Plastic dishes and food storage containers are affordable, easy to clean, and easy to find. Unfortunately, storing your food or eating off of any type of plastic, can have negative impacts on your body and your health. Plastic contains toxins that can leach into food, especially when the food is hot or heated in plastic (friendly reminder that plastic should never be microwaved for this reason!).
There are two major chemicals found in plastics that are important to be aware of and avoid: bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Both chemicals are known as hormone disrupters and imitate hormones in the human body, which then throw off the body's hormonal balance. BPA imitates estrogen in the body and has been linked to breast cancer, obesity, reproductive issues, and early puberty, while phthalates have been linked to infertility in men.
To avoid the two chemicals listed above and others that lurk in plastics, we strongly encourage you to store as much of your food as possible in glass containers. Heat-resistant glass can typically be microwaved, placed in the oven, and makes a great leak-free storage option for leftovers.