A storage bag is ever-present in your home, from using it as a sandwich bag to keeping cables and other accessories, they have got you covered. The only drawback is that it is disposable, which really doesn't mean well for the environment, just think of how many of them have ended up in our oceans or landfills. The solution? Switch to reusable storage bags.
They are as versatile as your trusty ziplock bags and just as strong. You would save more money in the long run by not having to repurchase when it runs out, and you're doing a good thing by caring for the environment. Read on to see what kind is best for you as well as our top choices.
As the population keeps growing, so does our consumption and waste. As a result, our environment can hardly keep up with the depletion of natural resources as well as the time it takes to replace them and decompose waste.
With the onslaught of recent natural disasters, it is high time we make the switch to more sustainable packaging so that we can do our part in reducing waste and preserving the environment. Going for reusable packaging limits our waste because it reduces our overall material consumption.
It doesn't even have to mean aiming for absolutely zero waste or going for a completely alternative way of living, but replacing a few choices in our lifestyle such as storage options can make an impact in the environment - and our wallets too.
Going green isn't as corny as it seems. It's not boring either, there are a lot of options that could make organizing your items at home more inviting.
Ensure that the material is durable enough to withstand plenty of uses, that it isn’t flimsy or look as if it is going to tear. Otherwise, it just defeats the purpose of replacing disposable storage bags if you’re going to throw them away after just a few uses.
Instead of using Ziplock bags that are more of a one-time use, make the switch to reusable silicone bags. It is much sturdier and has the same lightweight feel. It does not crinkle and is easy to reuse; just wash it off and let it dry naturally.
If you're going to use it for food, there are food-grade options you can buy. These can withstand high temperatures, such as the freezer or the microwave. It is also non-toxic and odorless, which makes it safer for your health than plastic.
Use beeswax to cover leftover ulam instead of ripping off cling wrap every time. You can mold the wrapper to fit the edges of your plate before storing it in the fridge. It is made of cotton, bonded with food grade beeswax, so it is all-natural and can be reusable. You just have to rinse it after use.
It is also perfect for wrapping sandwiches and fruits instead of using disposable napkins or wrappers. Just be careful not to expose it to extremely high heat or the wax could melt off.
Another material you should consider is PEVA plastic, it is biodegradable and does not release toxic chemicals unlike PVC plastic. Think of it as a multipurpose ziplock bag that you could use for snacks or for storing an assortment of other items.
Its material is thicker than plastic and can stand multiple uses, which is better than having to whip out a new plastic bag every time.
Nowadays, grocery stores are replacing plastic bags with paper bags, but you could take it a step further and bring your own canvas bag. It is made from woven fabric – either from cotton or linen and can withstand heavy wear and tear.
This way, you don’t have to worry about it tearing or ripping in the process of carrying your goods. You can also use it to store fruits or vegetables, as a laundry bag, or even shoes, so you're not limited to using it as a tote.
Different storage bags have different closing mechanisms; some have a zipper type of closing mechanism, others have a double track seal to ensure it stays secure. Some bags do not have a closing mechanism at all.
This feature is not really a deal-breaker, but it is an added bonus to keep your food or item secure and to ensure it does not spill out. This is handy if you want to avoid food any spills in your fridge.
This mostly applies if you are aiming to use it for food storage, you should make sure that the product is food grade to ensure that it does not give off toxic chemicals so that the food remains safe for consumption.
Reusable storage bags come in different sizes, and it is up to you to decide on what size works best. If you are just planning to make the switch to sustainable packaging, we suggest purchasing a complete set with an assortment of sizes to help you get started.
