Can I put Styrofoam in the Microwave?

Can I put Styrofoam in the Microwave?

By Becky Charles

Can I put Styrofoam in the Microwave?

Let’s be honest. We’ve all been tempted to put styrofoam in the microwave at one point or another. I mean, it’s convenient and easy – just grab some leftovers from an event, pop them into a styrofoam container, and zap away! But if you’re conscious of your environmental footprint and want to avoid using single-use plastics here’s why you should never make this mistake again.

 

What Really Happens? 

When you heat up styrofoam containers in the microwave, they break down over time and can actually release toxic chemicals into your food. Not only that, but when these containers come into contact with heat they can also release tiny particles of microplastics which are incredibly harmful for our environment. Plus, anyone who has ever tried to clean up melted styrofoam knows it’s not an enjoyable experience either! 

 

 

Alternative Options 

So what can you do instead of putting styrofoam in the microwave? The answer is simple – invest in some ceramic or glass food containers! These are not only microwave safe but also reusable which means fewer plastic items ending up in landfills or oceans. Stainless steel containers are also a great option if you don’t mind a bit of extra weight. And best of all, these containers are usually much safer for reheating your food as well so there’s no need to worry about chemicals getting into your meals! 

    

The Extra Step 

It may seem like a hassle to take the extra step when you come home from an event to transfer your food into one of these containers before storing it away for the night. But trust me – it’ll be worth it in the long run when you have delicious leftovers every time without worrying about any nasty toxins or microplastics sneaking into your meals! 

 

 

So, just remember: styrofoam should never go in the microwave for two reasons — firstly because it breaks down over time releasing toxic chemicals and secondly because it releases microplastics that can cause harm to our environment. So instead invest in some ceramic or glass food containers which are safe, reusable and much better for reheating food! Taking this extra step will ensure delicious leftovers every time without having to worry about toxins getting into your meals. So say goodbye to those pesky styrofoam containers once and for all!