Best Sustainable Alternatives to Ziploc Bags
Ziploc bags have been an easy way to store food for decades. It was invented in the 50s and became a success by the 70s. On average, it’s estimated US families use 500 Ziploc bags a year.
Factoring in population and average family size, that’s nearly 60,000,000 bags. Since this product is made of single-use plastic, it causes great harm to our planet. Plastic can release harmful chemicals in our soil and water and increase our greenhouse gas emissions.
Given all the damage it causes, it’s important for us to start using an eco-friendly alternative. Thankfully, there are many sustainable food storage options out there. Here are some of the best green alternatives to Ziploc bags.
1. Bee’s Wrap Sandwich Bags
Bee’s Wrap sandwich bags are reusable wraps made with beeswax or vegan plant-based wax formulas. The company also uses certified organic cotton, plant oil, and tree resin.
It’s not only washable and reusable, but it’s also compostable as well. Bee’s Wrap is a certified B corporation, and all its products are silicone and plastic-free.
2. Stainless Steel ECOlunchbox
The stainless steel eco lunchbox is a reusable food storage container that’s free of plastic. It’s lighter than glass containers and less likely to break.
The thing to keep in mind with these is they are not leakproof. You should avoid putting any wet foods in it. The steel is non-toxic, making it a better option for people and the planet.
3. Stasher reusable silicone sandwich bags
Reusable silicone sandwich bags can be stored in your freezer, washed in a dishwasher, and even used in a microwave. Stasher donates 1% of its profits to nonprofits helping to protect the planet.
No BPS, BPA, latex, phthalates, or lead was used to make the product. It’s also leak-free, allowing you to store wet food in it.
4. Stainless steel food containers
You can find stainless steel food containers in a variety of retail stores. The benefits of stainless food containers are that they’re durable, non-toxic, and recyclable.
5. Chicobag
The Chicobag is made with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. They offer both snack bags and sandwich bags. The company practices ethical manufacturing and is a member of 1% For The Planet.
6. Greener Chef glass food container
Greener Chef’s glass containers are non-toxic and biodegradable. The packaging you’ll receive the containers in is recyclable and styrofoam-free. They also come with bamboo lids, making for a completely eco-friendly product.
7. Juniperseed Snack and Sandwich Cotton Bag
Juniperseed handmakes their cotton bags in Littleton, Colorado. The cotton is GOTS Certified.
Their product is compostable, and it’s shipped in recyclable packaging. You’ll get a pack of three that you can wash and reuse over and over again.
Are Ziploc Bags recyclable?
If you still have Ziploc bags in your home, you’ll be happy to know that they are recyclable. You can find locations to recycle them at plasticfilmrecycling.org.
Once you’ve gotten rid of them, you can focus on buying eco-friendly alternatives going forward. Together we can reduce the plastic in our oceans and landfills and create a cleaner environment.
