Leaves, vegetable fibers, and baskets are natural packaging materials that are inexpensive but do not provide strong protection from moisture, oxygen, microorganisms, or insects. Paper is also inexpensive but absorbs liquids easily and offers little barrier. Glass and metal provide the strongest protection but are heavy, and glass can break. Plastic and earthenware offer protection at low cost but plastic is non-biodegradable and earthenware can break. Each material has advantages and disadvantages for food packaging depending on the product and storage needs.