10 Alternatives To Ziploc Bags, Byeee Single-Use
Ready for a change from those trusty ol' Ziplocs? Time to say goodbye to single-use plastic and hello to eco-friendly alternatives! The options are endless, from glass containers to reusable bags like beeswax or Stasher.
And don't forget. You can always give your trusty Ziplocs a second life by washing and reusing them. Whatever route you choose, know that you're positively impacting the planet.
Ready to uncover the truth about Ziploc bags? Here's the deal - even though they're marketed as safe, the manufacturer doesn't publicly disclose the ingredients. So, it's hard to say if they're completely free of harmful chemicals like BPA.
Phthalates are added to the mix to make the plastic more flexible and durable. But, they've also been linked to health problems, leading to concerns about using them in consumer products.
Ziploc bags are usually made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. A family uses 500 single-use bags annually, contributing to significant plastic waste.
Fast Fact: The EPA found that 3 million tons of plastic bags ended up in landfills.
Can you recycle Ziploc bags? Ziploc bags can be recycled, but not always in your curbside recycling bin. They must be recycled through a specific program that accepts plastic bags, such as a grocery store drop-off program.
The bags should be clean and dry and typically be collected in a separate plastic bag before being deposited in the recycling bin designated for plastic bags. It's essential to check with your local recycling program for specific guidelines and requirements.
Reusable Ziploc Bags & Alternatives
As someone searching for the best alternatives to Ziploc bags, I'm all about giving my readers the inside scoop on each option.
That's why I highlight both the pros and cons of each product. Whether you're looking for a more sustainable option or want to find a better way to store your food, my goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your needs.
And check out the guide at the bottom of this post—lots of info on how I choose these reusable bags.
1. Bees Wrap
What they offer: Rolls, variety packs, bread wraps, bowl covers, sandwich wraps, and assorted packs.
Materials: The wraps are made from beeswax, organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin.
Price: $6.99 - $99.99
I am a big fan of beeswax wraps; they are easy to clean and very versatile in how you use them. They are a great alternative to using plastic wrap. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also can be used for gift wrapping!
These wraps can last up to one year with proper use. You will know when the life of your beeswax wrap has ended when the ends start to fray, or they no longer stick. You can easily put them in your compost pile when you no longer can use them.
Each package has three wraps, small, medium, and large. You can choose between 12 pattern designs to match your style. Bees Wrap is certified in B-Corp and GOTS. They are also part of 1% For The Planet. Owner Sarah Kaeck created this company to reduce the use of plastic wrap and make a positive impact on the planet.
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While beeswax wraps have many benefits, including being eco-friendly and biodegradable, there may be better choices for some. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons and determine what works best for your needs and preferences.
2. Bee Bagz
What they offer: Food Storage bags, wraps, lids, cotton reusable produce bags, and fire starters.
Materials: GOTS certified Cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin.
Price: $5.99 - $49.99
These reusable beeswax wrap bags are the perfect alternative to single-use plastic, made with 100% natural ingredients, including organic cotton, beeswax, and a double-stitched seam. No more complicated folds, just tightly sealed food that stays fresher and longer.
The pack includes three small, two medium, and one large beeswax wrap bags perfect for storing everything from fruit and vegetables to cheese and bread.
They are naturally breathable and help to maintain the freshness of your food. They are easy to clean and use. Simply place your food in the bag, fold it over the top, and create a seal with the warmth of your fingers. Cleaning is a breeze with mild dish soap and no harsh chemicals required.
I used the large Bagz to store a head of lettuce and was shocked at how long it lasted. Not only did it stay crisp there were no brown leaves. Highly recommend!
As someone who enjoys camping, I think the fire starters are an excellent idea! The lids are an awesome way to cover plates or bowls with leftovers which are super convenient and an alternative to traditional food wraps.
Bee Bagz is a certified B-Corp company partnered with the David Suzuki Foundation. The bags are waste-free and sourced from sustainable-managed hives. Even the packages that your bags will come in are biodegradable.
3. Stasher Bags
What they offer: Bundles, sandwiches, snacks, stand-up, half-gallon, pocket, and quart bags.
Price: $9.99 - $282.99
Materials: Food-grade silicone
Okay, I think we have all heard the name Stasher. It has become super popular, and with good reason. These bags are great and one of the best alternatives to plastic Ziploc bags.
Stasher is amazing for someone looking for plastic-free storage containers. They have a similar seal to Ziploc but can also be used in the freezer, making them a great way to freeze your meat without plastic.
They are a bit pricier, but it is an investment into a product you won’t have to replace anytime soon. Stasher is not only freezer friendly but is also microwave safe which is perfect for on the go, or if you’re having a movie night, you can put popcorn kernels and butter in the bag and pop some popcorn right at home the eco-friendly way.
