6 Eco-friendly Ways To Store Your Food At Home

Being environmentally conscious appears to be the only way to preserve the world from the continual devastation we do to it every day. Trying to reduce our carbon footprint and switching to more sustainable solutions in all aspects of our lives are the greatest approaches to preserving our planet from the deterioration and bad repercussions of decades and hundreds of years of full disregard and reckless behavior towards our environment. For that reason, being environmentally conscious in our homes is a good place to start. There are several ways to leave our mark in the fight for the world, such as switching from incandescent to LED lightbulbs, employing sustainable heating choices, solar panels, or just decreasing food waste.


When it comes to food storage in our homes, even this everyday task may be transformed into an eco-friendly activity that will most likely significantly influence the path to a better and healthier environment. You may be aware of ways to eat more sustainably, such as switching to organic food and appreciating what nature has to give; but, have you ever considered what happens to all the plastic debris you toss away daily? When it comes to keeping food in our homes, there are certainly methods to reduce this issue and opt for more sustainable and eco-friendly choices. We'll look at some of them in the post below and perhaps incorporate them into our lives.

Alternatives to Ziploc Bags- Beeswax and Sandwich Bags

Plastic storage bags, often known by the well-known brand name Ziploc, are a common home item. Plastic storage bags are manufactured of low-density or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), both of which are types of plastic film. They, like other plastics, are created from oil products, an exhaustible resource, which is controversial because the production process produces enormous pollution and the result is not recyclable. These bags are complex to manufacture and virtually impossible to dispose of once manufactured.

When these Ziploc bags end up in landfills, they can disintegrate over thousands of years. Unfortunately, multiple studies show that plastics never truly disintegrate but instead degrade into harmful microplastics that wind up in our rivers and soils. Because marine creatures mistake these microplastics for food, they suffocate.


There are, however, excellent eco-friendly solutions to consider. Beeswax wraps composed of organic cotton, plant oils, tree resin, and sustainable beeswax, for example, can keep everything from fresh veggies to leftovers. They provide just the proper amount of viscosity and protect your meals from the elements. Beeswax wraps prevent sandwiches from coming apart and keep food fresh.


Furthermore, Wovtary's sandwich bags are made of food-grade silicone that is free of plastic odors and is suitable for preserving fresh food. As the folks at rvst.world/sustainable-living/eco-friendly/alternatives-to-ziploc-bags/ explain they have a zipper design that makes it simple to open and close them and keeps the food fresh. The extra-thick silicone substance makes these sandwich bags long-lasting and tear-resistant. Because they are freezer-safe, they are great for keeping items such as meat. They may also be washed in the dishwasher.

Glass Containers

Glass containers are an excellent choice for keeping food that is also environmentally beneficial. Glass is a natural substance. It is impenetrable, non-porous, and, most importantly, sustainable. Plastic containers, on the other hand, are created with chemicals such as BPA and PVC that are not eco-friendly at all. As a result, glass containers will not harm your food, even if you place it hot, but plastic has the possibility of releasing hazardous substances once you place heated food in these containers. Glass can withstand high temperatures, not just in the oven and microwave but also in your dishwasher, making it especially simple to cleanse.


Glass outlasts plastic, is created from a renewable resource, and is completely recyclable. This way, the long-term cost to your family and our world is far lower and, on the other hand, you make a huge step towards the improvement of the environment and the overall quality of life.

Silicone Containers

Silicone food containers are another excellent option if you want to be more environmentally conscious in your kitchen. Silicone is very resilient yet lightweight, and it can be used from the freezer to the microwave and dishwasher without leaking chemicals, making it great not only for the environment but also for your health. Although canning jars and other glass containers are excellent for storage, they are prone to breakage and take up a lot of room. Silicone bags make it simple to store food at home or on the road while keeping it away from plastic.


According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the basic ingredients used to make silicone are suitable for food-grade uses. While silicone substitutes alone will not solve our worldwide plastic problems, changing single-use goods for reusables is a start in the right direction, so joining the fight is the best thing to do.

Stainless Steel Tins

Stainless steel tins can be used to keep nearly any food. These tins are not permeable and will not discolor readily. After keeping very scented or colorful items, simply wash them as you would any other dish.


Stainless steel tins are also highly sturdy, lasting for many years. Stainless steel tins do not readily shatter or split, making them an excellent eco-friendly food storage alternative. Many stainless steel tins are hermetic, which means your food will be safe from spills and no water will enter this zero-waste container. You may simply store snacks or cookies in the tins without the risk of them becoming mushy, or you can pack a lunch to take with you to work or school. Furthermore, this non-corrosive substance is a vital feature because it assures that your containers will last a long time and will be simple to clean. You may hand-wash them with standard dish soap or put them in the dishwasher without fear of corrosion.

Reusable Cotton Bags

Cotton reusable bags have several advantages, including the fact that they are resilient, washable, and permeable, and the lifespan of just one of these bags is comparable to 700 single-use plastic bags. Reusable cotton bags are also a lot less expensive as a financial alternative in the long term. These bags are created from biodegradable natural fabrics, reducing their environmental effects and causing none of the same problems for marine life as plastic does. Cotton bag manufacturing requires less water, energy, and oil and has a far lower impact on air pollution.


Take one of your cotton bags with you the next time you go food shopping. When you reach home, simply place them in the refrigerator. Unlike plastic bags, your fruits and veggies will be stored in a breathable material that will not contaminate your food. Also, because of the natural material used, they are excellent for preserving bread because they will not allow mold to form. Of course, you must clean them well since you do not want any potentially hazardous chemicals to enter your food. For example, if you use a particular bag for fruits and vegetables, you should wash it more frequently since it can retain all of the chemicals that vegetables and fruits purchased at the local market may have on them. These bags should ideally be cleaned by hand with gentle detergents or in a mild setting.

Mason Jars

What could be better than repurposing old jars of jam, butter, or juice as fresh food containers? You'll save money and give your old dishes a new life this way. You can use bigger jars for storing foods like nuts, while smaller ones can be used for storing herbs or spices. Because glass is an inert material, even when heated, it will not leach chemicals into food. Mason jars are also ecologically beneficial. A glass jar may be used for a long time without deterioration until it breaks. When you're done with it, it's simple to recycle. In fact, the glass can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. Glass jars are ideal for preserving meals in the refrigerator or pantry since they are both airtight and waterproof. They'll keep the layers of pickled foods or prepared dishes together, and because they're transparent, you can see what's within.


Mason jars are great organizational tools as well. They are ideal for keeping dry commodities such as sugar, flour, or pasta. For items that you use frequently, label them and keep them neatly in your cupboard or on your kitchen counter.


We hope this post has helped you become acquainted with some of the greatest eco-friendly food storage methods. The world now faces numerous difficulties from all directions, one of the most troubling and concerning of which is the ongoing pollution we bring to our earth. We must be more eco-conscious and consider the long-term effects of our reckless conduct for our own welfare and the well-being of future generations. Let us begin with our own houses. Stop using plastic bags, which kill a large number of marine creatures and other species every year, and instead use glass or silicone containers. These are small steps, but the ones that can bring much more good and positive change, not only for us but for the whole world.