21 Eco-Friendly Food Containers for Everyday Use

Home / All posts / Kitchen & Dining / 21 Eco-Friendly Food Containers for Everyday Use

When I was a kid, we had almost no plastic in our house. There were glass bottles for oils, jars for cereals and flour, wooden handmade jars for tea and salt, fabric bags for dried veggies, and metal cans for spices (or worms, if you asked my grandpa).

But in just a decade, all those durable, reusable, authentic things became “not fashionable enough” and were replaced by cheap plastic containers and bags. These not only contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pile up in landfills but also release microplastics that contaminate our food – and, ultimately, our bodies.

The good news is that there are now plenty of options for eco-friendly food storage. Let’s explore them.

What Materials Are Good for Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers?

Glass is durable and ideal for preserving freshness without absorbing odors. 

Silicone offers flexibility and is great for leak-proof storage. 

Stainless steel is lightweight, long-lasting, and fully recyclable. 

Ceramics provide a natural, plastic-free alternative for storing or serving food. 

Beeswax wraps and organic cloths are perfect for covering dishes or packing snacks, reducing single-use plastic waste. 

Together, these materials help minimize environmental impact while keeping food safe and fresh.

Eco-Friendly Glass Food Containers

One thing I use every day is a container to store leftovers in the fridge. The best options are glass containers with silicone or bamboo lids. My favorites are the ones with bamboo lids – I love bamboo for its sustainable qualities :) and because the lid can double as a small cutting board, tray, or serving plate. The more versatile the solution, the better!

Silicone lids are very convenient if you need to microwave or freeze your food, though. So it’s worth having both types, ideally in several sizes. Of course, it depends on how often and how much leftover food you have – and what kind.

Why Glass Food Containers Are Better than Plastic Ones?

Glass food containers are better than plastic because they don’t leach chemicals, preserve food freshness longer, and are fully recyclable and more durable. Unlike plastic, which can scratch over time and harbor bacteria we don’t want near our food, glass stays smooth, safe, and easy to clean – making it a healthier and more sustainable choice.

Glass Jars, Bottles and Canisters

Ideal for both liquid and dry food, glass jars are real life savers. Oils, cereals, pasta, nuts, beans, flour, or seeds all feel right at home in them. They do take up a bit more space than plastic ones – usually because of their round shape and thicker walls – but first, look what I found: square glass canisters and bottles! And second, storing food in eco-friendly, zero-microplastic containers is worth sacrificing a little space.

The only downside of glass is that it’s fragile. It should be kept away from kids, pets, and clumsy hands.

And by the way, look what I found while writing this article – glass overnight oats jars! I don’t eat oats, but I love mixing chia seeds with yogurt for a few hours and then adding fruits and nuts – a wonderful dessert! These jars are perfect for that.

Silicone Food Storage Containers and Bags

Light and easy to use as tappers, silicone containers are perfect for bringing lunch to work. Glass ones feel too heavy for that, and while metal lunch boxes also do the job, they can’t go in the microwave, so they’re only good for meals eaten cold.

Another great use for silicone containers is bringing snacks on a hike. I usually pack sandwiches in a wrap and seasonal veggies or fruits in a silicone container. It works wonders – light, compact, and eco-friendly.

Stainless Steel Containers, Lunch Boxes, and Thermoses

Stainless steel containers are among the most durable food storage options available. The only drawback is that they can’t be used in the microwave, but they’re ideal for storing and carrying cold meals like sandwiches or salads. They’re lightweight, compact, dishwasher-safe, and even freezer-friendly.

One small inconvenience is that, unlike glass, they’re not transparent – so if you keep several in the fridge, it can be tricky to tell what’s inside without opening them.

The real champions of stainless steel storage are thermoses. I only recently realized they’re not just for coffee – you can also take a piping-hot meal, like stew or ragu, to the office or on a hike.

Beeswax Food Wraps

Probably the most eco-friendly way to store food – beeswax wraps. Of course, they have their limits: you can’t wrap soup in them, but you can pour soup into a bowl and cover it with a wrap.

