone would come up with an easier way to wash/clean these wax/ silicon/ reusable grocery bags.

[@NPonlamuangsri]

Micro plastics are the exact reason I’m here. Do silicone products leech them as well?

[@fahfahfred]

Yes! Please more sustainability content please :D

[@coffee3470]

yea. buy plastic to get sustainable? so stupid this is

[@hannahcrowley2030]

@@coffee3470 it's about reusing, brah!

[@jefffeinberg1577]

Such a scam

[@polycrystallinecandy]

@@coffee3470 Using plastic doesn't screw the environment, throwing it into landfill does

[@DraconianMeasures]

So glad to finally see this kind of content from ATK- we’ve been alarmed at all the one-time-use stuff we’ve seen over the years... keep it up!!

[@katel3962]

Since most the avocados I use are in combination with using limes, I just rub the cut avocado surface with lime juice and it stays perfectly green, no oxidation. I keep the pit in the cut avocado half, and store the avocado is glass container with snap lids.

[@A-Wa]

this also works for sliced apple! Ive only used it with lemon but lime should have the same effect

[@watchingover3592]

I love the reusable silicone lids that she said were too difficult to stretch over a bowl. They don't fit every size but are excellent on the ones they do fit. I rarely us cling wrap anymore.

[@purpunknat]

Agreed. I've got two sets of 10 so they fit on every container I have. I find them pretty easy to use. I also use them for rising bread dough. Works like a charm.

[@claudia2.1]

Same here. Just get a set with many sizes. Don't have to stretch, just size up.

[@sounsure9108]

Brand I bought one and I ripped it after a few uses

[@aleb5195]

Do they hold on to the smell too?

[@watchingover3592]

I haven’t noticed the silicone picking up any odors from the food. If fit tightly they can hold freshness and therefore odors from seeping out.

[@sgodbout2213]

Loved this! I have the silicone covers like yours and have mesh bags for produce. I have had the wooden bag dryer for years. My parents grew up in the Depression and I learned to wash out plastic bags, glass jars and tin foil at a young age. We need to get back to that thinking.

[@r.g8725]

Yes, TOTALLY - live like there isn't any plastic wrap, disposable ware, etc. Growing up in different countries we washed foil wrap and the few plastic bags. I continue to do so, tho' almost always reuse glass jars/storage containers, cloth grocery bags, produce mesh bags, etc.

[@codynewman3626]

I love the old school iPod in the background

[@Monica68817]

Awesome information Ladies! Plastics are a serious environmental problem that we all need to take responsibility for. You’ve inspired me to start TODAY!👍🏼

[@montyollie]

Since the day you guys did the Rubbermaid Brilliance episode, I have bought them for myself and everyone I know. They are the best "tupperware" on the planet, thank you so much for doing the legwork to convince me to buy it. It's worth every penny. And I'm Canadian and they are super expensive here, but worth it.

[@Loruca]

Why do people call plastic containers "tupperware"? The stuff that is really Tupperware is excellent. I have some that's got to be 40 years old. I've had a few lids break on me, and Tupperware supposedly replaces them free.

[@montyollie]

@@Loruca Agreed! I do love actual tupperware as well! Kind of like how the brand names Kleenex and Bandaid overtook tissue and bandage, Tupperware will always be reusable plastic containers in our lexicon.

[@SKG-d2t]

I use canning jars. Glass retains no odor, does not stain, dishwasher safe, you can see contents, works for wet or dry items. Lids do not leak, lids previously used for canning work for storage. Comes in 1/2c, 1c, 2c, 4c sizes & some sizes can even nest in larger jars for space saving. They are convenient for portion control, premade servings and gift giving. They are cheap & last. When broken they can be recycled. Bonus, only 2 lid sizes, and 1 piece lids are available. And can be used for canning!

[@jessicaharris1608]

My primary qualm with using mason jars is that they're round, which wastes precious fridge real estate vs. something square or rectangular. I am quite a Tetris master when it comes to packing the fridge, but rounded shapes are space wasters. Don't get me wrong, I love to reuse glass jars for leftover storage, but that's my biggest issue.

[@katw3582]

The Rubbermaid brilliance comes in glass as well! I have both (found the glass set at target, which still use the same plastic lids, so it's all interchangeable)

[@lisamcmanus6656]

Thanks for that tip!

[@ShayBabae]

I have both as well. Love them!

