Valinda
6 Fantastic Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Ziploc bags
Updated: Apr 4
Ziploc bags are very convenient. They can be easily used all around the house, especially in the kitchen. The possibilities are endless:
Storing bulk food.
Taking sandwiches to work, school, or on a picnic.
Storing leftovers in the refrigerator.
Freezing food.
Keeping in place all the little things that like to get lost somewhere in our home (think about kids' toys, jewelry, screws, etc.).
But the main problem is that many people use Ziploc bags only once and then throw them away, again and again, every single day. And over time, it is turned into an enormous amount of plastic bags in landfills (or, even worse, in the oceans).
On the other hand, yes, Ziploc bags can be washed and reused, but if you use them for storing something sticky, it is complicated to clean them properly, and they again end up in the trash.
If you are pursuing a zero-waste lifestyle, then Ziploc bags are definitely not something you should have in your household, yet, what are the alternatives?
Depending on their use, I've picked up some of the best ones; you just have to decide for yourself which one you will use and when. I hope that you will see that, no matter how Ziploc bags are nice and straightforward to use, there are many other options available, the use of which is not rocket science. And, in the long run, not only will you make a positive impact on the environment, but you will save money as well since all these alternatives are long-lasting ones.
So, to make a long story short, read on to find out more.
Glass Jars / Mason Jars
Whatever you call them, they are fantastic, and their use is quite versatile.
Glass jars are an excellent choice for bulk food like rice, pasta, flour, sugar, loose tea, and coffee as well. Also, they are great for leftovers since glass is safe for use in the refrigerator. In addition, they can be used in the bathroom for all those little items which require a safe home (hairpins, hairbands, make-up brushes, and so on). Since they are transparent, you can easily see what is in them. Of course, you can make personalized stickers with the name of the item in the jar or paint and decorate with permanent paint, adding a touch of your personality to the jar.
Moreover, they can be washed in very hot water (even sterilized with steam!), so in this way, you can be 100% sure they are clean and sanitized. Glass jars are suitable for the freezer as well, as long as you do not completely fill them up, leave at least 20% of the jar empty because liquids increase their volume when frozen and the glass may break.
When you are on the hunt for glass jars to freeze left overs, choose glass jars that are both heat and cold proof like these.
Reusable Sandwich Bags
Reusable sandwich bags are exactly what their name says—sandwich bags that can be reused. They can be washed and used again and again and are an excellent choice for sandwiches and snacks on the go. Kids love them as these come in so many different prints and colors, you just have to pick the right sustainable alternative one for your little one.
(Vegan) Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps are a very well know product for every person who lives a zero—waste lifestyle, and it is because they are a great alternative to classic single-use products. They can be used all around the kitchen: for leftovers instead of aluminum foil (you know that situation when you put your dinner in a bowl without lit, so you want to seal it with something? Well, beeswax wraps are an ideal solution for this!). In addition, they are great for sandwiches, snacks, and all those situations when you want to keep your food fresh (think of an apple cut in half—put a beeswax wrap around it and keep it from going brown!).
Stainless Steel Lunch Box
A stainless-steel lunch box is a superb alternative to Ziploc bags! You can carry your food with you wherever you go, and rest assured it is in a safe place, whether you put it there hot or cold. It is well known that plastic may release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures, but stainless steel is very stable, and there is no such concern. Of course, you can use them at home for storing all types of food, not only when going out.
Silicone (Stasher) Bags
Silicone bags are very similar in their purpose to Ziploc bags but can be easily washed and used almost countless times. They can be washed in a dishwasher and used in the microwave and freezer. Many people use them for food, but they can be easily used all around the house: in the bathroom, in kids' room for small toys, and of course, when going somewhere for carrying food and other bulk stuff which needs to be in one place.
They are available in many forms, shapes, sizes, and, of course, colors, so you can dedicate a color to each household member so they can know which bag is whose.
Drawstring Pouches
If you did not know, drawstring pouches could also be used as produce bags. Not only are they very sturdy and can be used over and over again, but they are also very beautiful looking and add a touch of nature to every interior. Made of natural materials, easy to wash and use, and are available in many sizes and colors. For example, if you are looking for a natural way to keep your wardrobe smelling fresh and keep away annoying bugs (for instance, moths), you can put a small amount of dried lavender flower into a drawstring pouch. In addition to a pleasant smell, the moths will leave your wardrobe at the speed of light!
See, there are many sustainable alternatives to Ziploc bags; you only have to choose your preferred one!
