Categories: Quick Tips

Friday Quickie: Don’t Reheat Your Containers

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.)

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

Enviro jobs & grants, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Parks and Rec expands environmental stewardship program. Philadelphia…

13 hours ago

Meet 6 people making Philly greener, one neighborhood at a time.

(and they're all SustainPHL nominees!) From storm drains in Germantown to community gardens in Kensington,…

2 days ago

Vacant lot greening, A challenge to the school board, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Teens turn vacant lot into green space. Since…

1 week ago

The Philly Passive House: What does a home without fossil fuels look like?

Inside a Francisville Passive House project, Green Philly attendees saw how airtight construction, insulation, efficient…

1 week ago

New trash bill, utility assistance, National Estuaries Week, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Council considers new bill for waste disposal contract.…

2 weeks ago

Announcing the SustainPHL 2026 Nominees

Meet the local leaders, organizations and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia. Philadelphia has welcomed…

2 weeks ago