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Description: Two flat containers, stacked. Image has the number 2 in a circle and the hashtag #ChronicChristmas

This is my daily Advent calendar of gift ideas for people with chronic illness, running from December 1-25. Some entries will contain affiliate links.

Many of us are trying to reduce how much we use plastic. Sure, it has some benefits — keeps food fresh longer, easy to use — but it is also doing significant damage to our planet, as well as us. Think food chain, think chemicals leaching into the left overs that we all keep in convenient plastic containers.

But this is not about the damage plastic can do, but rather an equally convenient and healthier alternative.

Silicone containers.

There are a number of different types on the market, but I have recently added two different types to my collection.

One, as silicone containers, such as Flat Stacks and I am completely in love with them. They look like regular containers, but they are eminently squishable and can do tricks! For instance, if you only have a bit of tomato sauce left, say, or perhaps a chicken breast, ease up the round button on the top of the lid and squish the container down to a third of it its size. That ability to store flat has revolutionized my ability to store things in my cupboards that are not plastic containers, as well as created so much more room in my freezer and fridge.

Seriously. I could not gush about these more. I am gradually getting rid of all my plastic containers, as I add Flat Stacks of various sizes and colours to my collection.

You can buy Flat Stacks on the Ocean Sales website (US, as well). They are not available on Amazon, but something very like them is.

The other type of silicone food storage containers is bags, such as Stasher bags. They come in a variety of colours and sizes and, like Flat Stacks, are safe for microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. These types of bags can also be used for cooking sous vide.

Let’s say you click on those links to check out the details. Let’s say you see the price and start feeling a bit dizzy.

Yes, this types of food storage does cost more than that buying a box of plastic bags or a plastic container. Yes, it is an investment. But it’s the kind of investment that will last years, is versatile, does not add chemicals to food — which can only be good for people with chronic illness — and helps reduce your plastic consumption.

If you want to get these for a planet-conscious friend with chronic illness, why not fill them with a freezer meal or a promise to fill them after the holidays? That will make it a doubly useful gift.