Image | 1 ![]() Stasher Ph | 2 ![]() Zippies | 3 ![]() Milea | 4 ![]() Artotell | 5 ![]() Store It. | 6 ![]() Li'l Twinkies | 7 ![]() Paralúman | 8 ![]() Raw Bites | 9 ![]() Humble Market | 10 ![]() Eco Zips |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Stasher Bag Multipack | Reusable Stand Up Storage Sampler Pack | NatuWrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps | Canvas Market Pocket Tote Bag Shopping Bag | Reusable Storage Bags | Multipurpose Reusable Storage Bag | Organic Cotton Produce Bags | Beeswax Wrap - Apple | Produce/Nut Milk Bag | Reusable Storage Bags Large Stand-Up |
Features | Quality Silicone to Maximize Food Storage | Your Environmentally Friendly Starter Pack | All-Natural Food Wrapper | Upgraded Grocery Tote Bag | Reusable Zip Lock Replacement for Reducing Clutter | Eco-Friendly Storage Bag for First Time Parents | Your Gateway to Sustainable Bags | Your New Organic Sandwich Wrapper | Multipurpose Bulk Storage Bag | Stores Your Essentials for Easy Access |
Price Starts at | ₱2,900 | ₱550 | ₱479 | ₱285 | ₱1,299 | ₱416 | ₱520 | ₱595 | ₱70 | ₱550 |
Material | Platinum Silicone | PEVA | Beeswax | Canvas | Platinum Silicone | PEVA | Organic Cotton | Beeswax | Cotton | PEVA |
Closing Mechanism | Pinch-loc Seal | Double Lock Zip | None | None | Press Type | Double Zip-Lock | Drawstring | None | Drawstring | Double Lock Seal |
Usage | Multipurpose | Multipurpose | Food | Multipurpose | Multipurpose | Multipurpose | Multipurpose | Food | Multipurpose | Multipurpose |
Highlights | Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, Sous Vide Ready, Can Bake, Boil and Freeze, Non-Toxic, Air Tight Seal | PVC, Lead, and BPA-Free | Natural, 100% Cotton, 100% Biodegradable, Compostable | Has 6 Inner Pockets | Plastic and BPA-Free, Waterproof, Leak Proof, , Oven, Microwave, Sous Vide and Freezer Safe up to 230 C | BPA-Free, Non-Toxic | 100% Organic, 100% Biodegdradable | Made from 100% Cotton, Washable, Reusable, Biodegradable | Does not Come with Packaging | Toxin-Free, Leak Proof |
Food Grade | Yes | Yes | Yes | - | Yes | Yes | - | Yes | - | Yes |
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Here are our top 10 reusable storage bags that you can use whether you are a seasoned greenie or a beginner to sustainable packaging.
From ₱2,900
Material | Platinum Silicone |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Pinch-loc Seal |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, Sous Vide Ready, Can Bake, Boil and Freeze, Non-Toxic, Air Tight Seal |
Food Grade | Yes |
From ₱550
Material | PEVA |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Double Lock Zip |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | PVC, Lead, and BPA-Free |
Food Grade | Yes |
From ₱479
Material | Beeswax |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | None |
Usage | Food |
Highlights | Natural, 100% Cotton, 100% Biodegradable, Compostable |
Food Grade | Yes |
From ₱285
Material | Canvas |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | None |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | Has 6 Inner Pockets |
Food Grade | - |
From ₱1,299
Material | Platinum Silicone |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Press Type |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | Plastic and BPA-Free, Waterproof, Leak Proof, , Oven, Microwave, Sous Vide and Freezer Safe up to 230 C |
Food Grade | Yes |
From ₱416
Material | PEVA |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Double Zip-Lock |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | BPA-Free, Non-Toxic |
Food Grade | Yes |
From ₱520
Material | Organic Cotton |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Drawstring |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | 100% Organic, 100% Biodegdradable |
Food Grade | - |
From ₱595
Material | Beeswax |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | None |
Usage | Food |
Highlights | Made from 100% Cotton, Washable, Reusable, Biodegradable |
Food Grade | Yes |
From ₱70
Material | Cotton |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Drawstring |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | Does not Come with Packaging |
Food Grade | - |
From ₱550
Material | PEVA |
---|---|
Closing Mechanism | Double Lock Seal |
Usage | Multipurpose |
Highlights | Toxin-Free, Leak Proof |
Food Grade | Yes |
Here are ways you could take care of your storage bags to make sure you maximize its capabilities before leaving it to decompose.
Just because it is reusable and durable, does not mean you should subject it to abuse. When you're done using them, always wash it and let it air dry in order to keep it clean and prevent molds from occurring.
Do not use abrasive objects to wash them, as it could puncture them. This especially applies to silicone and PEVA bags.
If you are going to use it for food, it is imperative that you designate a specific bag for each food like raw meat in order to avoid cross contamination. As much as possible, use a separate bag for raw food and ready-to-eat food such as sandwiches.
For other household items, using a designated bag lets you organize them better, seeing as you can associate the color or size and keep track of what it contains.
For food related wrappers or bags, ensure that is is properly washed and dried first. Keep it in a drawer with other food containers, so you can easily grab them when you need it.
For multipurpose storage bags, you can fold or roll them to maximize space, and store it in a bin or drawer, where you can easily remember, so you have access to it in a pinch when you have to go out.
Here are other reusable materials that you can use in order to produce less waste and help you save money than having to buy new ones every time. You can take these with you to work, out town, or while running errands.
These are just some items of what you could replace in order to reduce waste. Going green does not mean it has to be boring; these reusable bags are proof that sustainability can be light and breezy. You can have creative ways of storing and organizing your things, the environment and your wallet will also thank you for it.
Author: Justine Cuizon
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