(Food-Beverage-News.Com, October 23, 2014 ) Novi , Mi -- In early October, 2014, the House implemented its decision to lessen its impact on the environment. It implemented a new plan to replace the Styrofoam containers in its cafeteria, and replace them with paper.
Styrofoam is a serious environmental concern. While Styrofoam is convenient and cheap, it leaves a large environmental impact. In addition to the harmful chemicals released when it burns or is microwaved, Styrofoam does not break down in the environment. It is also resistant to photolysis, which is the breaking down of materials by the photons of a light source. Styrofoam also floats, which has allowed it to accumulate in waters around the world.
Households around the world can also take steps to lessen their environmental impact. One way they can do this is by using appropriate Food Storage containers. Many households are savvy with money, and reusing food containers is a popular practice. However, this can be hazardous to health. Leftover Styrofoam containers, plastic containers from things such as sour cream or cool whip, and other containers are not always safe to use. They are often not safe to store or reheat food, for the risk of chemicals in the material being released.
To ensure the safety of household members, it is crucial to purchase food storage containers made especially for food storage. These containers are often labeled as to their intended use, and will indicate if they are safe for reheating food. Oftentimes, containers safe for food use are labeled with a 2, 4, or 5 on the bottom.
When purchasing food storage containers, it is also important to look at the label of the package. The package should come with specific directions including whether the container is safe for reheating, and how it should be cleaned. While containers labeled with a 2, 4, or 5 are safe for use with food, they are not always safe for use when reheating food. Knowing how to properly clean the container will help to eliminate bacteria, to ensure safety.
