Contain yourself! 

Leftovers, open items that need to be refrigerated, bulk spices…all of these and more should be placed in containers for storage.  The options for contains is so broad. Do you store your items in its original container from the store? Do you use paper, plastic, or glass? What is your preference? 

Glass:

Personally, I love to use glass to store all my leftovers.  When using glass, although heavier, the smells and tastes of the stored foods do not leach out.  Plus, they are safer for use in the microwave when reheating; just remove the lids and cover with a paper towel or paper plate. I also love using glass jars for my spices.  This way, I can buy the spices in my grocery store’s bulk section and just pay for the spices, not the container.  And, I am able to buy the amount I need at the moment. 

Plastic:

Occasionally, I use plastic containers for storage.  These items tend to be ones that do not require reheating, refrigeration, or items that will constantly be grabbed by my son.  An example of these foods are my husband’s snacks that he takes to the office, or the ice cream that I churn, which my son is constantly pulling out of the freezer.  There are foods that I place in zip topped bags, simply for storage, never to be heated.  I try to reuse these bags whenever possible, too. I like having a few plastic containers around the kitchen, so I can give guests leftovers to take home, too.

Paper:

This may seem like a stretch, but I do use paper as well.  If I am able to purchase my proteins in bulk, I use freezer paper to separate and package them in usable portions.  I label them, then place them in a freezer safe, zip top bag.  When cooking in my oven, I tend to use parchment paper too.  I use it to create pouches for steaming, or line rimmed cooking sheets creating a non stick surface. 

The possibilities are infinite.  Use whatever you feel most comfortable with, but these are my favorites and most used. If I could own more glass containers, I would.  If I could eliminate all the plastic from my kitchen, I most likely would, too.  I am intrigued with the idea of the bees wax paper versus store bought paper products, but I still have not researched it enough to have a good opinion to share. Make your kitchen storage your own.  

Happy cooking!