If like me, you love using Ziplock bags but wish to keep it eco-friendly, you should consider one of the eco friendly ziploc bags alternatives in the list below. The problem with zip bags is that they’re made of disposable plastic. A good eco-friendly substitute to zip loc bags should be first of all reusable, durable, and preferably plastic-free.
Personally I like using Stasher reusable silicone zip lock bags. Their durability and easy-to-use design make them very useful in my kitchen.
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Top 5 Eco-Friendly Ziploc Bags
#1 |  | Very popular brand made of reusable platinum silicone - dishwasher safe | |
#2 |  | Plant based compostable ziplock bags for day-to-day use | |
#3 |  | women-owned business - reusabke bags come in 2 sizes and delivered in a plastic-free packaing! | |
#4 |  | Biodegradable Bags made of FSC certified forests. Great for sandwiches and snacks | |
#5 |  | Biodegradable and Sustainably farmed hand made in the USA bee's wrap bags |
Which Ziplock bag replacement is best for you?
The answer depends on how you plan to use the zip-lock bags and what are your needs from them. Do you plan to freeze food inside the bags? Do you plan to take the zipper bags to work/school?
For taking out
If you’re looking for a replacement for sandwich bags to take food out of the house for school or work consider the disposable type bags like Ziploc compostable sandwich bags or Lunchskins sandwich bags if you don’t mind using paper. These zip lock bags are lighter weight, more foldable and if you lose them or dispose of them you can trust that they will decompose naturally. Moreover, they are cheaper per unit so leaving them behind is not a big deal.
For long term use
If you want a bag to store food in the freezer while keeping it healthy and fresh than choose the silicone type ziplock bags like Homelux Theory bags or Stasher. These bags are highly durable, have a great seal, and they are extremely functional (Easy to clean and you can even cook with them). They can serve you and the family for years.
14 Eco Friendly Ziploc Bags Alternatives
1. Stasher reusable silicone eco friendly ziploc bags
Stasher reusable ziplock bags are made of platinum silicone, which is plastic-free, toxin-free material. You can feel free to store food in it, freeze it and even use it to boil food over the stove. It’s also dishwasher safe so it’s easy to clean. Stasher ziplock bags come in a variety of colors and their locking mechanism is really easy to use. There are a few sizes and shapes so make sure to choose the one most suitable for your needs.
Reviews
Stasher ziploc bags are really popular on amazon and they got a ton of positive reviews. Some reviewers mentioned the corners are hard to clean by hand so they use the dishwasher instead. These bags are extremely durable and will stay with you for years.
2. Biobag plants based eco-friendly ziplock bags
Biobag is a well-known brand of eco friendly compostable bags, they make many types of bags out of natural, BPI-free materials such as corn starch and other plant oils. These bags can be reused once or twice but are not considered ”reusable”. Biobag zip loc bags make a great solution for packing sandwiches, fruits, and nuts to school and work. You can also use them to store dry food in the fridge but not longer than a day or two.
Reviews
Most reviews loved Biobag eco-friendly ziploc bags as a replacement to plastic bags. Only a few commenters mentioned they avoid storing moist food inside the bag since they don’t hold the moisture well.
3. (Re)zip Reusable eco friendly ziploc Lunch Bags
Another awesome Ziploc bag alternative from (Re)zip! This product is available in a set of 5; three lunch bags (8.5″ x 7.25”) and two snack bags (8.5” x 4.75”). Making them suitable for any and every occasion.
These reusable lunch bags made of food-safe, FDA-grade PEVA material, and they are PVC-free, lead-free, and BPA-free. Good for the environment and your health! They are freezer safe and the leakproof double-lock closure seals in freshness for optimal food safety and taste.
These reusable bags are packaged in recyclable material and (Re)zip ensures that you can still buy affordable products to help out the planet and reduce your plastic usage.
Reviews
Multiple usages as they can be used for snacks, sandwiches, or even non-food items such as money envelopes or makeup. Perfect sizes and the material is very durable.
Some reviewers mentioned that it was quite difficult to clean and that they are actually not dishwasher safe. After washing them in the dishwasher they were difficult to close or the zipper was difficult to align.
4. If You Care Sandwich Bags
If You Care is a an environment-friendly brand producing many substitutes for products that are hurting our planet. Their products are always made thinking of nature first, and among the green-consumers community, they’re considered very trust-worthy.
If You Care paper bags come in a 48-pack suitable for a sandwich or a snack (bigger size is also available). The bags are made of spruce trees cultivated in FSC certified forest. The package is a 100% recycled cardboard box.