They’re great for storing bread, sandwiches, veggies, or cheese, and work perfectly for the fridge, office lunches, or hikes. Wraps come in rolls, sheets, or bags, and the warmth of your hands softens the wax, helping it stick and form a natural seal around food or containers.

Beeswax wraps are reusable and, with proper care, can last for months or even years. At the end of their life, they’re fully compostable – returning safely to the soil.

More Ways to Store Food Sustainably:

• Reuse what you already have. Glass jars, tins, or sturdy packaging can easily get a second life – I love reusing peanut butter jars for cereals or snacks.

• Make your own storage. DIY cloth bags and beeswax wraps are simple to make and reduce single-use packaging.

• Buy in bulk. Bring your own containers or bags to refill stores and cut down on packaging waste.

• Choose durable materials. Invest in long-lasting glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers instead of disposable ones.

• Label and organize. Keep track of what you have – it helps prevent food waste and keeps your kitchen efficient.

FAQ on Eco-Friendly Food Storage

What are the safest materials for food storage?

Glass, stainless steel, silicone, and ceramic are the safest. They don’t leach chemicals, are easy to clean, and last for years. Organic cotton, linen and beeswax paper are ideal for non-liquid foods – safe and compostable after months or years of usage.

Are glass containers better than plastic ones?

Yes. Glass doesn’t release toxins, stays odor-free, and is fully recyclable. Plastic can scratch, harbor bacteria, and degrade over time.

Can stainless steel containers go in the freezer or dishwasher?

Yes, most can. They handle cold and heat well – just leave space for food expansion in the freezer.

How do I keep food fresh without using plastic wrap?

Use beeswax wraps, silicone lids, or containers with tight-fitting covers. For produce, try reusable mesh or cotton bags.

Is silicone eco-friendly?

Silicone is better than plastic from an eco-friendly point of view. It’s durable, non-toxic, doesn't leach micro-plastic, and it's reusable for years. It’s not biodegradable but recyclable in special facilities.

Can I microwave food in silicone containers?

Yes, most are microwave-safe and heat-resistant. Always check the label "microwave-safe" first.

Can I dishwasher silicone food containers?

Absolutely. They’re dishwasher-safe and resist stains and odors.

Are beeswax wraps hygienic?

Yes, when used properly. They are naturally antibacterial. Wash them in cool water with mild soap and let them air dry. Avoid raw meat or fish contact.

Can I freeze food in glass containers?

Yes, if the glass is tempered or labeled as freezer-safe. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Be careful not to heat a frozen glass container too quickly (for example, don’t put it under boiling water).

What’s the best way to clean and maintain reusable containers?

Wash with mild soap, avoid harsh scrubbing, and dry thoroughly. Many are dishwasher-friendly. For silicone and stainless steel, occasional deep cleaning with baking soda helps.

How long do beeswax wraps or silicone bags last?

Beeswax wraps last about 6–12 months; silicone bags can last for several years with proper care.

How do I start making my kitchen more sustainable?

Start small – replace disposables with reusables, buy in bulk, compost food scraps, and reuse jars or containers you already have.

Author's Note

Getting rid of plastic in my kitchen is something that genuinely makes me feel good. I can physically feel the space becoming cleaner, more natural, and more homey with eco-friendly containers on the shelves and in the fridge. I actually keep my old plastic containers and use them for non-food purposes – storing screws, ropes, and other bits somewhere out of sight :D I don’t want them to end up in a landfill, so why not give them a second life?

About half of my food storage containers are glass. It’s common for me to have a couple in the fridge filled with yesterday’s veggies or pasta. I reuse glass jars from peanut butter, pasta sauce, and honey for seeds, herbs, or cereals – and I still have a few old metal tins I use for tea.

For sandwiches, I wrap them in beeswax wraps and then slip them into silicone bags, just in case any sauce decides to escape :)

And my favorite item – a stainless steel thermos for hiking. Depending on the weather, I fill it with stew, coffee, or rosehip tea – an incredible natural energy drink that’s very popular where I’m from.

#️⃣ Tags: Zero-waste solutions, Eco-friendly packaging