Ditch Plastic Ziplock Bags for These Popular Trends

Plastic ziplock bags are undeniably useful. The snack sized plastic bags are lightweight, fit anywhere, seal perfectly and never fail. Ziplocks are good for holding snacks, lunches or storing all kinds of small non-food objects like marbles, paper clips or nails. Anything imaginable can be stored in a plastic ziplock bag. But plastic ziplocks have a major downside!

Ziplock Bags Are Made of Plastic

Most plastics contain BPA or other hormone disrupting chemicals. These chemicals leach into food and can cause health issues with long term exposure. The use of BPA and BPA alternatives is complicated. We may not now for sure what is going on with BPA because of conflicting information. However we can be cautious and use what we know is safe!

Why I’m Not Using Plastic Containers for Food

Facts about BPA

• BPA in certain uses is banned in countries like Europe, Canada.
• BPA is known hormone disruptor. It can cause harm by reprogramming cells, or altering gene function.
• According to the National Toxicology Program BPA can have an effect on the brain and behavior.
• Another estrogen mimicking chemical BPS (a BPA alternative) is now showing up in urine tests.
• According to EWG the science of endocrine disruption has become a political issue similar to the previous fight over the health hazards of tobacco.

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Benefits of Reusable Snack Bags

Reusable bags are

• Non-toxic
• Eco-Friendly
• Reusable
• Saves money in the long run
• Stylish and Cute

They can be used for

• Taking Snacks to Work.
• Sending snacks to School.
• Cheerios or other snacks for car trips.

The downsides

• They do have to be cleaned. Some are dishwasher safe, but it’s still effort.
• Depending on the type of bag you get it may not be leak proof or air tight
• Takes some getting used to when the habit is to just throw away a regular ziplocks.

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Popular Reusable Cloth Snack Bags

Lunchskins Reusable Sandwich Bags

• These are what we use and they work great.
• They are fairly thick and durable while still being flexible.
• They come in different colors.
• Mostly we use these for the kids snacks.

Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags

• These are made from food safe fabric.
• Easy to use zipper.
• It is fairly thick and durable while still being flexible.
• They come in fun colors.
• Kids love to take these for lunch and they are fairly easy to clean.

Popular Silicone Ziplock Alternatives

Stasher

• Stasher is a very popular brand.
• There are a variety of different colors and sizes.
• They are see through like ziplocks.
• Airtight – If you are looking for airtight containers silicone is a good option.
• Stasher Reusable Silicone Food bags are a bit on the expensive side.

5 Pack Leakproof Ziplock Sandwich Bags

• Zippered bags provide a more ziplock feel.
• The material is thick and durable.
• They are freezer safe.
• These are more budget friendly.

Envirogen Reusable Storage Bags

• Smaller snack sized
• Highly rated on Amazon
• Under $10!

Popular Reusable Food Wraps

Organic Reusable Food Wraps by Etee

Etee Wraps form a protective, breathable, antimicrobial seal that lets food breathe so it can stay fresher, longer.

• Made from organic cotton and beeswax.
• Sustainable and reusable.
• The downside is that they won’t last forever, each sheet is good for a limited amount of uses.

Bee’s Wrap Assorted 3 Pack

• Made from organic cotton and beeswax.
• Comes in different sizes and colors.
• These last a lot longer than one time use ziplocks.
• Use them to wrap cheese, fruit, vegetables, or bread.

DIY Option

Though I haven’t gotten to it one of the items on my never-ending to do list is to make my own reusable snack bags. It is always a good idea to weigh the benefit of time vs money, but this is great alternative to buying reusable snack bags.

DIY

• Go to Google or pinterest and search for tutorials.
• You can create any color or size. Imagine of all the exciting possibilities!
• Customized reusable ziplock bags would also make an amazing gifts!
• Be sure to source food grade non-toxic material.

Don’t want to give up Ziplock bags? I don’t blame you, I would be totally lost without a trusty Ziplock bag. Today there are tons of alternatives to plastic. In fact there are so many reusable snack bags to choose from you could go crazy trying to pick the perfect color and style. The ultimate goal is to be have something reusable that you love and like to use.

Switching to reusable snack bags may seem weird at first, but make a routine or habit out of it and it will come second nature. YES it is easy, go and pick the one that is calling your name.

Have you tried any of these alternatives to plastic ziplocks? Let us know in the comments!