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Very helpful, thanks. Two more item types to add to your list: 1. TRAVEL SET OF STAINLESS STEEL SILVERWARE: For eating your lunch away from home. Some brands are made for camping and some come from East Asian countries and will include chopsticks. There is a wide variety. I recommend going for as nearly full-sized as possible, making sure the spoon is deep enough for soup (or substitute a soup spoon from home), checking that the knife is serrated, and including the chopsticks. Some come with a stainless steel drinking straw and even a brush for cleaning its inside. The set comes in a pouch, which can be made from a variety of materials. Mine is silicone. You will need to have a plan of how to either clean or wrap the dirty utensils after use, so you don’t get the pouch dirty while carrying them home. 2. RESTAURANT-STYLE COTTON KITCHEN TOWELS: These are washable, absorbent, soft and pleasing, and replace many, many paper towels and napkins. I don’t recommend the ones with the waffle-like texture and certainly not terrycloth. Also called tea towels. They launder well and wear like iron. Mine are listed at Amazon at about $20 for thirteen of them, are white 2-ply cotton with a woven stripe that comes in different colors, and are described thus: “Liliane Collection Red Dish (13 Pack) -Commercial Grade Absorbent 100% 2-ply Cotton Kitchen (14"x27") Classic White Tea Towels Side Stripes, 14" x 27", 13 Count.” (This is the description for the towels with a red stripe, and they also come with a stripe in green, blue or yellow.) I wouldn’t use them for something terribly gross or strongly staining, but that should be obvious; there are other tools for that, like a cleaning brush. On first washing/drying, they do get somewhat smaller, but it seems to be more from sort of puckering a bit than just shrinkage; they become soft and lush. I have a big stack of these in my kitchen, folded and ready, and use quite a few every day.

[@klgordon11]

I had a set of stainless silverware for my lunch bag, for years. With sending lunches to school for my kids, I decided to just use what we have. They now carry their utensils, including a stainless straw (a set that we've also had for 10 years) rolled in a cloth napkin/restaurant style towel. If you ever misplace your set, this works well. And yes! The Liliane towels! I bought for my mom and sister, and we use them daily, multiple times.

[@Sundayjean]

For avocados I leave the pit in and cover with the empty side that I scooped out. It works great. Generally I’m eating the second half the next day, so I don’t know how long that would work.

[@SuperDflower]

Here’s a trick, if you want your avocados not to brown, cover them in some kind of oil and then wrap them. Try it out

[@craftygal4494]

I really like the glass storage containers that have the lids without the gaskets. They work great and are the easiest to clean.

[@wendydarling5790]

Baggies are only single use if you choose to throw them out. Glad she mentioned that. I wash and reuse them until they fall apart. Eventually a little hole may appear. I have taped over them and kept using. I do my best with not being wasteful, but I'm not interested in purchasing expensive, specialized products. I feel somewhat suspicious, like this is another category of stuff for people with money to burn. A victory for marketing. It seems like more unnecessary consumerism, which people who are into recycling and reusing are generally trying to avoid. Even though I wash my baggies, I do not require a $24 baggie drying tree. Lol. I'm fine using those lesser-quality yogurt containers, etc. I even take them to work. I have no pride. 🤷‍♀️

[@icrisologo]

Right? Buying more things instead of repurposing things one already owns is very counterproductive and not sustainable at all. Also, if one tosses all the single-use stuff they have at home unused to replace them with new "eco-friendly" things, it defeats the purpose.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

$24.00!? I just use the handle of my wood spoons to dry baggies. And I already have several dozen wood spoons.

[@barbaras7143]

I'm with you @wendy darling! Reduce, reuse, recycle.

[@Omoloya1]

👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿❤️

[@setodd2098]

Any tall narrow bottle makes a great drying rack for a bag or knife block is another great solution. But I also grew up poor and we rarely could afford expensive tools, so we had to get creative to get things done.

[@iluminameluna]

Love that there's racks now to dry plastic bags for us hippies! Yay!! But those plastic produce bags from the store? They make really good proofing bags for my breads. And I also use them to keep bugs off my drying herbs when I get some from the Food Bank. I will have to get some of the reusable bags when I start needing them, but for now I still use the plastic bags we were getting last year from the school lunches. Those were so sturdy.

[@marymcmorris5490]

Glass straws are great. I’ve had mine for around 8 years. No breaking, Or chipping at all.

[@Galworld761]

My mom thought it was a drug pipe. 🙄

[@gribble2979]

Same here. I have both metal and glass (that's held up perfectly and never chipped) but now I want the OXO's with the silicone tops!

[@christieh1029]

Same here...love them! After washing, and to store them, I put a crunched-up piece of paper towel in the bottom of a tall glass, then put straws in the glass. I change out the paper towel periodically (and compost the old!).

[@emmahardesty4330]

The stretchy silicone disks are perfect for tucking directly on the surface of puddings and sauces, to prevent a thick skin from forming. They're also good for using as a tight wrap for cut avocados, apples, proving dough. Actually, they're really helpful.