You can also put the Stasher bags in the oven if you are not a microwave user. A bonus, especially when cleaning the bags, is that they are dishwasher-safe!
Stasher has saved 5.5 billion single-use plastic bags since it started up, and it also donated 1% of all its sales to non-profits that have a high impact rate when protecting the planet. To date, they have donated over $1.3 million.
I've been using these silicone bags for years and love them, but there are some things to remember.
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4. Glass Lock
What they offer: Food storage, meal prep, mixing bowls, vacuum seal, and baby meal storage.
Price: $8.99 - $69.99
Materials: Silica, soda ash, limestone, and glass.
These glass containers will be perfect if you are looking for an alternative to plastic bags for food storage. I swear I have had the same set that my mother bought me years ago, and it is still just as leak-proof as the day I got them!
The Glass Lock containers are built to last, and you can use them for various things because they are microwave and oven safe, which means you can easily reheat your food. They also are freezer safe, which makes meal prep simple and easy!
When cleaning your glass storage containers, they are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. This also includes BPA-free lids. You will never have to worry about spills when storing your soups or chili with these seals because they are designed to be leakproof.
Glass Lock is designed to limit waste and offers an environmentally friendly option that lasts a lifetime. They are FDA-approved and ensure their products are recyclable and made from components that do not harm the earth.
When it comes to what's more sustainable glass vs. plastic, it's complicated!
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5. Full Circle Home Compostable Ziploc Bags
What they offer: Compostable zipper bags in various sizes and trash bags.
Price: $4.99 - $9.99
Materials: Made from PLA and PBAT (plants)
Fall in love with these sustainable Ziploc bags that are completely compostable! If you are looking to switch from regular Ziploc bags but are not fully ready to commit to beeswax or glass or don’t want to invest just yet in Stasher bags, this is the best option.
These bags are made with plants that easily break down into carbon and water.
Unlike Ziploc bags, these bags are very strong and won’t break after one use, which means you can rinse them out and reuse them a few more times to get as much life as possible!
They are freezer friendly, which is fantastic if you like to plan and freeze your meals.
Full Circle Home is on a mission for you to achieve the zero waste kitchen you have always wanted! They have fully embraced sustainability and offer shoppers products that are safe for the environment and reduce your impact at an affordable price.
They carry a sustainable certification from B-Corp and are fully plastic-neutral.
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6. Love For Earth Reusable Sandwich Bags
What they offer: Insulated storage bags, sandwiches, snacks, and utensil bags.
Price: $8.79 - $18.27
Materials: Ripstop nylon
I support small businesses, and this Etsy shop has the perfect reusable bags for food storage!
The handmade bags are insulated inside to preserve your sandwiches, veggies, and fruit throughout the day. The zipper on the bag keeps air out and ensures the freshness of your food. This is an excellent feature if you have a picky eater who won’t eat brown apple slices!
This is an excellent choice for kids and travel. They are made of durable and safe materials free from harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, and phthalates.
The bags are designed to be leak-proof and easy to clean, making them perfect for packing snacks and sandwiches for school or on the on-the-go. They come in various fun and bright colors and patterns, which kids love.
Love For Earth is located in the US and sources its fabric from US fabric mills, owner Kara has put a lot of love and time into the reusable bags and is open to customization options if you are looking for something specific.
The shipping time is a little longer because they are handmade, but I promise it’s worth it! Kara is open to requests for rush orders. You will need to reach out!
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7. Fluf Lunch Bag
What they offer: Zipper lunch, snack bags, totes, and backpacks.
Price: $9.95 - $68.95
Materials: 100% GOTS certified Organic cotton and post-consumer RPET lining.
Obsessed doesn’t even describe how I feel about Fluf and their super cute designs for their lunch bags.
They are made from 100% cotton canvas, making them eco-friendly and durable. They are machine-washable and can be reused often, reducing waste compared to disposable lunch bags.
They are also designed with style in mind and come in fun and playful designs that kids will love. Additionally, they are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in a backpack or lunchbox.
The bags are designed with insulation to help keep your food fresh for longer, making them ideal for lunch, picnics, and other outdoor activities. Inside the bag, you will find a pocket holding a water bottle or ice pack. For an idea of sizing, the lunch kit can fit up to 14 cans of pop or 36 tennis balls. Now that’s a lot of room!
Fluf originated as a pillow company, but its mission quickly shifted to reusable lunch bags, snack bags, totes, and backpacks. They weave, print, and dye all their fabrics with low-impact dyes, ensuring they are sustainable at every step. Fluff is 100% women-owned and operated, and as of 2022, they have become climate neutral certified.
