Plastic free July: making your pantry plastic-free

Published 3 July 2019

Who doesn’t like the look of a plastic-free pantry

Our resident expert Marion on reducing plastic in the pantry:

Have you ever considered storing dry food in your pantry in glass containers instead of plastic?  Glass jars are a safe, practical way for storing grains (such as rice, legumes, flour, rolled oats) sugar and spices etc. Select the right sized jars - and then make or purchase your own labels.

Your produce will be easy to see and last well, especially if your jar has a screw top and tight seal. Store your jars in your pantry or drawers (or even on kitchen shelves, if there is not too much light).

It is fine for it to be a work in progress, as you don’t need to throw out plastic containers immediately. Instead, focus on buying food, such as pasta sauces and pickles, in glass jars that can be reused. You can also scour second-hand shops for recycled jars - then you'll have a good choice of all sizes and shapes or jars. Many shops sell a wide range of glass jars as well.

When you purchase your dry produce, you can take your jars shopping and have them weighed before you fill them.  Select stores such as Commonsense Organics or Bin Inn - where you can buy bulk foods.