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.
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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.
From ₱2,900
Ditch your ziplock for something that is more environmentally friendly such as this stasher bag from Stasher Ph. It gives you more options for your food preparation, as you are able to bake, microwave, and even freeze the bag as opposed to just using it as a container or a sandwich bag for your snack.
Did you know you could also vacuum seal your food using this bag? The stasher bag is made for sous vide to lock in nutrients and juices to keep your food fresher and more delicious. The secret is in the airtight seal that occurs when you submerge it in hot water, which allows air to escape and form a vacuum around its contents.
From ₱550
Not quite sure what size of reusable storage bag to get? This sampler pack from Zippies will ensure you get one of every size they have for you to use. The set comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large. This way, you can store smaller items such as pens and notepads to larger ones such as fruits and vegetables.
When you’re done using them, you can clean it by wiping it with disinfecting alcohol. You can also wash it with dishwashing soap and water. The assortment of sizes makes it really suitable to bring anywhere – whether you are at home, in the office, or for travel, you have a handy storage bag at your disposal.
From ₱479
Kick the habit of reaching for your cling wrap every time you want to store leftover food and use this instead. This clothing wrap from Milea features a single-origin approach to their wrap, as it is made from natural and unprocessed beeswax and tree resin straight from their farm. It is washable, reusable, biodegradable, and even compostable!
Their wrap is excellent for wrapping fruits and vegetables, bread, and even baked goods, though it is not advisable for raw meat. Their variety of designs gives off a rustic vibe that not only looks great but works great. An added bonus is that you can refresh the wrap by baking it in the oven for 1-2 minutes until it has melted.
From ₱285
The pandemic has seen trips to the grocery store made more crucial as you never know when your food supplies will last. This means making use of your own storage bags to be on the safe side. Luckily, this market tote bag is very spacious and capable of handling dozens of items you would need.
It has 6 internal pockets, which is enough to let you buy food and other household necessities such as alcohol and other disinfectant sprays without contaminating the other. The pockets are also handy for organizing your things at home; you can use it to stash shoes, produce, and even canned goods.
From ₱1,299
Make use of your spare time this quarantine to declutter and organize your home and utilize these reusable storage bags from Store It. It can store almost anything from food to other important items such as your passport or even jewelry. Unlike ziplock bags, you can reuse this for an unlimited time.
Have you been baking this quarantine? You can opt to store your baked goods there to prevent them from getting soggy in the fridge. Its waterproof and leak-proof features ensure that it won’t cause any nasty spills. You can also opt to use the larger bags to marinade ulam and cook it there.
From ₱416
Store an assortment of items from mobile phone accessories to food products in this multipurpose and reusable bag. It is a self-standing bag, so you won’t have any difficulty making sure it stays upright. The bag is made of food-grade PEVA, which is BPA-free. This ensures it does not leach off harmful chemicals.
The bag’s material itself is thick and durable, so it can last you for quite some time. Never worry about making a mess in the fridge, as it is spill-proof and freezer safe. Li’l Twinkies is a local brand specializing in parenting tools, so you can be sure it is safe to use even for the little one.
From ₱520
Making the switch to sustainable products can be quite the task, as it requires commitment on your part. If you want to live a greener lifestyle, you could always start with this produce bag. It is made from 100% organic cotton, which means it does not contain any plastic.
Aside from using the bag to tote your groceries, you can also use it on its own, for when you have to run errands for the day, thanks to its drawstring handles. Paralúman handcrafts their products, which means you are not only reducing waste but are also helping a smaller enterprise and its workers.
From ₱595
Help reduce plastic waste by using this environment-friendly beeswax wrap instead. It is great for wrapping your sandwiches, cheese, and produce. It is made or 100% organic cotton that is infused with beeswax, tree resin, and coconut oil. It can last you a solid 6 months to a year given proper care.
It may not sound like much to you, but think of how much money and turtles you’ll save by limiting your use of plastic. This set contains wraps in 3 sizes, so you could also use it to cover leftover ulam directly on the plate. Just use the heat from your hand to mold the wrap to your liking to fit the food item.
From ₱70
This produce bag is made from 100% cotton and is great for carrying fruits and vegetables, so you don’t have to make use of plastic every time you head to the market. You could also use it as a nut milk bag if you are the type who prefers to make their own plant-based milk at home.
Additionally, you could use it to store bulk items such as rice, if you don’t have a storage bin. The mesh material could also be used for straining coffee and tea, talk about the maximization of use! To cut back on plastic, you could also opt to upcycle it as a laundry bag whenever you head out of town.
From ₱550
Store all your essentials in this reusable storage bag while heading out. This makes it easy to disinfect since the bag is washable. It also allows you to avoid blindly searching for your wallet or pen, considering everything you need is in one place, and the bags are see-through. The bag has a stand-up feature, so it doesn’t slide off.
Additionally, you can also use it to store food in order to have a more organized fridge and trade them in for your ziplock bags if you’re tired of having to replace them every now and then. You can use it to marinade meats and store leftovers. Just remember not to place it in the microwave or dishwasher.
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.
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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