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8. Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel
What they offer: Insulated and non-insulated food storage containers, food boxes, drinkware, and kid's food storage.
Price: $19.95 - $96.95
Materials: Stainless steel
Klean Kanteen makes durable and long-lasting stainless steel food storage containers. They believe in their product and its longevity so much that they come with a lifetime guarantee.
They offer insulated and non-insulated products, so you can store hot lunches like pasta without worrying about getting cold. Their lunch kits are excellent for your little ones, and thanks to their durability, you won’t have to worry about them damaging them!
The non-insulated storage containers come with a snack and lock tab and a leakproof silicone lid, and the insulated ones have a climate lock seal which keeps your items cold or hot for hours.
The stainless steel is made from 18/8 food-grade steel, which means it won’t alter the flavor of your food. They are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
Klean Kanteen is a climate-neutral certified company certified by B-Corp and a 1% For The Planet member. In 2004 they sold their first BPA-free stainless steel water bottle and have since expanded their products to food storage and even baby bottles!
They are a family and employee-owned company, allowing them to stay responsible and continue to do its part to save the environment.
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9. Tiffin Boxes
What they offer: Tiered Indian tiffin boxes, masala dabba bowls, lunch boxes, and carrying cases.
Price: $19.99 - $77.89
Materials: Stainless steel
A tiffin container is like a superhero of lunch containers! It's a stackable, multi-tiered container perfect for packing various food items for your lunch or picnic. Think of it as a portable lunchbox carrying multiple dishes without mixing them.
It's like having your buffet on the go! With its compact design and leak-proof seals, you can take your tiffin anywhere and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal without the hassle of single-use containers.
Depending on needs, there are a few options; if you have a long day ahead of you or are meal-prepping for the gym, they have a four-tier, three-tier, or two-tier option, and you can buy a handy carrying case to easily pack the boxes with you.
If you don’t want to buy a carrier, the tiers all interlock for easy carrying. If you only need one box, you can also buy individual sets.
Indian Tiffin launched in 2004 when the owner decided to live a plastic-free lifestyle. The owner found that stainless steel that was BPA-free but could also be used to freeze food, be dishwasher safe, and could be directly used on a stove or campfire to reheat food was the best option for them!
They loved the Tiffin boxes so much that they decided to sell them and have now become the largest retailer of Tiffin boxes!
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10. Lunchskins Paper Bags
What they offer: Sealable lunch bags
Price: $5.99
Materials: FSC-certified paper
Lunchskins paper bags are reusable paper bags designed to be a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use paper bags. These bags are made from a material called "greaseproof" paper, which is a high-quality, food-safe paper that is resistant to grease, oil, and moisture.
Lunchskins paper bags come in various sizes and designs, and they are suitable for packing a wide range of snacks and meals, including sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. They are also microwave-safe, so you can reheat food on the go.
One of the key benefits of Lunchskins paper bags is that they are reusable, so they can help reduce waste and save money in the long run. They are also compostable, meaning they will break down naturally and without harming the environment.
Lunchskins is a women-owned brand with certifications such as B-corp, FSC, and BPI. This company’s main goal is to help you achieve your low-waste living dreams through simple swaps that make a huge impact in the long run and will help to reduce your plastic Tupperware use.
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Why switch to Ziplock bag alternatives?
Well, the environment, of course! Plastic is one of the most significant contributors to landfill waste in the world, and it’s because it's everywhere. It takes about 12 million barrels of oil to make plastic bags; in America alone, 100 billion plastic bags are used.
Another big issue with Ziploc bags is that 87% of them are never recycled when they can be.
If the environment isn’t a reason to switch, consider the cash you can save! If you never have to buy another Ziploc bag again because you bought a Stasher bag or switched to beeswax, it will decrease the amount you spend each year purchasing those single-use plastic bags.
How did I choose these brands?
Materials
The critical thing we look for when vetting brands is the materials used. They have to be safe for you to use but have no environmental impact and come from sustainable certifications like:
Corporate Responsibility
Another essential thing to us in the vetting process is how each company goes the extra mile to ensure its corporate responsibility. Giving back to various charities or being a part of 1% For the Plant, how they empower their workers, and the diversity they bring to the workplace.
We also look for brands that are:
- Fair Trade, B Corp, or Social Accountability International (SA8000)
A final word eco-friendly Ziplock bags
Firstly, I hope you found these brands helpful and were able to find your new favorite Ziploc bag swap! It is really important to be mindful of our waste and how we can cut down on it every chance we can.
No matter which way you choose, with beeswax, paper, glass, or stainless steel, you are one step closer to getting to a low-waste lifestyle, which is incredible!
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