NEVER STORE YOUR FOOD IN PLASTIC — USE THESE INSTEAD

IF YOU have a cupboard full of plastic storage containers, don’t feel guilty — and definitely don’t just throw them all away. Instead, conduct a proper plastic audit.

Consign any that are old and scratched, or that have been through the dishwasher numerous times, to recycling.

Stop using the containers for food as soon as they become scuffed, scratched, sticky or cloudy (this could indicate toxic chemicals are leaking) and repurpose them for nonfood storage. And don’t use them to reheat or defrost frozen food in the microwave — use a microwaveable plate instead.

Even if all your storage is plastic, take solace in the fact that repeatedly reusing it is an environmental plus.

If you are serious about cutting back on your plastic imprint, make a pact not to buy any more. Get clever about repurposing butter tubs, takeaway food containers or old biscuit selection tins, and explore the huge variety of non-plastic alternatives . . .

GLASS

CONSIDER glass your new food-storage ideal. This is the most readily available and inexpensive way to store your food particularly if you wash and reuse jam and sauce jars.

Glass containers are a marvellous way to store leftovers. Many can be used safely in the microwave (after removing the lid), but make sure you let the glass warm to room temperature first to prevent the risk of it cracking in the heat.

Glass jars are great for freezing, too, a long as you leave about 20 per cent of the space empty to allow the food to expand.

Lakeland sells three 1 l Kilner jars for £10.40 and six 490ml Mason jam jars for £15.99 (both lakeland.co.uk).

If you are concerned about the effects o plastic possibly leaching into food, it is worth noting that many jar lids are made of plasti or coated with a plastic lining, so it’s a good idea to avoid filling your jars to the poin where food is in contact with the lid. And

when shopping for new jars, aim to find ones with rubber rather than plastic seals.

STAINLESS STEEL

STAINLESS steel food containers are practically unbreakable, repairable and safe. And with the addition of a little silicone in the grooves of their lids, they can be made airtight.

Metal containers with an airtight lid work well in the freezer, and a big plus is that food can be defrosted in the container directly on the stove over a low heat.

When shopping, look for high quality, foodgrade stainless steel, which contains nickel to prevent rusting. Stainless steel is good for storing bread and pastries, too, as well as tea and coffee. Try a stainless steel tea, coffee and sugar canister trio from John Lewis (£12.50, johnlewis.com). Airtight food containers can also be used in the fridge for storing salad and vegetables — simply add a little moisture to the bottom of the box or wrap the greens in a damp cotton towel to prevent them from drying out.

TIN

AS WET food can make tin containers start to rust, you should use these only as a storage option for dry food. They are also not an option for long-term storage because they are rarely airtight — contact with air could make your flour or grains go rancid more quickly — use them for food you plan on consuming in the coming month or so.

FABRIC

CLOTH bags are much more versatile than you might think. They are useful for storing baked goods and will keep biscuits crunchy when a completely airtight container might leave them too moist and sticky.

Put the baked goods in the fabric bag for a few days, then transfer them to an airtight container to keep them from drying out too much.

Sugar, salt and dried beans can also be stored in fabric bags in a very dry cupboard for up to a month.

It is worth investing in a few cotton mesh bags — these reduce your reliance on plastic when shopping and double up as salad spinners. Simply step outside and swing the bag around a few times so the water is forced out. Pop them in the washing machine every week or so to keep them free from bacteria.

Leafy greens can be stored in a cloth bag with a slightly tighter weave. Dampen it first to help the contents stay fresh and crisp.