Get snacks from Whole Foods or takeout containers from last weekend’s dinner delivery? Those plastic food containers are handy to store food & other household goods.

As tempting as it is for a quick reheat, put the plastic down! Don’t subject plastic food containers to high temperatures of microwave, dishwasher (nor hot water for washing) OR the hot trunk of a car. Plastic containers are composed of several chemicals, and can leak into your food when getting hot. What’s grosser? Plastic (leaching) has been linked to breast and uterine cancer, an increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased testosterone levels, on top of endangering growing children. (Gross!)

Instead of using plastics to store food, go for tough glass versions (like Pyrex). I’m currently on a mission to phase out plastic from my kitchen. What are you using, readers?

Photo: Made in China (true story.)

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher