What are the Best Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics in the Kitchen? | Gear Heads
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- From plastic wrap to zipper-lock baggies, we all got a little used to single-use plastics in the kitchen. But now, there are so many reusable alternatives, and Hannah and Lisa are here to tell you about their favorites.
Buy Abeego beeswax wrap: cooks.io/3Kufadu
Buy Lilypad lid: cooks.io/3Kr1Er4
Buy OXO 5 piece reusable straw set: cooks.io/3KwXLB3
Buy silicone reusable straws: cooks.io/3Vsl0SX
Buy our Rubbermaid plastic food storage containers: cooks.io/4aMvRf1
Buy OXO glass food storage containers: cooks.io/3VvDH8A
Buy stand-up reusable food storage bags: cooks.io/3x4sxOE
Buy reusable produce bags: cooks.io/3XaqKCi
Buy plastic bag and bottle drying rack: cooks.io/3XetezD
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Ball canning jars are wonderful for storage too!
Old school!
A little over the top but I vacuum seal my canning jars with the attachment on my FlavourSaver. It's great for pantry items.
@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.
The fact that Lisa is still using an actual iPod above her microwave for music in the kitchen is what really impressed me. 👍👍
I like to imagine it's all full of death metal!
Those came out before Apple started building stuff to break in two years of less.
I still have one. It works great and the battery has not died which shocks me.
My husband still uses his too❤
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!
@potterma63 Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
I do that too! It’s so easy!
What a great idea! Thank you!
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
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.
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!
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.
I do the same! Plate on top of a bowl!
I do that a lot too.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
Micro plastics are the exact reason I’m here. Do silicone products leech them as well?
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!
I've used some glass straws made from a Pyrex type of glass. Zero chips or breaks in years of use.
Yes! Please more sustainability content please :D
yea. buy plastic to get sustainable?
so stupid this is
@@coffee3470 it's about reusing, brah!
Such a scam
@@coffee3470 Using plastic doesn't screw the environment, throwing it into landfill does
I love the old school iPod in the background
It is amazing how many of these kitchen tests produce an OXO winner!
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!
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.
* 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.
using the freezer to store the straws! great idea!
The lids break way before the containers
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.
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
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??
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.
The dishwasher won't clean those.
@@kenmore01 wanna bet?
@@CreamyJalapeno I'm a fan of dishwashers, but I believe the random spraying wouldn't reliably clean the inside of a straw.
@@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.
Love this. Now use these products and options in your cooking demos...spread the word.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!
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!
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.
this also works for sliced apple! Ive only used it with lemon but lime should have the same effect
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. 🤷♀️
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.
$24.00!? I just use the handle of my wood spoons to dry baggies. And I already have several dozen wood spoons.
I'm with you @wendy darling! Reduce, reuse, recycle.
👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿❤️
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.
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.
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
Awesome information Ladies! Plastics are a serious environmental problem that we all need to take responsibility for. You’ve inspired me to start TODAY!👍🏼
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.
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.
Same here. Just get a set with many sizes. Don't have to stretch, just size up.
Brand I bought one and I ripped it after a few uses
Do they hold on to the smell too?
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.
Thank you for the thorough work you do.
This is a real service to us all - thank you 😍
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.
I really like the glass storage containers that have the lids without the gaskets. They work great and are the easiest to clean.
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.
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.
@@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.
You gals are absolutely AWESOME!! Solid information and extensive testing results... thank you for your contributions to important subjects as these!
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
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!
Thank you this was very much needed.
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! 👍🏾
I ordered two of the products that you recommended and one just arrived! Thank you, thank you. I'm very excited.
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.
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)
Thanks for that tip!
I have both as well. Love them!
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.
Wow! Thanks for the testing and reviews. Such meaningful information!
Glass straws are great. I’ve had mine for around 8 years. No breaking,
Or chipping at all.
My mom thought it was a drug pipe. 🙄
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!
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!).
Ladies, you are reading my mind! I was wondering how not to use so much plastic in the kitchen, thank you for this video.
Thank you SO MUCH! I'm trying to eliminate all disposable plastic from our home and your testing has given me some great alternatives.
Wow i love the testing you guys put these items through
Next gen ATK talent. They inspire confidence.
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.
Please more videos like this, I want to produce less waste!
Thanks for the suggestions! I just bought the straw set!
Thank you so very much for this!!!!!
Another terrific video from Americas Test Kitchen. Thank you!
I love this video - thanks for doing what you do you guys!
Love my Rubbermaid brilliance. Bought them after watching the first video you made on them. Thanks
Love the sustainable products!
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 .
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.
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.)
thank you so much for finally making this video. ATK is a BIG influencer. When you teach, people learn!
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.
Thank you, ladies!!
That kitchen that Hannah is filming in is just gorgeous!
Love my Lock & Lock glass storage containers -- variety of sizes and colors. Perfect for all my banchan and leftovers. ❤
Or you can save the glass jars food came in and use it again.
YES !!!!
And even the plastic jars or containers.
Thats what i also do, a bigger jar works fine to get soup at work.
That's what I do too
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.
The Rubbermaid Brilliance line comes with sizes great for pantry storage/dry goods like flours and sugars and such. The seal is great!
Thank you for doing this video.
We use the Rubbermaid Brilliance as well and they are fantastic! Great review again from ATK :)
Loved this video! Thank you for the info!!!
Loved this video and all the tips, I've been waiting to splurge on those Rubbermaid Brilliance containers though.
I own the Rubbermaid Brilliance plastic storage tubs. I love them.
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.
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.
We love the Gear Heads !!
❤️ ❤️
thankyou this is a keeper
I have the stretchy plastic type lids and love them.
Excellent video gals!
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.
Gosh I love you two 💖💖💖 please don't stop!!!
Thank you for this!
Amazing.... I am going to buy these
This was great. Thank you.
Thank you Ladies!
I am obsessed with the Ello fold and store silicone straws highly recommend trying those
Glass straws are the best. You should try them. I've had a set for six years; no breaks, no chips.
Except in my kitchen. I drop everything
I have one silicone lily lid that I use a lot. Love it.
THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!!! I am always looking for eco friendly alternatives. We all need to do our part for our planet.
amazing video!
Love Lisa!
I will start using GIR. Such a great company! Thank you for introducing them to me!
Flinging around pineapples in bags! LOL! Seriously, I wanna work in the Test Kitchen.
Really helpful, thanks 😊
I've got the Tupperware reusable straws, love them
Thank you so much for this video
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.
to cover use wax paper w/ foil on top - throw away the wax paper after use but reuse the foil topper time and again
I love you guys. Thanks for everything you do.
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......
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!
Thanks so much, that's so nice.
I love your reviews on products especially this one!! I am wondering if you can do one for reusable ziplock bags. I have bought a few brands some good some not. I am looking or a good freezer bag for my meal prep. Most still get freezer burn when in the freezer for a month or more. Thank you for your fun videos!!
Reusable mesh produce have are actually very common in Belgium, the stores gave them with your purchases for a while
that is super interesting! i just moved to vermont and i'm seeing them more here than i did in boston.
The silicone straw that split lengthwise is the best. Soooo easy to clean anywhere.
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 CZcams channel!
I love my glass OXO 8 cup containers.
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.
Great video love it