[@mlob535]

Thank you for this video and for caring for the environment. We got a set of the silicone covers that have a lip and they work great for us. The set has different sizes and we haven’t had issues using them. I have small hands and am able to stretch the lid over the containers. We just need to make sure to keep the container’s surface dry so that the silicone doesn’t slip. We also got a set of handmade mesh bags from a seller on Etsy. They came in another bag that I keep in my purse and take out the sizes I need when grocery shopping. I love not having to deal with plastic.

[@mairzydotes3548]

These were great reviews. I have a number of the Brilliance containers and love them. I never worry about throwing them in my backpack and leaking. In addition, they are clear so you can see what is in them. I’m hoping they come out with a soup size (round). I also reuse zip bags if they were not used for meat. The best way to recycle is to never use it to begin with.

[@wiinga]

Next gen ATK talent. They inspire confidence.

[@ideoformsun5806]

About time. Finally you have covered this issue. I think single-use plastic needs to be banned. We survived many thousands of years without it just fine. Try just using canning jars with lids for leftovers. They don't leak.

[@TheIkaika777]

Plastic is natural, plastic comes from nature.

[@JohnMontet]

That was excellent work on a very important topic. I put a bunch of these on my shopping list. This at-home format isn't easy, but this was so well done. Keep these coming!

[@marthavillanueva5505]

I have the stretchy bowl covers. I love love them, not hard to stretch at all. Only problem I have is choosing the right side but that’s me, I have trouble the correct size with choosing any storage item.

[@g.michelleackerman2804]

The glass containers from Ikea are great too and you can swap the covers

[@lorik8730]

Also, IKEA’s stretchy silicone covers are easy to use and work really well, but they aren’t durable. (There’s likely a connection between those two points!)

[@manuscriptsdontburn]

Ladies, you are reading my mind! I was wondering how not to use so much plastic in the kitchen, thank you for this video.

[@davidjones535]

I've been doing the washing out the larger bag's thing for years but I'm cheap and can get at least four or five uses out of them and I have my own reusable shopping bags .

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

I do that too. Can't tell you when I last bought plastic bags.☺️ I also have 3 of the wooden bag driers. Love them! For taller bags, I turn a mug upside-down and put the bag drier on that.

[@missyvanwinkle9247]

I actually LIKE the stretchy pull-around silicone bowl covers -- I find that if I match the cover to the bowl they are *not* difficult to put on AND they seal more securely (IMHO). I still LOVE LOVE LOVE these videos, but I'm thrilled I bought the covers that work for me before I saw this one.

[@markallen4514]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been trying to limit single use plastics, but the inconvenience and ineffectiveness of so many solutions had me frustrated. Think this will be a big help. (Btw, the ad that came up at the beginning of the video was for US Plastics! You need to have a discussion with those algorithms.)

[@gardengnome132]

Thank you SO MUCH! I'm trying to eliminate all disposable plastic from our home and your testing has given me some great alternatives.

[@cauthoncrazy]

That kitchen that Hannah is filming in is just gorgeous!

[@lisaphares2286]

I save cereal bags to store pre-chopped veggies and roasts that are cut for stew meat or smaller roasts (cooking for 2 now). They also work very well for pounding meat, or for coating meat with seasonings. Sometimes food comes in plastic ziplock type bags from the grocery store. I clean these and label them with freezer tape listing the contents (rice, freeze dried fruit, dried fruit, granola, croutons, & shredded cheese come in these bags). Anything I put raw meat in is one time use. I also save produce bags from the store to use the next time I visit, sometimes they don’t even need to be rinsed to be reused.

[@Sbannmarie298]

Excellent video gals!

[@yolandaray6862]

Or you can save the glass jars food came in and use it again.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

YES !!!!

[@houchi69]

And even the plastic jars or containers.

[@mihaelazlate4729]

Thats what i also do, a bigger jar works fine to get soup at work.

[@4thHouseOnTheRight]

That's what I do too

[@meghanfaulkner4154]

Reusing glass jars are great for pantry storage, but not for reheating your leftovers for a work lunch. And a lot of food containers (like the ones yogurt comes in) are not safe for reheating food.

[@lourdescintron4882]

I've been re-using plastic bags for years. Recently went to my grocery store with a set of mesh bags and the check out guy was trying to dissuade me from using them! He told me that the bags add weight and I should use plastic. I told them that I didn't care since they didn't have recycling for those. I went back yesterday and saw a bin for bags!😊

[@donbushek]

Those plastic bags that people are putting in the bins to be recycled are actually not recycle-able. There is no market for them. It’s very likely that the store is emptying them into their trash when the bin is full.

