Ok, so a few months ago Real Simple did an organizing thing on some woman whose fridge was a disaster. (I think I only know two people whose refrigerators aren’t disasters.) (I’m not one of them.) The article recommended getting Frigoverre round glass containers to hold produce that you wash and cut up when you get home from the store, so it’s ready to go. I somehow wasn’t particularly interested in that, but I was interested in the containers themselves, since our plastic food storage containers are falling apart, or had BPA in them, or were so old that I wasn’t sure if they had BPA in them or not.
Part of me wants to throw out all our usable plastic containers and start over with glass, but that seems wasteful. I did order a set of three square Frigoverre containers (square, of course, because everyone knows round containers waste space that you could have in the corners) (poorly constructed parenthetical bit, but you know what I mean). I love them! At first Dave complained that they were too heavy, but I think that was more a function of just being used to the lightweight plastic ones. The three sizes are perfect, and I love that you can reheat in the glass part — and put it in the dishwasher — without worries.
I also recently picked up some glass Anchor containers from Target (link is to a set from King Arthur Flour, but at the Target store you can buy individual pieces), and I like those too (especially because I got some very small ones which are good for leftover onion or tomato halves), but I like the Frigoverre lids better, plus that the glass is a little thicker.
One day I will have only glass containers. And I have an undue want for the Frigoverre glass jug, which would be perfect if I were squeezing my own orange juice or something, which I’m not. Although if by “squeeze my own” you mean “mix freezer can of orange juice concentrate with water” well, then, sometimes I do that, but not often enough to justify a new jug.
One of my domestic fantasy ideals is to have all glass storage containers instead of plastic. But as long as I’m packing lunches to send to day care, I have to stick with at least some plastic (which the First Years company assures me is BPA-free). Plus, I have an enormous plasticware collection and I’d need to shell out a big chunk of change to start again from scratch. Still … it’s so tempting. And I would love to have all one kind of storage container, so that they’d work perfectly with one another in a neat system, rather than a chaotic mishmosh of Rubbermaid/Tupperware/old takeout containers/Ziploc/Glad/First Years that I have going on right now.
I have been packing some lunch stuff in the small Anchor container. But I recently saw these Innobaby glass containers at Oompa and I am majorly tempted to get some of those for lunches.
Oh, wait, now I’m not sure if those Innobaby containers I linked to are glass. But they do have glass ones that are only about 5 ounces. I think 2 inches high would fit into our lunch boxes. But I wish those weensier containers were glass, too.
This is great! I was in Goodwill yesterday looking for glass containers for pantry storage and fridge use. I only found one. My New Years Resolution is to go as Waste Free as possible this year which means I have to get seriously organized with the bulk buying and then I realized I had nothing to PUT the stuff in!!
Lisa, I have been thinking so much about being waste free since reading about this woman in California who produces NO garbage (http://www.zerowastehome.blogspot.com/). And has kids. I think about it all the time. How on earth does she do it? I mean, I don’t think she even produces recycling. She brings mason jars to the butcher. If I can get 1/8th of the way toward where she is, the planet will be saved.
I want some wonderful system for storing these containers instead of my usual open the cupboard, pitch them in and hope they stay. Something where they would all be neatly stored. Any suggestions?
Oh my god Julie you must have read the same NY Times article I did about that blogger! She is so amazing. I had my first grocery shop where I didn;t allow myself to buy anything in a box and it was actually much easier than I had thought (and cheaper).
We’re committed Frigoverreans; even our cheeses live in them. The lids don’t mangle themselves in the dishwasher, and while I wouldn’t drop the containers for sport, they’ve survived many a fall onto the wood floor. Now I’ve just got to get myself to make oilcloth food bags. (oh, the list is long)
Oh Robyn, if you find sone good oilcloth bags please post where you got them!
I was just in Home Goods ten minutes ago and they randomly have a fairly large selection of Frigoverre containers. Some really small ones that will be perfect for lunches (or, I don’t know, leftover tomato halves), and lots of nice bigger sizes too, as well as a few “sets” (three containers nested together). There was some other brand that had hinge-snap lids (a description which likely makes no sense unless you’re standing right in front of them), but I just got more Frigoverres.
And yes, Lisa, I did read the article about that woman in the NY Times. I don’t know if I’m ready to go box-free, but I do at least try to buy only recyclable packaging.
Mom, I think the key may be to get rid of all your food storage containers and start over with only one type, that all nests together. But that is kind of ridiculous. There was recently a post on Unclutterer that recommended some nesting Rubbermaid containers but I’m all committed to the glass containers now if I’m going to buy new ones.
See, every time I think there’s not a reason to add another hobby, I come up with yet more ammunition for Why I Need a Real Sewing Machine (making my own oilcloth bags).
I have had the same concerns..too much waste, chemicals. even if it’s says no BPA- i have developed a hate-on for all plastics. So my husband goes out and buys glass containers but the lid is plastic and actually has the dreaded PC####-the code for bad plastics.
I am thinking about tiffens http://kitchen-gadgets.suite101.com/article.cfm/tiffin_lunchboxes_for_meals_and_snacks . They are light, daycare would allow them, very reusable and dishwasher safe. they stack nicely. I was introduced to them at this Indian take out restaurant in Vancouver filled with delish food- you could bring them back and refilled for a bit less $$ then the first time
I saw some good sewing machine deals on Craig’s List recently. Lets start an oilcloth bag business.