Saving $$

If you read my blogs you already know that I am gung-ho for money-saving. I am frugal. I am a hardened "waste not, want not" gal.

I bought containers to use to store food in the fridge that I could also use for reheating food in the same container, over and over again. If I'd only known then what I know now I would have just started saving containers that food comes in from the store. I did some research and learned about food containers and what those little numbers on the bottom of them mean, other than just to tell you if you can recycle them. What stood out of course, was that everyone recommended using glass containers over any type of plastic. Being a cheapskate and all- I knew there was no way I was going to invest in glass stuff. Besides, you grab a glass thing out of the microwave and you are going to feel it. Glass gets really hot.

So here's what I learned.

Only use plastic containers with the recycling #1, #2, #4 and #5 for food storage.

For microwave use: Choose PP (Polypropylene, #5) for reheating.

Plastic containers all have those little numbers in the recycling triangle on the bottom – that’s the resin identification code, and it matters more than you’d think. If you’re tossing your lunch in the microwave, not every plastic is up for the job. Here’s what you can actually see on the containers and how to read it:

• #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It’s fine for keeping food cold, but as soon as it heats up, PET can start breaking down and leaching chemicals into your food. Definitely not great for reheating.

• #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). You’ll spot this in some wraps and cheap plastic containers. Heating it is just a bad idea. PVC can let bad stuff like phthalates seep out, so it’s better off avoided if you need to reheat.

• #6 Polystyrene (PS). Those foamy takeout boxes and cups? That’s polystyrene. The problem is, it can’t handle much heat and might even release styrene, which has a bad reputation for possibly causing cancer. Not something you want to microwave.

• #5 Polypropylene (PP). Polypropylene handles heat well, doesn’t have BPA or phthalates, and is generally a safer option for reheating food.

I discovered, after learning about #5, that whipped topping containers have a number 5 on the bottom. I don't buy that stuff hardly ever so I need to find other things that will work that I am buying anyway, in order to save money and avoiding having to buy containers.

According to Buyers Guide that is the main number (5) to look for when considering buying products for food storage if you are opting for plastic.

Again, everyone says glass is the better option <sigh>. Yup, instead of saving plastic takeaway containers - save glass jars from spaghetti, pickles, etc. Glass is gonna be a much safer material to reuse long-term.

But...I'm back to saying hey, if I am grabbing it out of the microwave - well, I'd rather deal with plastic. Glass is good for the air-fryer of course, but a pickle jar just isn't going to work.

So in my campaign to find items that are sold in containers bearing the number 5, so that I can save those containers and reuse them instead of buying new containers, I turned to a smart search and got this response:

Prepared & Deli Foods

• Hummus containers [too small]

• Soup containers [I don't buy those]

• Deli salads (potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw) [here we go, I can use these]

• Fresh salsa containers [don't buy this but good to know]

• Guacamole tubs [too small like hummus containers]

• Small herb or spice tubs (fresh minced garlic, ginger paste) [way too small]

Dairy & Refrigerated Items

• Yogurt cups (many brands) [well now, maybe these]

• Cottage cheese tubs [with my addiction to cottage cheese this is a definite go]

• Sour cream containers [don't buy it anymore but good to know]

• Ricotta cheese tubs [I use cottage cheese instead]

• Some butter/margarine tubs [oh, well, geez, now I know]

Shelf-Stable Items

• Peanut butter jars (some brands use #5 instead of PET #1)

• Powdered drink mix containers

• Protein powder tubs

Frozen Foods

• Microwave-safe frozen meal bowls

• Ice cream tubs (the hard plastic ones, not cardboard)

Bakery & Produce

• Bakery clamshells or tubs for cookies or pastries (occasionally #5, though many are #1 or #6)

• Small tomato containers (grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes — some brands use #5)

• Salad bar containers (if the store has a salad bar)

Household Items

• Some vitamin/supplement bottles

• Reusable kitchen storage containers

Plastic measuring cups/scoops included inside food containers

So, now I know. And now I can save myself some $$ when it comes to containers. I thought I'd share my findings, cuz I am so into saving where I can and I know you are too.

For a little giggle:

I went to buy some camouflage pants, but I couldn't find any.