This unlikely $8 Kmart item is flying off shelves thanks to a viral video suggesting it can be used for food storage - but is it safe?
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There's no denying that we love home organisation tips. We're always looking for ways to declutter our homes and make our lives more efficient. And while we may not always follow through on our grand plans to reorganise our lives, we can't help but be drawn to social media posts that promise to help us get our houses in order.
That's why when Queensland Kmart customer Amelia took to TikTok to reveal how she used an unlikely Kmart item for her food storage issue, it is not surprising that shoppers were sent into a frenzy.
Kmart's $8 Plastic Laundry Container - Small has been flying off the shelves thanks to Amelia's now-viral video where she showed that it can be a versatile product.
The budget item, a little container with a lid serving as a 150 ml measuring cup, is intended for use with washing liquid and powder.
However, Amelia, who also runs a boutique laundry service, thought of using the item for storing her rice instead of using it for her business.
Credit: TikTok/@thesustainablelaundry
'This is designed for laundry detergent, but it’s also brilliant for pantry storage!' the entrepreneur says in her video.
The clip has captured the attention of more than 720,000 viewers, with many leaving rave comments over the unusual tip.
One user said: 'Omg! I need this! NOW!'
'I wish I saw this before buying a $10 rice container!' another exclaimed.
A third chimed in: 'We love them in our pantry and laundry!'
Some people, however, were dubious about the hack and concerned that the plastic used in the container may not be suitable for food.
One comment read: 'This is a fantastic idea! But I’d be so scared it’s not food-safe plastic.'
'Yes, but is it BPA free?' another questioned.
Some people questioned whether the item is safe for use with food storage. Credit: TikTok/@thesustainablelaundry.
For some of you who do not know what BPA is, it is basically the acronym for bisphenol-A, a chemical used in the production of plastics and is added to a variety of consumer goods, such as food containers, infant bottles, plastic water bottles, and personal hygiene items.
Many people are concerned with BPA due to its tendency to leach into food and drinks, with some researchers suggesting that frequent exposure to these chemicals can lead to health complications.
Others expressed that they weren't concerned with the type of plastic used to make the product.
One person wrote: 'Not all of you caring if a container is BPA-free but probably smoke, drink, swim in public pools and eat Macca’s.'
We previously reported about how health experts warned against the use of single-use plastic containers for storing food as they contain microplastics that can mix in with the food that you ingest. While it was advised that people should opt for more durable plastic, it is also best to make sure that the item is free of any harmful chemicals.
For this product, the Kmart website stated that the item is made from polystyrene material. This means that the item is free of BPA. However, according to an article published by Business Ethics, this material can still leach the carcinogenic compound 'styrene' into your food.
In that regard, we do not encourage our members to use this item for food storage. Instead, try using it for other organisation needs such as storing beads, sequins, nails, screws, etc.
There you have it, members! We hope this article has shown the importance of investigating any home remedies we find online before putting them to use. Always be careful!
That's why when Queensland Kmart customer Amelia took to TikTok to reveal how she used an unlikely Kmart item for her food storage issue, it is not surprising that shoppers were sent into a frenzy.
Kmart's $8 Plastic Laundry Container - Small has been flying off the shelves thanks to Amelia's now-viral video where she showed that it can be a versatile product.
The budget item, a little container with a lid serving as a 150 ml measuring cup, is intended for use with washing liquid and powder.
However, Amelia, who also runs a boutique laundry service, thought of using the item for storing her rice instead of using it for her business.
Credit: TikTok/@thesustainablelaundry
'This is designed for laundry detergent, but it’s also brilliant for pantry storage!' the entrepreneur says in her video.
The clip has captured the attention of more than 720,000 viewers, with many leaving rave comments over the unusual tip.
One user said: 'Omg! I need this! NOW!'
'I wish I saw this before buying a $10 rice container!' another exclaimed.
A third chimed in: 'We love them in our pantry and laundry!'
Some people, however, were dubious about the hack and concerned that the plastic used in the container may not be suitable for food.
One comment read: 'This is a fantastic idea! But I’d be so scared it’s not food-safe plastic.'
'Yes, but is it BPA free?' another questioned.
Some people questioned whether the item is safe for use with food storage. Credit: TikTok/@thesustainablelaundry.
For some of you who do not know what BPA is, it is basically the acronym for bisphenol-A, a chemical used in the production of plastics and is added to a variety of consumer goods, such as food containers, infant bottles, plastic water bottles, and personal hygiene items.
Many people are concerned with BPA due to its tendency to leach into food and drinks, with some researchers suggesting that frequent exposure to these chemicals can lead to health complications.
Others expressed that they weren't concerned with the type of plastic used to make the product.
One person wrote: 'Not all of you caring if a container is BPA-free but probably smoke, drink, swim in public pools and eat Macca’s.'
We previously reported about how health experts warned against the use of single-use plastic containers for storing food as they contain microplastics that can mix in with the food that you ingest. While it was advised that people should opt for more durable plastic, it is also best to make sure that the item is free of any harmful chemicals.
For this product, the Kmart website stated that the item is made from polystyrene material. This means that the item is free of BPA. However, according to an article published by Business Ethics, this material can still leach the carcinogenic compound 'styrene' into your food.
In that regard, we do not encourage our members to use this item for food storage. Instead, try using it for other organisation needs such as storing beads, sequins, nails, screws, etc.
There you have it, members! We hope this article has shown the importance of investigating any home remedies we find online before putting them to use. Always be careful!
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