This post is all about eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags!
Whether you want to pack your kids’ lunch, freeze leftovers, or pack a sandwich and snacks for going out of the house, Ziploc bags are a convenient product to have on hand.
However, no matter how practical they are, they are also super wasteful, unsustainable, and unhealthy to use!
Thankfully, it doesn’t mean we can’t pack our lunches or store food in the freezer or fridge.
There are many sustainable, non-toxic options we can choose instead.
In this article, I share with you the best eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags for all your food storage needs.
You’ll find all kinds of product recommendations from reusable Ziploc bags to compostable options.
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Why are Ziploc bags not sustainable? Why do we need eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags?
First of all, Ziploc is a specific brand, but this article aims to share with you alternatives to all disposable, plastic food storage bags.
However, I will use the phrase “Ziploc bags” for simplification purposes.
Ziploc bags are very unsustainable for many reasons.
They are made of plastic, so they’re produced from petroleum-derived materials.
Their production thus contributes to pollution and global warming.
The plastic they are made of is also non-recyclable, meaning that they get thrown away in the trash.
They then end up in landfills where they’ll take hundreds of years to decompose.
The fact that they’re single-use is also problematic.
They’re meant to be used once, so more and more baggies end up thrown away and need to be produced all over again.
This contributes to the huge plastic pollution crisis we are experiencing and the depletion of natural resources (not to mention oil is non-renewable!).
Unfortunately, that’s not all!
Since they are made of plastic, Ziploc bags might leach chemicals into your food.
Even though Ziploc states that its baggies are BPA-free, it doesn’t mean they do not contain other toxic chemicals.
Plastic products, particularly those that are more pliable, are usually made with phthalates, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Ziploc bags and off-brand imitations may also contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, benzene, and many other toxic substances.
We have no way of knowing what exactly is in them as brands aren’t required to disclose that information.
Finally, constantly buying and rebuying Ziploc bags can get expensive over time.
Yes, purchasing a reusable option is usually more expensive upfront, but it saves us money in the long run!
Read more:
- 10 ways to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle
- How to make your home healthy?
- 19 things I do not buy as an environmentalist
- 30 things to declutter for a minimalist kitchen
What is the best alternative to Ziploc bags? 5 eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags
1. Reusable silicone bags
Stasher bags
Stasher bags are the best reusable silicone bags and the most popular eco-friendly alternative to Ziploc bags out there!
The brand Stasher was created to offer a sustainable solution to single-use plastic bags for food storage.
It sells high-quality reusable silicone bags of all sizes that are perfect for meal prepping, storing food and liquids, bringing snacks and sandwiches on the go, and even organizing items around the home.
Its baggies come in sizes as small as 4 fl oz and as big as 104 fl oz!
There are also many shapes available as well as countless colors to choose from.
Stasher bags are made from endlessly reusable food-grade platinum silicone and do not contain any BPA, BPS, latex, phthalates, or lead.
They are also resealable thanks to their practical leak-free seal and you can put them in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven up to 425°F.
You can even label them with a dry-erase/chalk marker!
I also love that each year, Stasher donates a portion of its sales to different nonprofits that help protect the oceans.
It also ships all its products in plastic-free, brown paper packaging.
Other reusable silicone bags
There are many reusable silicone bags on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
You can find cheaper options but they are usually made with poor quality materials and often contain plastic.
Many are made with PVC or other types of plastic that may be toxic and leach into our food.
Even those labeled as “BPA-free” can be unhealthy to use as they can contain other harmful chemicals such as phthalates or BPS.
The key is to buy reusable silicone bags made of high-quality, food-grade silicone.
My favorite, more affordable alternative to Stasher bags is these silicone food storage bags by the brand Public Goods.
They come in a set of three baggies of different sizes and are ideal for storing leftovers, freezing food, and even steaming broccoli.
These are made from 100% plastic-free, food-grade silicone that is dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and heat-resistant up to 450°F.
They do not release chemicals into your food and are very durable and versatile.
Public Goods also plants trees and donates products to people in need in partnership with several nonprofits.
![Hydra Cup Reusable Silicone Storage Bags [6 PACK] Food Storage Container, 30 ounces, Press to Lock, Stash Snacks & Meal Prep, Sandwich Size, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Vjxh7ni4L._SL500_.jpg)
I also recommend the reusable silicone bags offered by Hydra Cup.
These come in a pack of six and feature gorgeous colors so your kids will love them!
They are made from 100% platinum silicone, the highest quality silicone you can get, and are sold with practical carabiners so you can easily carry them when on the go.
2. Beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are some of the best eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags.
These flexible wraps are great for wrapping up sandwiches or half-cut veggies and fruits or even for covering bowls.
You simply need to warm them up with your hands and they will mold effortlessly to your food, keeping it fresh for longer.
