Plastic bags are commonplace for a reason: they are cheap, durable, and make it easier to store and transport items. The downside of plastic bags, of course, is the pollution of landfills with bags that never degrade. Luckily, there are great plastic bag alternatives that are biodegradable and compostable that completely degrade without a trace.
There are many plastic bags alternatives, each catering to specific needs and environmental priorities. Reusable options like cotton and jute bags are durable and can be washed for multiple uses, while biodegradable and compostable plastics provide eco-friendly alternatives. Paper bags, particularly those made from recycled materials or Kraft paper, offer biodegradability and recyclability. Tote bags, mesh produce bags, and bamboo fiber bags serve as additional sustainable choices. Upcycled materials, such as repurposed fabrics or old banners, contribute to unique and environmentally friendly options. Nylon bags designed for multiple uses and reusable silicone bags for food storage are also available. Ultimately, selecting the most suitable alternative involves considering factors like production processes, product lifecycle, and disposal methods, while encouraging a culture of reuse and reduced consumption remains crucial for environmental conservation.
Here are the best plastic bag alternatives that we recommend:
For Groceries
Stock Your Home Eco Grocery Bags
This is a set of eco-friendly green grocery bags proudly made in the USA. Tested according to ASTM D5511, they biodegrade 49.28% in 900 days under landfill conditions, a significant improvement over regular plastic bags. These bags feel like plastic, have the same heat/cold tolerance, and are versatile for everyday use, such as shopping, lunch packing, and waste disposal. The pack includes 100 bags with specific measurements and thickness, and it’s recommended to store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
What We Love About It
- Very sturdy and easy to reuse
- Can be used as small trash bags
- Great Value
- Good heat/cold tolerance and spill-proof
Other sustainable options for grocery bags are totes, recycled paper bags and mesh bags.
For Pets
Pet N Pet Pick Up Bags
Elevate your poop bag game with Pet N Pet doggy bags that boast impressive features. These bags, sized at 9″ x 13″, are designed to hold water for 7 days without leaking, making them ideal for any mess. They 16 rolls and 240 counts per box, ensuring you’re stocked for weeks. The bags are conveniently designed to fit standard-size dispensers, and the serrated sticker and tear perforation with an “open” arrow make detaching bags on-the-go a breeze. These dog waste bags have great leak protection and are soft and durable keeping your hands clean while handling your pet’s business. For added convenience and value, Pet N Pet offers 240-count dog poop bag refill rolls with a flat bottom measuring 9” x13”, fitting more dispensers.
Pet N Pet bags are OK Compost certified and are fully biodegradable.
What We Love About It
- The bags are roomy and leak-proof
- Easy to tear along the perforated line
- Fully compostable
- Fit standard size dispensers
Compostable dog poop bags are becoming more commonplace and easier to find and we reviewed a few of them here.
Garbage Bags
FORID 13 Gallon Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags
This is a set of 13-gallon trash bags with dimensions of 24.8 x 31.4 inches, suitable for most small bins in the US. The bags are strong and durable, capable of withstanding up to 83 pounds of weight and are leak-proof. They are certified by ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 standards, making them environmentally friendly, and can be composted in backyard or home composting facilities. These clear green bags are designed to help sort garbage and are suitable for use in various settings such as offices, kitchens, and bathrooms. They are made of plant starch material and are odorless compostable bags.
What We Love About It
- Leak and puncture-proof
- Fully compostable
- Work for trash cans and for storing compost
- Completely odorless
Compostable and biodegradable garbage bags make it easy to eliminate another source of single use plastic in your home.
Zip Lock Bags
Compostic – Home Compostable Resealable Sandwich Bags
Compostic bags are sustainable and environmentally friendly, crafted from sustainable materials and fully home compostable within 12-24 weeks. These bags are made up from three biopolymers, including common ingredients in compostables, PBAT and PLA. The polymers are blended into a compound which is then worked into their versatile material. These compostable zip-lock bags offer an eco-friendly alternative for storing food, reducing waste, and lowering one’s carbon footprint. Emphasizing durability and reusability, these bags are stronger than traditional ones, safe for use in the microwave and freezer, catering to both kids and adults for various purposes. The packaging is eco-conscious, using soy or water-based inks, ensuring a shelf life of up to 12 months. Certified to strict composting standards, including safety for worms, and adhering to European and American standards, these bags are non-toxic, food-safe, and GMO-free, offering a guilt-free and environmentally responsible option for consumers.
What We Love About It
- Strong and durable
- Can be used more than once
- Microwave and freezer safe
- 100% compostable
Compostable zip lock bags are easy to grab on the go and use for food storage for smaller items.
Vacuum Seal Bags
GAVASTO Biodegradable Vacuum Sealer Bags
These biodegradable vacuum sealer bags are great for vacuum sealing machines with an improved sealing effects. The vacuum bags are made from eco-friendly materials such as sugarcane granules and corn starch, providing a healthier option compared to conventional polyamide and polyethylene bags. These environmentally friendly sealing bags are fully biodegradable, aiming to reduce harm to natural ecosystems. They degrade over time in soil and seawater, taking 6-8 months in the ground, 2-3 months in seawater, and around 200 years less compared to ordinary degradable bags. They can be safely used in non-microbial environments which is perfect for use in freezers.
What We Love About It
- Vacuum seal works very well
- Durable and leak-proof
- Fully biodegradable
- Cold and heat resistant