We know glass is 100% recyclable, but why is it better for storing food and choosing in the supermarket? We take a look.
Have you ever wondered what the best type of container is for recycling and reducing your plastic waste?
Ever stood in the supermarket trying to decide what kind of container to buy something in? Glass, tin or plastic?
Glass has a lot going for it in terms of being a recyclable resource so we thought we'd look at just why glass storage jars are a great eco-friendly option at home.
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Why Glass Is Best For Storing Food
1. Glass is endlessly recyclable
Glass doesn't degrade every time you recycle it (unlike all recycled plastics). It can be recycled into another jar or bottle that's just as good over and over again, without ever reducing its quality.
Did you know it only takes around 30 days for your old glass wine bottle to be recycled and be back on the shelf made into something else?
Without their lids, glass jars and glass kettle are made of one simple material which is easily recycled.
Plus making glass from recycled glass that already exists reduces the CO2 emissions compared to making it from scratch, says consumer movement Friends of Glass.
As well as reusing your glass storage containers to house any number of pickles, dry goods and sauces, you can even recycle your glass jar into candle jars at home.
2. Glass is inert
Recyclable glass jars keep food and drink fresher for longer, because unlike other packaging materials, glass is inert and needs no chemical layer between it and the food in question. It also doesn't affect the taste of any food.
3. Glass is non toxic
Glass is made of three materials - soda ash, sand and limestone - which are non toxic.
No chemicals can leach into food from glass jars or glass wine set because there aren't any and glass doesn't react with any types of food.
4. Less glass is being used
While glass can be heavy, new manufacturing and recycling methods are being used to use less glass to make items like wine bottles lighter, yet just as strong.
The weight of the average glass bottle has reduced by 40% over the last 15 years.
What store cupboard staples do you buy in glass cup bottles?