Katherine Martinko is an expert in sustainable living. She has a degree in English Literature and History from the University of Toronto.

Nowadays, Mason jars are the mainstay of every zero-waste, plastic-free, home cooking, and tree-hugging family. Mason jar is loved by the organization and decoration of hipsters who mix cocktails and cappuccinos, home canners who preserve garden products, DIY enthusiasts and Pinterest fans. It is indeed the main celebrity of the 21st century.

However, despite its seemingly limitless capabilities, the Mason Jar does have some drawbacks, as pointed out by Life Without Plastic in a recent newsletter.

First of all, do you know the white primer on the lid? It contains a chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA), or, where it is advertised as BPA-free, a substitute called BPS. Although this coating has a protective effect, it is not completely safe. These chemicals are known hormonal disruptors and will penetrate into the food they come into contact with. Even BPA substitutes are not welcome. You can learn more about BPA and BPS related issues in the report issued by the Environmental Working Group.

Second, the screw cap ring is made of non-waterproof tin-plated steel, so if it comes in contact with moisture or food, it is prone to rust. For tanks that are often used to hold liquids, this seems to be a pretty bad design.

The good news is that there are other options. Yes, you heard that right-the noble mason jar can be improved. Here are some suggestions.

You can buy stainless steel covers and screw straps to avoid rust. In this way, you don't have to replace the collection of jars. Life Without Plastic wrote:

"These lids are made of high-quality 304 stainless steel with food-grade silicone gaskets attached to the lids. Such gaskets help to better preserve your food because they can form a tighter seal. However, these lids cannot be used in cans Because they don’t burst. Instead, use them for bulk shopping, takeaway, or surplus storage."

These beautiful jars are equipped with bamboo lids and silicone rings, which can provide a good seal-not completely leak-proof, but suitable for transporting thicker food or storing in the refrigerator. If the jar is placed in the microwave, the lid should be removed. They are available in two sizes-18 ounces and 10 ounces.

Weck jars are popular alternatives to Mason jars. Mason jars are made in Germany with glass lids and rubber seals. They can be used for canning, although this method has not been approved by the USDA. (This doesn’t mean it’s dangerous, but just "there has never been a research or extension service for these jars funded and executed by the USDA," through Living Homegrown.) These jars are very attractive in shape, there are A variety of sizes, and there are covers fixed by stainless steel clips.

These beautiful jars are made in France and are similar to Weck in that they have glass lids and rubber seals, but the lids are permanently fixed with metal hinges and clasps, so no fragments will be lost. They come in many sizes and are the favorite of Zero Waste Queen Bea Johnson.

Tattler is an American company that produces hard plastic reusable can lids with rubber (latex-free) seals. Using these can eliminate the BPA problem, but you still use metal screw straps to hold it in place. According to the gardener's table, plastic is made of "a substance called acetal copolymer." This plastic does not contain BPA and is approved by the US Department of Agriculture and FDA for use in contact with food, including meat, provided that the food does not contain 15% or more alcohol. "The company has a lifetime warranty.

These jars have been made in Italy since the 1970s and come with a one-piece screw cap that is completely BPA-free. They are easy to use: fill a sterilized jar, screw on the lid, and process it in boiling water. Pull down the center to see that it has been processed and can be easily opened by unscrewing; however, it should be noted that this can has not been officially approved by the US Department of Agriculture. The English translation of the manufacturer's Bormioli Rocco website does not contain as much information as the Italian version.

Wen, Min Jing. Pay attention to the safety of bisphenol A substitutes. Journal of Diabetes Metabolism, 2019, Volume 1. 43, pages 46-48, doi: 10.4093/dmj.2019.0027

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