[@cagottlieb7418]

@@donbushek I checked with our store, and they do send them to a recycling plant.

[@donbushek]

@@cagottlieb7418. it appears that I was wrong about plastic bag recycling. While its true that there is little market for many types of “recyclable” plastic, I’ve found reports that some plastic films, including some (but not all) plastic grocery bags, are being recycled into plastic lumber substitutes (mydisposal.com/what-happens-to-recycled-plastic-bags). I doubt all plastic bags are captured in this recycling stream, so it might be a good idea to follow the money and find out where the stuff in your store’s bin ends up. Regardless, it’s probably still a better idea to Reduce and Reuse before trying to Recycle plastic bags.

[@cagottlieb7418]

@@donbushek Thank you for this reply, but I have tried to follow the money and find out where things end up to come to a dead end very quickly. It is so frustrating, so all I know that I can do is to keep dropping off the plastic bags of which my family generates plenty. It is impossible to get the kinds of foods that our family eats without using very much plastic. Nuts, flours, cereals, fish, Turkey meat on and on everything comes with that stupid plastic film. Before pandemic I used to shop a lot of bulk. But I do not go in stores right now. This is so so hard and so frustrating. I do however have our family use The thicker bags that food comes in as gloves when we go to the gas station at least so we can avoid using disposable gloves there. Would love any more ideas. Thanks so much!

[@lisamcmanus6656]

That's great; it's proof that it's always worth speaking up and asking questions when you want to see companies change the way they do things. For what it's worth, the winning reusable produce bags have their weight listed on the colorful tags so the checkout people could technically subtract or tare the weight of the bags. But honestly, I always think they're so busy and pressed for time, and I don't mind paying the extra couple pennies for these very lightweight bags to save plastic.

[@LisaLGruman]

A topic I have needed all the way from the storage to the straws to the bags to the bag dryer stand. Thank you so much!

[@stellaz2595]

I recently bought a dutch oven from Misen that came with a silicone lid. I actually prefer that lid to the cast iron lid. It seals absolutely tight, does great in the oven or stovetop, and is very easy to clean.

[@cherinystedt2824]

We have been using the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers for a year now (specifically the 3.2 Cup, 4.7 Cup, and 12 Cup capacities). These three sizes ALL share one common lid which makes for much less mixed up fuss in the cabinet. Our kitchen reusable food storage workhorses are the 3.2 Cup and 4.7 Cup sizes. We are empty nesters so we don't require larger reusable containers. Leftovers get put in them, tossed into the backpack for off to work, microwaved by simply flipping the handle to open the vent without opening the container, and then eaten straight out of the container on break. We use them as 'ice cube trays' to freeze homemade broths - we make a broth brick, and then stack the broth bricks into (quart?) freezer bags. If you are one of those diehard reusable shopping bag users/carriers, then take note that these can also be brought with you out to eat (restaurant) and used as take home 'doggie bag' containers - talk about really reducing waste - bingo! (and they are clear which makes for easy eyeballed container content identification)

[@vegangelist]

I use the Rubbermaid brilliance, at work, and i have to say that they are wonderful. They get used for food prep, mostly. The seal is very tight. Almost hard to open if they are full. But i still recommend. Be careful, when pushing air out of the large ones, because they can crack, if not done slowly. They are a bit more than i want to spend for my home kitchen, though, considering that they are still plastic. I have some snap lock glass containers, from Costco, and i LOVE them. I do have some deli drawer containers - they look just like the brilliance ones only shorter and a different brand - also from costco, that are extremely well sealed. I had one, filled with butter and cheese, etc, completely submerged in ice water, for over a week, after a fridge incident, and not a drop of water got in them.

[@pjihae]

Yes please make more about sustainability in the kitchen! I would be interested in more content about reusables, food waste, composting, plant-based alternatives.

[@micheleolson9914]

I have a love hate relationship with the polycarbonate Rubbermaid Brilliance containers. They do everything you say they do, but after using them for two years, more than half developed cracks. Hubby had a hard sided lunchbox & took the smaller ones to work, so they didn't break from transport. However, the work microwaves are very high watt, and every container he used developed cracks, but never the lids. Some even looked slightly melted. I'm slowly replacing them with the glass Rubbermaid Brilliance containers, and the lids are interchangeable. Hopefully these will last much longer. I love my beeswax cloths, stainless/silicone straws, silicone lids (different brand), and mesh produce bags (different brand). I'll look at buying your winning portable silicone straw and silicone reusable bags. Great video!

[@kevlney]

Thank you for the thorough work you do.

