The present invention provides a cost-effective and convenient storage device which allows for the extended storage of all types of oxidizable materials, including foodstuffs such as fruits and vegetables; nonfoodstuffs such as plants, flowers, paper, cloth and leather; and inorganic materials such as oxidizable metals. The stored items are preserved solely through a reduction in air pressure, without a reduction of temperature, or the active addition and disposal of gases. This reduced-pressure storage allows stored foodstuffs to preserve their original taste without hardening, and organic nonfoodstuffs to be preserved without water condensation. Additionally, an optional step of humidifying the internal storage environment by means of a vessel inside or attached to the storage chamber and which delivers water vapor is provided. This relatively simple system functions with few components and mechanisms, thus providing a cost-effective and non-bulky design ideal either as a stand-alone unit or a component of another appliance.
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