Reader tip: Jars – not just for canning

Even though many plastic items now contain the words 'BPA free' on their labels, I am concerned about chemicals leaching into food and drink items that my family uses," writes Virginia Parks of Lexington, Okla.

"I purchased large mouth canning jars in a variety of sizes. They are freezer safe, store neatly without labels, take up less space, and are easily cleaned, by hand or in the dishwasher."

An added bonus, she notes: They're made in the USA, "keeping Americans employed in tough economic times."

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