Reviews
Reviewers appreciated how these bags keep the food fresh and even if the sandwiches were made the night before almost like it was a plastic zip lock bag.
5. Bee’s Wrap – Substitute for eco-friendly Ziploc bags
Bee’s Wrap products is an easy way to ditch the plastic without turning your whole life upside down. All the products are handmade in Middlebury, Vermont and the beeswax is sustainably sourced in the United States.
With proper care, the wraps can be reused multiple times. To wash, simply rinse the wrap with cool or lukewarm water and eco-friendly dish soap. Hang to dry.
They are also biodegradable and once the lifespan has run out, you can add them to your compost pile.
Reviews
These beeswax wraps are super convenient as they are easy to use and because they wrap around the shape of the item, they don’t take up any unnecessary space in the fridge or cupboard. They keep foods fresher for longer and have a beautiful look to them. Washing them might not be so fun though as it’s essential to follow the correct instructions.
6. Ziploc Compostable Sandwich eco friendly ziploc bags
Ziploc compostable sandwich bags is the eco-friendly version of the original “Ziploc” brand of plastic bags with zip locks. If you’ve read my recommendations before, you know I am in favor of buying green-products from non-green brands. I believe that once these brands realize there’s a big market for environment-friendly products they will start making more of them. These zip bags by Ziploc are plastic-free and compostable according to the ASTM D6400 standards. Ziploc compostable bags, just like their plastic sisters, are highly durable and can withhold a good amount of weight.
Reviews
This product is rather new, yet reviewers are really happy with it. Some reviewers mentioned the bags feel a bit thin compared to regular bags.
7. Ecowaare Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable Produce Bags from Beyond Gourmet to ensure an eco-friendly grocery trip! No need to use plastic bags to buy your veggies or fruits in, you can take these with you to the grocery shop or your favorite farmer’s market and buy plastic-free.
These Ziploc bag alternatives come in a set of 5, plus one reusable storage bag. The set includes; one small (8-inch), two medium (13-inch), and two large (16.25 by 12-inch) bags. They are made from strong polyester, open mesh design, and a locking drawstring to keep your items secure.
They are made from 100% unbleached materials, like all of Ecowaare products. This means it’s better for your health and the environment as bleached materials release harmful substances into the environment. The produce bags are also packaged into 100% recyclable materials.
Reviews
The most popular comment is what good quality these bags are. They can easily carry a big bunch of bananas and costumers also mentioned how easy they are to wash and carry with you, simply pop them into your handbag and take them everywhere. There were some comments on how the bag is not transparent enough, and this made it difficult to see the item’s barcode/ pin number.
8. (Re)zip Reusable Seal Gallon Bags
(Re)zip’s Reusable Seal Bags work great as plastic produce bag alternatives to store snacks, sandwiches, travel, home organization, and more. They are available in a set of 2, both 1.5 by 12.75 inches. The environment and your body will thank you for these as they are reusable and made of food-safe, FDA-grade PEVA material, and are PVC-free, lead-free, and BPA-free.
You can keep your snacks or sandwich fresh for lunch or use them when meal prepping to freeze foods. The leakproof double-lock closure ensures that the food’s freshness is sealed inside.
(Re)zip is a women-owned business and they created these products for easy usage and so that you don’t have to break the bank in order to decrease your plastic usage.
Reviews
Reusable bags that make going green easy! They are super easy to use and last long when hand-washed. Although it’s said that they are dishwasher safe, many advised to rather handwash or place them on the top rack of your dishwasher.
One customer mentioned that these bags are the perfect size for storing and freezing meats. Quite a few said that these bags are easy to open and close, however, some did say they did not feel the same.
9. ECOFRESH eco friendly silicone ziplock bag
ECOFRESH ziplock bag are a multi-use silicone ziplock bags you can use in the oven, freezer and dishwasher. The bags are leak-proof and very easy to clean. The closure of the bag with the sliding rod is not the most convenient but it’s probably the best technique for getting a leak-proof seal. ECOFRESH bags are made of the highest grade silicone, resistant to temperatures of up to 482° (250C) so feel comfortable cleaning the bags in the dishwasher.
Reviews
Reviewers loved how well-sealed these bags are and said they can pack soup in it without any worries. More than one reviewer complained that one of the bags they received was defective and had to be replaced.
10. Lunchskins Sandwich Bags
Lunchskins paper sandwich bags are the perfect solution when you just need a thin packaging for sandwiches or any other dry food that doesn’t necessarily require a complete seal. The bags are made of natural glassine (pure wood pulp) non-waxed compostable paper. They are built to have moisture and grease resistance only with natural sources.
