{Today’s Lunchbox} Plastic vs. Glass

by Valerie on March 8, 2011 · 8 comments

As you know Tuesdays and Fridays are a little different here at Today’s Lunchbox.  Usually I have a guest post or a weekend or travel lunchbox on those days, while Monday, Wednesday, Thursday are almost always my basic workday lunches.  Today I wanted to address one question that I get often and have wanted to address as part of my lunchbox FAQ (aka a work in progress) – why do I still use plastic containers? The biggest reason for me is weight – I walk everywhere and I often carry several containers to work or out when I am running errands on weekends, and I like the ease of plastic.  I always use BPA-free plastic containers, however.  Furthermore, I only ever pack my smoothies in glass containers – I think it keeps them cold longer and generally is easier.  Ideally, I would use glass only, but I feel ok using BPA-free plastic containers about 2/3 of the time, and my shoulder thanks me for the lighter load.  That said I have been experimenting with lunch options that lend themselves better to fewer jars so I can use more glass.

As for my containers of choice, plastic and glass:

I have yet to purchase mason jars as I get a study supply from recycling jars of things like nut butters. So yay for recycling.

And today’s lunchbox:

Lunchbox with kale, green smoothie and sundry

Have a great Tuesday!

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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

1 eliz@thesweetlife March 8, 2011 at 12:58 pm

Really interesting-sounds like a balanced way to protect yourself while not lugging around 20 pounds of glass jars!

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2 fartygirl March 8, 2011 at 1:42 pm

As someone who uses mostly glass, I can attest – it is a pain in the butt!!! And the shoulders. :)

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3 Alisa Fleming March 8, 2011 at 10:15 pm

So are the ziploc and gladware containers BPA-free? They shouldn't be put in the dishwasher though, correct? That would be a big downfall for me – I hate handwashing!

I just got some travel mugs that are like plastic, but 100% corn and BPA-free, so cool!

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4 Valerie @ City|Life|Eats March 8, 2011 at 10:19 pm

@eliz@thesweetlife – I definitely try to limit the plastic, but with the Laptop Lunchbox, I have been using plastic more than glass.

@fartygirl – if I did not walk everywhere, I would use glass more, but between laptop/files/gym bag/lunch and snacks, sometimes I have to compromise.

@Alisa – the ziploc and gladware are BPA free according to their website, and one of the big selling points of Laptop Lunchboxes is that they are BPA free. I wash the Laptop Lunchbox by hand – but you make a good point regarding ziploc and gladware – I usually throw those in the dishwasher. I might need to rethink that.

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5 Katie (quickcookrice) March 8, 2011 at 10:42 pm

Hi, fellow DC blogger!

I'm always lugging around 95 tupperware containers so I hear you about the glass. Something has to give and it's not going to be my shoulders!

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6 Johanna B March 8, 2011 at 10:54 pm

I'm still using mostly plastic, too. I'm collecting glass containers but I don't have very many yet. I walk and ride the bus everywhere but so far the weight hasn't been an issue.

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7 gfe--gluten free easily March 9, 2011 at 12:01 pm

I use a combination (love recycled glass jars like you do) and I'm lucky that I don't have to lug my stuff around. Walking everywhere is awesome though!

Shirley

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8 Valerie @ City|Life|Eats March 9, 2011 at 4:01 pm

@Katie (quickcookrice) – Yes, me and my 95 tupperwares :) Love the name of your blog.

@Johanna B – I got my glasslocks at Costco for a great price. Otherwise most of my glass containers have been recycled.

@Shirley – I do love walking everywhere, so I am not complaining, but my shoulder was about all the glass containers (I pack lunch and two snacks at a minimum, sometimes dinner as well).

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