[@TheCatWitch63]

I have the Rubbermaid containers. I love them! I don’t use straws at all, I just can’t see the point. Why can’t we drink with our lips? And I use and reuse everything, from the aluminum foil to the zip locking plastic bags, which I wash over and over until they get a hole and can’t be used any more. I even use the grocery store’s bags in my trash cans or to pick up and dispose of my pets’ droppings. You can say I’m a baby boomer, but I also come from a country with a strong tradition to reuse everything: the tin milk can is used for everything until it starts to rust, and then it becomes a plant pot. Lol.

[@karenbrown1457]

Great tips. Thanks! I am definitely dramatically lowering my use of plastic - especially plastic bags. But, if I end up with a few, I wash them and dry them over a roll of paper towels. Dries quickly inside and out. I’ve used the reusable bags too and they definitely need to be dried over the paper towels because they don’t open as wide as the flimsy grocery store ones and air can’t reach them easily. Thanks again for all.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Another good episode and noticed that Hanna moved. She's in a nice, though vintage kitchen now, like it. The cabinet design reminds me of my last apartment, though mine were painted white at some point but had the light wood finish originally. The ONLY thing was, the base cabinets did not go all the way to the floor and had legs for support and when I left the place in 2016, the base cabinets were getting out of square and it showed in doors rubbing together as when closed, you just saw the cut as they were all frameless. Then again, it WAS built in 1960 and out of reinforced concrete slabs, so a mid century gem of sorts.

[@cauthoncrazy]

My husband would go bananas for that kitchen, faults and all. He loves that 60s and 70s style.

[@hannahcrowley2030]

i just moved into this really cool little mid-century gem in vermont. it was designed by a guy who was working at the same time as frank lloyd wright. and get this, a guy watching THIS video contacted me and told me that he GREW UP IN MY HOUSE! so weird. he was able to tell me the name of the architect and i found all kinds of cool info about the house. if you like this kind of thing go follow me on instagram, i'm planning to do a whole series on the house!

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@hannahcrowley2030 That's very cool! What is your moniker there? There are plenty of Hanna Crawley's on Insta. :-}

[@hannahcrowley2030]

@@johnhpalmer6098 hannah_crowley8 linked above in the description if you can't find me!

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@hannahcrowley2030 Thanks!

[@anastasialehman1174]

Glass straws are the best. You should try them. I've had a set for six years; no breaks, no chips.

[@gobie1kenobie]

Except in my kitchen. I drop everything

[@andrideboer4726]

If you're curious, putting the glass OXO containers in the microwave for a long time, with the lid still latched on, will cause a vacuum in the container. The lid will concave inwards. It will be almost impossible to unlatch your pricey container. No amount of waiting for it to cool or running water over it will make unlatching the container easier. The only thing that works is brute strength. However, this wonderful thing will not break. The lid is noticeably warped concave but is still very usable and the container still seals remarkably well. Anyway, that's for your info. Unlatch the lid! Not the end of the world if you forgot, but unlatch!

[@gribble2979]

I love this! I already have all of these products but I must disagree with Hannah when she said the stretchable silicone lids were awful. I have both the flat lids (identical to Hannah's) and the stretchable ones and find they each do better at certain things. I use the stretchable to fit over cut melons and cans because the flat lids lose their seal if the edge bumps up agains something in the fridge.

[@hannahcrowley2030]

i am so glad you like them!!

[@Denisewithonei]

The Rubbermaid Brilliance line comes with sizes great for pantry storage/dry goods like flours and sugars and such. The seal is great!

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

So, so _so_ happy you covered this! Wish I could find an alternative to trashcan liners that I like. I have the Rubbermaid Brilliance storage containers---and can also attest, they're great. Sealing is amazing, they stack brilliantly in the icebox, they clean well/don't smell, and mine still look new after 6 months, so...

[@claudia2.1]

Exactly! It's hard to replace plastic garbage bags. Hope industry steps up with a good solution, corn or bamboo based?

[@happycook6737]

Overseas people had a big bin and then a smaller bin dedicated to food waste. Neither bin had plastic liners. They put a few old newspapers in bottom of both bins. Had to scrub out food bin regularly.

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

@@happycook6737 Yeah, I know. But that's a task and pathogen parade I could do without. :)

[@happycook6737]

@@LyndseyMacPherson Me too!

[@pettylove86]

I'm a boomer and remember before plastic trash bags my parents used the grocery bags we got shopping. Food waste was wrapped up in newspaper. My husband said his mom would rinse, dry and cut up the waxy milk cartons and line the bags to help prevent leakage. I remember years later she used bread bags for waste; they had them in some sort of stand that my father-in-law probably rigged up. We don't get a daily paper now but I will wrap food waste in waxed paper or any paper ads I receive in the mail.

