If you haven’t heard it by now,
You don’t need to make the switch overnight or all at once, but we will provide a few reasons to consider switching to
You may be skeptical about making the switch as you think, “Isn’t this more wasteful, buying something new vs. reusing what I own?” “These bags are way more expensive than the 100 pack I can get at Target” or “Why can’t I use my Ziploc baggies I already have?”
While these are valid questions, the ultimate long term benefits of switching to
What are reusable sandwich bags ?
These reusable bags are often made from either silicone, cloth, or a plastic blend.
Silicon is the 14th element in the periodic table. It has properties of both metals and nonmetals, and is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen. Whereas silicone is a synthetic polymer made of organic silicon, oxygen, and other elements, most typically carbon and hydrogen.
Silicone is generally a liquid or a flexible, rubber-like plastic and has a number of useful properties, such as low toxicity and high heat resistance.
The majority of
The other reusable materials used can be fabric, EVA plastic, or even unbleached cloth/burlap.
EVA Plastic is a food-grade plastic, so if you’re wanting to completely eliminate plastic in your home, this wouldn’t be the ideal choice. EVA plastic can last just as long, but you can decide which options best suit your needs.
The last few options for
Lastly, there are unbleached burlap/cloth options. This is a natural material that is more eco-friendly and non-toxic.
If you decide to go the fabric route, you can use fabric that you may already have laying around and bust out that sewing machine that is probably collecting dust.
Are reusable sandwich bags safe?
With anything that we use close to our food and bring into the home, we ask the question, is it safe? Most
Silicone reusable bags are typically made from a food-grade silicone (think spatulas or oven mitts).
Silicone is BPA Free, lead-free, PVC Free, Phthalates Free, and FDA approved.
The other common material among
The fabric and cloth options are also eco-friendly, cheaper, and safe for the family.
TIP: If you want to completely geek out on becoming more eco-friendly, look more into plastic-free cotton and polyester blends as many of our clothes contain microplastics and PVC.
How do I care for my reusable bags?
The silicone or plastic blend options are usually dishwasher safe and even freezer safe. Making these good options to store your left-overs in an airtight container. Since these are dishwashers safe, they make clean up a bit quicker and less time-consuming.
I actually use my
Some fabric and cloth options need to be hand-washed and laid to dry. Some can also go in your washer and dryer.
If taken care of, silicone bags can last up to 8 years or more, which is about ~3,000 uses.
Once they are clean, you can either leave them in your top rack to dry off or use a drying rack to ensure they are completely dry! If you need them right away, I’ve noticed that using a dry Swedish dishcloth works best in getting to those hard to reach corners to dry.
What can I store in my new reusable bags ?
Pretty much anything! Some silicone reusable bags can store liquids. Some people make bone broth and throw it in a silicone bag and freeze for later!
Again, it just depends on the option that you choose. You don’t want to store soup in your cloth bags.
Your fabric and cloth options are not going to be good options for things that you need to store with an airtight option, such as liquids, leftovers, dog food, etc.
Whereas, silicone and plastic blends make an excellent option for your sack lunch + storing left-overs in your fridge or freezer.
If you have already bought some reusable bags and realized they don’t work for that specific item, try it out for something else! Don’t throw the bag away. See if you can reuse it on something else in the home. I’m sure there is something under your bathroom sinks that needs some TLC!
Our top reusable sandwich bags
All this talk of safe and not safe, reusable or not reusable probably has your head spinning at this point! Here’s a quick guide to help you figure it all out. Always check the product descriptions and what materials are used!
Remember, the number one key with anything is to start small. You don’t need to make the switch overnight or all at once. You don’t need to throw away every plastic Ziploc bag you own. Work through those and slowly invest in more sustainable options as you go along! You can also use what you already have at home until you’re ready to make the switch!
Tidy Tip: Going zero waste or more sustainable is about small improvements. Buying everything all at once can lead to more waste with shipping, packaging, throwing away, etc.
Progress over perfection.
