We all need to do our bit by refusing disposable and single-use plastics wherever and whenever we can, and that means doing away with plastic water bottles and sandwich baggies for good. I make sure that the food storage containers and water bottles that the kids take to school (and that I use at home and take to work) are completely waste-free. Personally, the best sustainable storage solution for our family is stainless steel. From stainless steel water bottles to lunch boxes, I have swapped out all of our old plastics for eco-friendly metal options.
Why stainless steel?
I love using stainless steel food storage rather than plastics for a number of reasons. Firstly, because of their positive impact on the environment. Most single-use plastics, like the ones used for water bottles, takeaway food containers and plastic zip lock bags, can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down in landfill. Stainless steel is reusable and durable, meaning you can use it again and again without contributing to our growing landfill problem. If looked after properly, a stainless steel container can last you a lifetime!
I also choose stainless steel containers for their toxin-free benefits. It's been widely reported that plastics containing BPA (Bisphenol A) or Phthalates may have negative effects on our health, so choosing a food-grade stainless steel food storage solution can help to give you and your family peace of mind about what you're putting your food in. You can read more about the health concerns surrounding disposable plastics here.
Stainless steel water bottles
Onya Stainless Steel Drink Bottle
One of the most popular stainless steel water bottles here on Nourished Life is the Onya Stainless Steel Drink Bottle, which holds one litre of water and comes in a number of beautiful satin-finish colours! These lightweight yet durable bottles are made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, will never leach or retain flavours, are ergonomically designed and are completely BPA-free. They also come with Onya's super fast Flip and Flow straw for ultra-easy sipping.
S'well Insulated Bottles
The S'well Insulated Bottles are another popular choice, thanks to their triple-walled ThermaS'well™ technology which works to keep hot drinks warm for around 12 hours and cold drinks cool for a whole 24 hours! These insulated stainless steel water bottles are also BPA-free, with a wide mouth for easy ice cube access. Choose from two bottle sizes ’ 500ml or 750ml ’ perfect used for everything from water to juice to coffee.
Cheeki Water Bottles
Australian brand Cheeki is another favourite of mine, as they make everything from insulated stainless steel water bottles and smoothie tumblers through to coffee cups and mugs! The entire Cheeki range is BPA-free and made from food-grade stainless steel, with most bottles designed to fit standard car, pram and bike cup-holders. Everything is made to be ultra durable to last a lifetime ’ in fact, the Classic range of water bottles all come with a lifetime warranty.
Stainless steel lunch boxes
Cheeki Lunch Boxes
Aside from their awesome range of stainless steel bottles, Cheeki also makes sturdy, food-grade, stainless steel lunch boxes with easy-to-use, flip-up side clips. The 500ml Lunch Box is perfect for every day lunches and sandwiches, while the 1L Lunch Box - Double Stacker is perfect for keeping dry food fresh and separate from fruit and salads. There's also a 1.6 Litre Hungry Max Lunch Box for when you've a huge shared lunch or are headed to a family picnic!
Cheeki Food Jars
While stainless steel containers are great for general lunches and snacks, they're not guaranteed to be leak-proof for liquids, so if you've got soup for lunch I would recommend the Cheeki Food Jars. These handy containers are designed to keep hot food hot for up to 8 hours and cold food cold for up to 12 hours, with a double-walled, vacuum-insulated container made from food-grade stainless steel and a 100% leak-proof lid with internal lid for steam-release and easy opening.
Eco Meal Prep Containers
I also love the stainless steel containers from Eco Meal Prep. The Eco Meal Prep lunch and snack boxes come in four lunchbox and bento box varieties ’ the 500mL Snackbox and the Snackbox Duo which contains two 250mL compartments. These awesome containers are all made from food-grade stainless steel, with either side clips or a fitted lid to keep contents fresh.