[@tutieq]

Loved this video, I would love to see more videos like this. I’m always looking for ways to use less plastic in my home

[@astralgen]

Surfside sips makes the absolute best glass straws. They are extremely durable and come in a lot of fun designs

[@alicelee5045]

I love my Abeego Beeswax Wraps. They are the best in the market. I've been using them for years. They do last a long time with proper care and washing. Wash with cold water, dish soap and cloth or sponge. Do not use hot water or anything abrasive. I have all the sizes and love that they are flexible for different shaped foods from herbs, greens, avocadoes, lemons, tomatoes, cucumber and cheese. I have a couple silicone lids that I use infrequently as I use glass storage containers most times which I can stack. I find the silicone lids suit dishes or containers that do not stack.

[@jimmyg8100]

Thank you for the attention to detail in your honest reviews. I got an Abeego set from your affiliate link in the description. In the future please use time stamps for the products. Thank you so much. I might get the lids as well.

[@willm5814]

This is a real service to us all - thank you 😍

[@annedwyer797]

Among other things I reuse are the heavy-duty zip-lock bags that many grocery items come in, such as raisins, pretzel chips, etc. They're quite sturdy, easy to rinse out, and great for storing all kinds of (dry) food/snacks. Beats the heck out of using single-use zip-lock bags. Also, the plastic bags that cereal, crackers etc. are packaged in inside boxes are also very sturdy and useful, either still in their original bag form, or seams opened/flattened (eg: use when pounding chicken breasts). These bags can also be easily washed.

[@dianedo8314]

Rubbermaid Brilliance line now makes in glass with same lid so that you can lift up the side opening tabs for venting. I have bought 2 sets from the last America's Test Kitchen review of the containers but now I bought a set of glass set of 4 for $29.99 and works great, too! Love, love the quality of the Rubbermaid Brilliance line......

[@danbev8542]

A rubber band helps with bees wraps. Canning jars! They are cheap, sturdy, easily washed and sterilized, come in multiple sizes. I sewed some simple cotton bags for groceries. Dried beans, rice, produce - potatoes, fruit, etc transport easily.

[@Nathan-kw2hs]

Reusable mesh produce have are actually very common in Belgium, the stores gave them with your purchases for a while

[@hannahcrowley2030]

that is super interesting! i just moved to vermont and i'm seeing them more here than i did in boston.

[@katherinefuller2314]

I am obsessed with the Ello fold and store silicone straws highly recommend trying those

[@mixeddrinks8100]

forget straws... sippy cups. Not entirely size efficient but some of the items, I use a mason jar to store in the freezer. Like coffee beans, and I vacuum out the air with the mason jar attachment. Seems to keep it well for a long time.

[@cagottlieb7418]

@Mixeddrinks What is a mason jar attachment?

[@simplyparticular]

We bought red-topped square Rubbermaid glass containers when the BPA toxin news came out - over time we broke a few of the bottoms and the lids lost their grip. We still have the smaller ones but all the larger ones were out of commission. Tried a few brands with the snap top lids but the lids died very quickly. This summer the Rubbermaid Brilliance line offered glass. They are really high quality and holding up well so far. I like the rectangular shape better for space in the fridge. Haven’t noticed odor retention in the lid mentioned in comments, but we only use for cooked leftovers. Sweets and dry goods go in the OXO containers we’ve had for years.

[@annieclaire2348]

This is a fantastic video. I have a couple of the flat silicone lids - they really work well. Tried the stretchy ones and found exactly the same thing! Way to hard to use. I haven't had much success with the beeswax wraps though. The ones I have had have either been way too sticky or way too stiff. Not a fan at all. I prefer using the glass containers such as the ones you suggested to store food in the fridge. The other thing I do is keep the glass jars and bottles I buy with food in them such as jam, sauces, honey, mollases etc. Soak the label and store food in them. Some lids might be a bit dodgy as they have a strong flavour that is hard to remove so I put them in the recycling. However I keep all the lids that are odour free, recycle the jars that aren't a useful size and so usually have more lids than jars. Lids only come if a few sizes and types so it is usually possible to match up jars to lids. I'm 68 and I always wash my plastic bags - reuse some and recycle others by placing in the supermarket soft plastic recycling bin. My mother taught me well as I remember her washing and drying her plastic bags even way back when I was very young! We peg them on the clothes line or inside on the clothes horse. I also ALWAYS use the produce bags and you can make your own from net curtain fabric. I always take my own bags to the grocery stores and markets. Love your segment. Thanks for a terrific KZbin channel!