Lunchskins bags come with 60 stickers for easy folding and closing/opening making them perfect for little kids that tend to struggle with the ziplock closure.
Reviews
Reviewers loved the avocado design on the bags and some even mention these paper bags can be reused over and over if they only hold dry food. The bags are manufactured in China which was a turn-off for some reviewers.
11. GreenPolly eco-friendly zipper bags
Made almost entirely of post-consumer recycled plastic
- 175-Pack
- 6.5″ X 6.7″
- 80-90% post-consumer plastic 10-20% sugarcane
- ships in certified frustration-free packaging
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GreenPolly is a brand that took a bit of a different environmental approach. They’re producing plastic bags almost entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic and sugar-cane extraction. So their ziplock bags are made of plastic but at least it’s plastic that was saved from contaminating our oceans and soils.
I know this approach is not the perfect solution for anyone, especially if you’re trying to live plastic-free. But for those who feel like the other brands on the list are not suitable for their needs, GreenPolly resealable zipper bags are definitely a better solution than traditional plastic ziplock bags.
Reviews
Reviewers appreciated that the bags are almost entirely recycled material. Some reviewers said the bags are too tiny for a sandwich and they wish there was a bigger option.
12. ChicoBag Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags
Try this set of 3 rePete Reusable Snack Bags from ChicoBags! Each bag is a different color (blue, purple, and green) and will definitely brighten up your life.
It’s perfect for snacks and sandwiches on the go and they are water- and stain-resistant. The materials used are recyclable, dishwasher safe, BPA-free, plastic-free, and phthalate-free.
ChicoBag has one simple mission and that is to eliminate the need for single-use bags. This is why they developed this product to be environmental-friendly but still affordable and attractive.
Reviews
Customers found these bags very versatile as the size of the bag is adjustable to the space you have available. It’s perfect for sandwiches or popping snacks into your bag. People are loving how easy it is to travel with, as it’s great for on-the-road snacking. Unfortunately, a few mentioned that their product tore at the seam after a few washes.
13. Homelux Theory environment-friendly ziplock bags
Homelux Theory reusable bags are silicone made bags great for storing wet and dry food. You can easily store these bags in the freezer holding cold or hot liquids. The zip lock bags come in a few different sizes and you can choose the combination of zipper bags most suitable for your needs.
These bags have hanging hooks on the corner which makes them very comfortable to store. Homelux Theory bags are mainly designed for indoor use but you can definitely take them out for your day to day routine.
Reviews
Reviewers appreciate the design of the bags and that they stand-up, many mentioned that the bag’s closure is smooth and without any problems.
Two Types Of Eco Friendly Ziploc Bags
There are 2 major types of eco-friendly ziplock bags, both substitutes make a good environment-friendly solution, you should choose the zip loc bags alternative best for you according to your needs.
Source: Diana House under creative commons licence
1. Reusable silicone ziplock bags
These zip lock bags are more suitable for home use. They are great for storing food in the fridge, in the freezer, or just in the pantry. Silicone is very durable, elastic, and easy to clean material (dishwasher safe) so you will be able to reuse these Eco-friendly zip lock bags over and over again. These bags are a great replacement for Ziploc bags made of plastic that releases toxins into our food.
2. Disposable Plant-based ziplock bags
These ziplock bags are designed for a day to day routine. They make a great eco-friendly substitute for plastic sandwich bags and for carrying dry nuts and fruits to work or school. These bags can be reused, but not more than once or twice, but since they are plant-based – they are compostable and you can throw them or compost them without feeling bad. Plant-based ziplock bags can be placed in the fridge but are not suitable for the freezer, they are also not very easy to clean due to their plastic-like texture.
Source: Amy Stephenson under creative commons licence
Which ziplock bag is the most eco-friendly?
It’s hard to say.
On the one hand, you have the plant-based biodegradable products but they are not durable, not easy to clean, and not as functional. And on the other hand, you have the silicone made ziplock bags that are long-lasting and and can be used for many things but are not compostable or biodegradable.
Since both types are better than the typical plastic bags – the best answer will ask yourself what are your needs from the bags, and then deciding on the best type for you and your family.
Read Next:
- The Definitive Guide To Plastic Bags Alternatives 2020
- What are compostable bags made of?
- What are the best trash bags for the environment?
- Degradable or biodegradable trash bags | Which is greener?
- Reusable freezer bags for meat
- Teabags without plastic packaging
- 12 Best Alternative To Plastic Bags for Produce
