It’s hard to say which of our daily actions have the greatest environmental impact because not everything we do is easily quantifiable. But we can count how many single use items we go through in a day, a week, even a year. The most obvious example of this are the plastic bags from stores and zip lock bags.
There are several environmentally friendly plastic bag alternatives, including reusable bags made from materials like canvas, cotton, jute, or nylon. Paper bags made from recycled paper are biodegradable and recyclable and are made from plant starches or organic materials break down easily. There are also mesh produce bags that are lightweight and reusable for fruits and vegetables, beeswax wraps made from cotton fabric coated with beeswax, stainless steel containers are durable and reusable for storing food.
Here are our top selections for best plastic bag alternatives that you can use instead:
IDEATHECH Reusable Storage Bags
These reusable bags are made of food-grade PEVA material, which is eco-friendly, recyclable, and free from harmful substances like PVC, lead, chloride, and BPA. They are safe for the environment and your health. The bags are heat and cold resistant, making them suitable for a wide range of temperatures. They are easy to clean by handwashing and should not be used in the dishwasher. The bags feature double zipper closures that are leakproof and convenient to open and close. They create an airtight seal to prevent spills and mixing of food odors.
These versatile bags can be used for storing various items, including food, clothes, toys, knitting materials, office supplies, and more.
BeeGreen Shopping Bags
These shopping bags have an extra-large capacity and are made of durable ripstop and nylon fabric, allowing them to hold heavy loads safely. They are reinforced with bias tape and have no seams at the bottom for added strength. The bags can be easily folded into a pocket-size pouch, making them convenient to carry in a purse or car.
They are machine washable and environmentally friendly, promoting reusable alternatives to reduce plastic usage. The bags are suitable for various occasions and can be used as a fun and vibrant accessory.
Bee’s Wrap Food Wraps
Bee’s Wrap offers uniquely designed reusable beeswax food wraps as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic. They are versatile and suitable for various food storage needs, from prepping meals in the kitchen to packing lunches on the go. These wraps are plastic-free and silicone-free, making them a safe choice for food care. They are made in the USA using certified organic cotton, responsibly-sourced beeswax, organic plant oils, and tree resin, creating a durable and flexible plastic wrap alternative.
To use, simply warm the wrap with your hands to create a seal around food, bowls, or pans. Bee’s Wrap can be rinsed with cool water and mild soap, then air dried for reuse. With proper care, these wraps can be used for up to a year.
Ahyuan Ecology Reusable Cotton Mesh Grocery Bags
These grocery bags are eco-friendly and serve as a replacement for paper and plastic bags. They are made of natural and chemical-free materials, making them a safe and sustainable option. The bags are lightweight, foldable, and can easily fit into pockets, purses, or glove boxes. They are suitable for carrying produce, vegetables, fruits, cans, and frozen food. The 100% cotton fabric is machine washable with cold water. The bags have a comfortable grip and an old-fashioned retro style. Despite appearing small initially, they expand significantly when filled with items. These reusable grocery bags are versatile and suitable for shopping, picnics, tailgates, school, toys, beach trips, and more.
These wraps provide a plastic-free and eco-friendly alternative for preserving perishables. The set includes three sizes made of organic cotton muslin, certified organic beeswax, coniferous tree resin, soy wax, organic jojoba oil, and essential oils. The wraps are reusable, biodegradable, and come with washing instructions. Each size serves different purposes, from covering small items like cut cucumbers to larger items like sandwiches and pizza slices. The wraps should be hand-washed with eco-friendly soap and are not suitable for microwaves, ovens, hot food, uncooked meat, or prolonged freezer use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing plastic bag alternatives can have a significant positive impact on the environment. Plastic bags contribute to pollution, especially in marine environments, where they harm wildlife and ecosystems. They are made from non-renewable resources and have a high energy and carbon footprint. By using reusable alternatives, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, minimize pollution, and promote sustainability.