[@patriciasantoro6527]

Since I discovered Lisa and Hannah (during covid) I've watched them going back for years!!! I won't buy anything now without first checking with them!

[@lisamcmanus6656]

Thanks so much, that's so nice.

[@r.g8725]

BRAVO Amer Test Kitchen - this is SO important. Live now as if there is no plastic wrap - like most of the world continues to do. I gifted ALL of my extended family members with BEES WAX wraps for Christmas - that I made myself. Made from bees wax, pine resin {

[@jessicaharris1608]

I made my own plastic bag drying apparatus. Coffee mug with chopsticks in it works great. Put some rice in the mug to keep the chopsticks from moving too much also. I suggest using a coffee mug that is either glued back together and not safe to drink from or a mug with a sassy saying on it for humor's sake.

[@davidrust3169]

Hannah: Did your testers try the Abeego in the freezer? For those of us cooking-for-one-or-two who buy bulk items like trays of chicken thighs/breasts and then individually wrap each one and freeze them, separately, with plastic wrap. This is done both to keep food costs down by buying in bulk and also to not have to re-heat/defrost a large chunk of meat every time you only need one thigh for, like, a curry or stir-fry.

[@ardentlyfair7315]

AACK!!! Please don't do that with raw chicken. It's not safe - and I expect the beeswax coated wraps wouldn't do well at all in the freezer. And you can't adequately clean that bacteria from them. Maybe spread the chicken out on a plate or tray, freeze, then put all pieces in a bag. But if you do this, you have to clean the bag once its empty: 1) Wash well in hot soapy water. 2) Immerse in 10% bleach solution for 5 minutes. 3) Rinse and allow to dry completely. DO NOT use a sponge in the kitchen. At all. Raw chicken can be very dangerous. And kitchen sponges are always bacteria and mold farms. Microwaving them does not fix the problem.

[@davidrust3169]

@@ardentlyfair7315 - Oh, I know the danger of chicken and salmonella (amongst other pathogens) but the packages I buy say "use or freeze immediately" and that's what I do: get the chicken home, wrap each piece individually, and freeze them. Or am I misunderstanding something, here? I've been doing this for the past 15 years-or-so.

[@ardentlyfair7315]

@@davidrust3169 Oh, good!! I'm relieved! Not too long ago, I had a patient who developed sepsis from food-borne bacterial infection and had some amputations. And of course, as we are in a raging pandemic, this isn't the best time to land in hospital. :-( Costco (and probably Sam's) sells flash-frozen chicken in heavy zip-lock type plastic. The pieces are just loose in the bag and they keep quite well.

[@davidrust3169]

@@ardentlyfair7315 - I'll look into that; I'm considering getting a CostCo membership. My problem is that I basically cook for one person all the time and I know the sizes of some of those boxes I see taken out of CostCo all the time! :) Thank you for your advice: it is GREATLY appreciated!

[@exhibitjean]

@@davidrust3169 i think you can leave it in refrigerator until use by date, after that you freeze.

[@lightdark00]

I absolutely love the glass straws. I'd keep a plastic straw in a mug of water and that water tasted bad the next day. With glass the leftover water never tastes bad. I haven't even washed it yet, and no wrong tastes. The only downside is if you want the same outer diameter, the inner is much smaller. As a result, you need to suck harder or suck differently, getting a slower volume of liquid in your mouth.

[@CreamyJalapeno]

I agree. Glass straws are the superior option!

[@audreydeneui192]

I'd imagine they would not work AT. ALL. for boba tea.

[@CreamyJalapeno]

@@audreydeneui192 I have some bigger diameter ones that would for sure.

[@XzTS-Roostro]

The Rubbermaid Brilliance collection is now available in glass, so y'all should compare that with the others

[@lisamcmanus6656]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@highelectricaltemperature]

I'd be interested to see a comparison between the silicone lids and using a dinner plate as a makeshift lid. The convenience of the dinner plate might outweigh the hassle of buying a specialty product, if the relative looseness of the seal is not too bad.

[@borderlineiq]

Your point is dead on. Very few foods are at risk of forming a skin or browning. Most foods that DO brown will do so even if in a dish covered with other foods. Using avocados was both irrelevant and annoying, as simply keeping the seed in will prevent browning, even at room temperature.

[@saragianettitamargo990]

Another advantage of using a plate to cover a bowl is that you can stack other items on top of the plate.

[@watchingover3592]

Plates on top don't work for me and my small refrigerator- my plates are bigger than the bowls I use causing them to take up more space. I use silicone stretch tops that ate tight and can stack bowls on top using less waited space.

