Plastic has become the default choice for food storage in many households, but it doesn’t have to be. From cling film to plastic containers, these synthetic materials are everywhere in our kitchens. Yet they pose real challenges for our environment and potentially for our health too.
The good news? There are plenty of practical, plastic-free alternatives that work just as well—if not better. Many of these methods have been used for generations, and they’re experiencing a well-deserved revival as more of us seek sustainable ways to live.
Why reduce plastic in your home?
Before we explore the alternatives, it’s worth understanding why making this change matters.
Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face. Much of it ends up in landfill or our oceans, where it can take hundreds of years to break down. Even when it does decompose, it leaves behind microplastics that contaminate soil and water.
In your home, plastic can leach chemicals into food, particularly when heated or used repeatedly. Some of these chemicals are linked to health concerns, though research is ongoing.
By choosing plastic-free storage methods, you’re taking meaningful action to protect the environment and create a healthier kitchen. Many alternatives are also more economical in the long run, as they can be reused indefinitely.
10 ways to store food without plastic
1. Keep herbs fresh in water
Fresh herbs often wilt quickly when stored in plastic bags. A better approach is to treat them like cut flowers.
How to do it: Trim the stems and place your herbs upright in a jar or glass filled with a few centimetres of water. Cover the leaves loosely with a reusable cloth or beeswax wrap, then refrigerate.
Why it works: This method keeps the stems hydrated while allowing the leaves to breathe, extending freshness for up to two weeks. It works particularly well for parsley, coriander, basil, and mint.
2. Wrap lettuce and leafy greens in tea towels
Lettuce and other leafy vegetables often turn soggy in plastic bags as moisture gets trapped.
How to do it: Wash your lettuce thoroughly and shake off excess water. Wrap it loosely in a clean, dry tea towel or cotton cloth, then place it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Why it works: The cloth absorbs excess moisture while allowing the greens to breathe, preventing the sogginess that leads to decay. Your lettuce stays crisp for days longer than it would in plastic.
3. Store leftovers in glass jars and containers
Glass containers offer one of the most versatile plastic-free storage solutions.
How to do it: Transfer cooled leftovers into clean glass jars or containers with tight-fitting lids. Label with the date if you’re storing multiple items. Glass works well for soups, stews, grains, pasta, and almost any other leftover.
Why it works: Glass doesn’t absorb odours or stains, and you can see what’s inside at a glance. It’s also safe to use in the fridge, freezer, and oven (without the lid), making it incredibly practical for everyday use.
4. Try beeswax wraps for versatile covering
Beeswax wraps have become increasingly popular as a reusable alternative to cling film.
How to do it: Use the warmth of your hands to mould a beeswax wrap around bowls, vegetables, cheese, or bread. The wrap will hold its shape as it cools. Wash gently in cool water after use and allow to air dry.
Why it works: These wraps are naturally antibacterial and can be reused for up to a year with proper care. They’re perfect for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, or storing cut vegetables.
5. Use parchment paper for wrapping
Unbleached parchment paper provides a simple, compostable option for certain foods.
How to do it: Wrap cheese, baked goods, or sandwiches in parchment paper, securing with string or a rubber band if needed. Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.
Why it works: Parchment allows foods to breathe while protecting them from drying out completely. It’s particularly good for cheese, as it prevents the sweating that occurs in plastic whilst maintaining the right humidity.
6. Freeze fruit without plastic bags
Frozen fruit is brilliant for smoothies and baking, and you don’t need plastic bags to store it.
How to do it: Wash and dry your fruit thoroughly. Spread berries or chopped fruit in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to glass containers or cloth bags for long-term freezer storage.
Why it works: Pre-freezing prevents the fruit from clumping together, so you can take out just what you need. Glass containers protect against freezer burn whilst keeping your fruit fresh for months.
7. Store vegetables in damp cloths
Many root vegetables and hardy greens benefit from humid storage conditions.
How to do it: Dampen a clean cloth and wring out the excess water. Wrap vegetables like carrots, beetroot, or kale loosely in the cloth and place in the crisper drawer.
Why it works: The damp cloth maintains humidity around the vegetables, preventing them from drying out or becoming rubbery. This method can extend the life of root vegetables by a week or more.
8. Keep bread fresh in cloth and a breadbin
Bread stored in plastic often becomes soggy or grows mould quickly, whilst uncovered bread dries out.
How to do it: Wrap your loaf in a clean cloth—linen works particularly well—and store in a wooden or ceramic breadbin in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Why it works: The cloth allows the bread to breathe whilst the breadbin protects it from drying out too quickly. This combination keeps crusty bread at its best for several days whilst preventing mould growth.
9. Store onions and potatoes in baskets
These kitchen staples need cool, dark, and well-ventilated conditions to stay fresh.
How to do it: Keep onions and potatoes in separate wicker baskets or wooden crates in a dark cupboard or pantry. Never store them together, as onions release gases that cause potatoes to sprout more quickly.
Why it works: Good air circulation prevents moisture build-up that leads to rot, whilst darkness stops potatoes from developing green patches. Stored properly, they can last for weeks without refrigeration.
10. Use stainless steel containers
For those seeking durable, long-lasting storage, stainless steel containers are an excellent investment.
How to do it: Choose containers with secure lids for storing dry goods, leftovers, or packed lunches. Stainless steel works well in the fridge but shouldn’t go in the microwave or freezer.
Why it works: These containers are virtually indestructible, don’t retain odours, and are completely free from chemicals that might leach into food. They’re particularly good for transporting food safely.
Making the transition to plastic-free storage
You don’t need to replace everything at once. Start with one or two methods that suit your household and build from there.
Repurpose glass jars from shop-bought products before investing in new containers. Those pickle jars and pasta sauce bottles work brilliantly for storage once cleaned thoroughly
Remember that small steps add up. Every plastic bag or container you replace with a sustainable alternative makes a difference to your home environment and the wider world we all share.
Further Reading: Winter Comfort Food – Casseroles and Stews, English Pudding Season, The Olio App – Reduce Food Waste, How to Shop Ethically, From Garden to Oven: Autumn Vegetable Bakes for the Family, Warming Autumn Soups to Soothe the Soul, How the Cost of Living Changed My Shopping List
Inspiration: Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Pinterest, Twitter, BlueSky