They can be used and reused countless times.
And when they’re no longer usable, you can compost them at home or use them as a fire starter.
If you’re convinced and want to give beeswax wraps a try, I cannot recommend these from the brand Bee’s Wrap enough!
All-natural and non-toxic, they are made in the USA using organic cotton, beeswax, tree resin, and organic plant oil.
They are durable and washable, and you can cut this roll into a variety of sizes for all your food storage needs.
If you want something that closes around your sandwich for when you’re out and about, you’ll love this lunch pack by the same brand as well.
This sandwich wrap features a sealable tie with a string and button and an adorable print with cute bears and bees.
If you’re vegan or don’t want to use beeswax, don’t worry!
Bee’s Wrap also sells vegan, plant-based wraps made from candelilla and soy wax, GOTS-certified organic cotton, tree resin, and organic coconut oil.
They’re as practical as the beeswax ones, and you’ll fall in love with the flower and butterfly print.
3. Organic cotton sandwich bags
If you’re using Ziploc bags as sandwich or snack bags, this option is perfect for you.
Instead of using those disposable plastic baggies, get a reusable, organic cotton sandwich bag!
This one sold by the brand Fluf is very versatile as you can use it as a snack/sandwich bag and a placemat if you unzip it completely.
Ideal for mess-free eating on the go!
It is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and non-toxic, food-safe recycled polyester lining.
It is machine washable so you will be able to use it and reuse it hundreds of times.
Plus, it’s ethically made in a GOTS-certified facility.
Fluf also sells these, which are super cute, especially for kids!
The great thing about them is that you can also use them to store other things such as cords and chargers, dog treats, or even makeup.
4. Compostable, biodegradable Ziploc bags
We all love reusable Ziploc bags.
But let’s be honest, sometimes a disposable version comes in handy for one reason or another.
If you want single-use ones but still want to get a more sustainable product, you’ll love the ones I mention in this section.
The brand Compostic offers these resealable non-toxic Ziploc bags that are 100% home compostable.
Once you’ve used (and reused) them, throw them in your compost bin and they’ll break down within 12 to 24 weeks!
We love that they are more durable than regular sandwich bags and they are even microwave and freezer-safe.
These biodegradable Ziploc bags are made with GMO-free, organic materials, are BPA-free, and printed with soy or water-based inks.
If You Care also sells these compostable paper sandwich and snack bags.
They are made of FSC-certified paper that is naturally greaseproof and non-toxic.
The paper is unbleached and chlorine-free, does not contain wax, and has not been treated with chemicals.
It’s even microwave-safe!
5. Reusable containers
If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags for food storage or even for bringing food with you on the go, make the switch to reusable food containers.
You can use them to store anything from sandwiches and snacks to liquids or even entire meals.
Glass containers
![EcoPreps Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids [4 Pack] 100% Plastic Free, Eco-Friendly, Oven, Microwave Safe Glass Meal Prep Containers, Glass Lunch Containers, Bamboo Lid Storage Containers](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EsRYxkAtL._SL500_.jpg)
I highly recommend this set of four glass containers with FSC-certified bamboo lids sold by EcoPreps.
They are dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven-safe up to 750°F.
They feature a silicone seal and vent to keep your food fresh and stay airtight to prevent leaks and spills.
Our Place also has a great set of three glass containers that are great for storing and freezing food as well as for bringing your meals on the go.
They’re made from lightweight but super durable glass.
Another great option is this complete set of ceramic-coated glass food storage containers by Caraway.
They are made with non-toxic materials and are super aesthetically pleasing!
Stainless steel containers
If you’re afraid to use glass for bringing food with you to work or while traveling, you may want to opt for stainless steel containers.
EcoLunchBox has this practical double-decker container with a nesting snack pod.
It is very durable, dishwasher-safe, and made from high-quality, food-safe stainless steel.
Silicone containers
And if you’re looking for containers for your kids, check out these leak-proof, colorful ones that come with four different compartments.
They’re made from high-quality, food-grade silicone and are super lightweight and easy to clean.
You can safely use them in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
Final thoughts on eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags
I hope you’ve found this article about eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags helpful and that you could find the perfect option for your needs.
The great thing about these alternatives is that they allow us to do the same things as those plastic, disposable bags but without creating waste and putting harmful chemicals near our food.
Plus, they help us save money in the long run!
If you like this article, you might want to read the following ones too:
- How to store food (sustainably) to reduce food waste
- 15 eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil in the kitchen
- 10 easy ways to reduce waste in the kitchen
- 18 minimalist kitchen essentials for simple, efficient cooking
What are your favorite eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags?
Do you prefer reusable silicone bags or other products?
Please, drop a comment!
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends to help them find more sustainable sandwich and freezer baggies.