[@cindydolezal2980]

For barely used plastic zip bags I label them and store them in the freezer and use them to store similar items. Like bread or veggies, etc.

[@ZZ_The_Boxing_Cat]

I have the stretchy plastic type lids and love them.

[@Hoakaloa]

thank you so much for finally making this video. ATK is a BIG influencer. When you teach, people learn!

[@markbajek2541]

It's laudable to try to reduce waste, but remember to get clean water to wash off all these products costs energy, pumping stations, grey water treatment/ filtration stations. These all use energy to treat that water you've pushed down the drain to re use a zip lock or clean out a straw. Water may seem cheap per 1000 gallons but the process really consumes a lot of electricity to make it clean and get it to your home..

[@meekinheritor2171]

Hauling that single use trash costs municipalities money as well as creates a need for more landfills which, in turn, lead to leaching dangerous chemicals into the soil. Dishwashers use less water than hand washing~7 gallons. I only run the water while I’m rinsing the dishes/bags when hand washing.

[@caroldragon7545]

I actually have a stack of old containers that Hillshire Farms meats came in. No, they don't microwave and are too light weight for a dishwasher, but I love them. They stack 4 hlgh without tipping over, they don't leak (no gaskets to wash), they're never smelly or stained. We take them camping, and to restaurants to bring home leftovers. Did I mention the word "old"? I have used these almost daily in my fridge and I have had them since the early seventies. A couple of the red lids are becoming brittle, but I would say they were great performers for storage. Hillshire has switched over to a different shape container, square and flatter, which aren't anywhere near as useful.

[@stanmarcusgtv]

to cover use wax paper w/ foil on top - throw away the wax paper after use but reuse the foil topper time and again

[@ThirdStreetCooks]

Rubbermaid brilliance plastic were great for a year. Then began to crack and ‘spiderweb’, having to all be replaced.

[@stevenw4677]

I am also seeing some problems with durability, despite not putting in dishwasher or freezer.

[@vs74]

I hope to see your recipes reflect this type of thinking. Like alternative instructions for resting pastry in the fridge, and going back to the days of advising to, "grease (or not grease) your pan" rather than using parchment paper (which is coated in silicon).

[@Chris-kf3xd]

Reusable washable plastic straws or stainless steel straws. Also the hairnet type plastic wrap that comes in different colors with each color being a different size. They are washable for easy reuse.

[@mereth13]

While reducing single-use plastics that end up in landfills (or elsewhere) is an admirable effort, it's worth noting that more often than not, the number of times these replacement products can be used before they themselves need replacement is not an improvement when comparing the comparative amount of resource consumption needed to produce them in the first place. Just food for thought.

[@lightdark00]

The fact is though, we need to quit using all plastic that's not infinitely recyclable or able to be turned back into fuel. Consumers should only be throwing away used organic items that have no more useful life left.

[@realsdsk]

Thank you for the work that you do. I'm reducing my plastic usage and found this video along with the recommended products to be fantastic! 👍🏾

[@realsdsk]

I ordered two of the products that you recommended and one just arrived! Thank you, thank you. I'm very excited.

[@AG-ig8og]

When storing an avocado I always keep the pit in. It seems to slow the browning process vs storing it w/o the pit.

[@annedwyer797]

If I have half an avocado to store, I remove the pit and store it flat side down onto the surface of the container. Prevents any browning.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

The pit prevents browning where it's covering the surface of the indentation. Doesn't do much for the cut surface. I usually mash the remaining avocado and then put it in a small plastic container w/a relatively narrow opening, cover with a thin layer of olive oil (optional), then press on plastic wrap. Top darkens but below is fine.

[@barbaradeselle9087]

I will rub lemon or lime juice on the surface or an acidic powder used in canning, 0ne brand is “Fresh”, keeps peaches and bananas, etc, from browning.i used it on cut salad greens to keep fresh for a couple days in fridge.

[@micheleolson9914]

I rub the avocado with lemon or lime juice (bottled), works even with the pit removed.

[@tonysmith7632]

Another terrific video from Americas Test Kitchen. Thank you!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Pyrex glass rectangular and round containers. I usually stretch plastic wrap over the opening, then snap the rubbery lid over that. The lids don't stain or absorb odors, that way. And because the lids stay pretty clean, they never go in the dishwasher. They stay like new. I also use widemouth Ball/Mason jars for many things.

[@Xingqiwu387]

We use the Rubbermaid Brilliance as well and they are fantastic! Great review again from ATK :)

[@unknownfancy]

I didnt think i’d fall in love more with america’s test kitchen...but yes.

[@tappychef1098]

I love my glass straws, been using them for years.