Was talking to a friend about this. He has a restaurant, and a farm, so I figured he's probably got some cool container he uses for food storage. For things like rice and beans, he uses good quality 2 liter bottles. His reasoning is that the plastic is tough and durable, and won't degrade if it's stored decently. Plus, the containers are air tight and water tight, and bugs can't get in either. He takes the bottles, peels the labels, and washes with soap and hot water, then a commercial sterilizing agent for dishware (something I can't remember the name of that they use in his restaurant). When it's completely dry inside, he fills the bottle with rice, beans, lentils, dried peas, and similar food stuff. He writes the date and a description on the outside with a Sharpie, and puts the bottle on shelving in his basement.