Greenzy

Why not Plastic Tupperware?

Each time you opt for the convenience of plastic tupperware, you may unknowingly invite hidden risks. Beyond environmental concerns, a more sinister danger lurks: the potential leaching of harmful compounds into your food or beverages.

One category of hazardous compounds prevalent in plastic, known as Bisphenols, can induce hormonal imbalances, reproductive complications, and elevate the likelihood of certain cancers. Moreover, phthalates, another group of chemicals commonly found in plastics, have been linked to reproductive abnormalities, developmental disorders, and disruptions to the endocrine system. The transfer of these compounds into the contents held within plastic tupperware presents a real risk to human health, highlighting the urgent need to find safer options for packaging our food.

The Best Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel containers are free from Phthalate & PFAS. For top-notch quality, seek those marked as 18/8, 18/10, or 304 stainless steel. 

Drawbacks: Stainless steel contains small amounts of chromium and nickel which can disperse into acidic or alkaline liquids, such as tomato sauce. These containers are also not microwave safe.

Pros: Durable and ideal for storing non acidic/alakine food or dry food such as sandwhiches. Is oven safe. 

Glass

Glass containers provide another Phthalate & PFAS-free alternative. Although glass is the least toxic option, it’s less durable than stainless steel if dropped. Opt for Borosilicate Glass as this kind of glass can be heated to high temperatures without breaking.

Drawbacks: Glass can break when dropped.

Pros: The least toxic option. Can store any type of food. Is microwave safe. Sometimes oven safe.

Silicone

While it would be nice to rely on Glass and Stainless steel for storing foods, it is difficult to make tupperware made from these materials water tight, without the aid of sealent rings, made of a softer material. As plastic is best avoided, silicone offers a safer alternative. 

Made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, silicone is inert and less likely to react with other chemicals or release harmful substances. It doesn’t contain BPA or phthalates, common in some plastics, and it’s biocompatible, posing minimal risk to health. Its durability reduces environmental impact, and its heat resistance makes it safe for cooking. While not all plastics are equally toxic, silicone generally offers a safer alternative for various applications.

Drawbacks: There have been some concerns about potential additives or impurities introduced during manufacturing. Additionally, silicone may not be as heat-resistant as some other materials, and extreme temperatures could lead to degradation and the release of compounds. 

Pros: Silicone is flexible, lightweight, and easy to clean, making it ideal for a wide range of food storage needs. It’s also non-reactive, meaning it won’t interact with acidic or alkaline foods. Evidence suggests silicone is a safer alternative to plastic

Most Glass and Stainless Steel Tupperware containers still come with Plastic Lids, which contain Phthalate & PFAS. Hence, our list exclusively features bottles with PLASTIC FREE LIDS.