Is Your Kitchen Plastic-Free? 10 Brilliant Alternatives

Keep your family and the planet in good health with these plastic-free bags, boxes, and wrappers. This post from Epicurious.com showcases ten fabulous plastic alternatives for sustainable living.

Good alternatives to plastic are more necessary now than ever before. Plastic usage is taking a major toll on the environment, and it’s not looking great for your health, either—even if you’re buying BPA-free plastic, you might still be ingesting harmful chemicals. That being said, it’s a tough habit to shake, because plastic is just so damn convenient sometimes.

Packing snacks? Plastic bag. Storing leftovers? Plastic wrap. Lunch to-go? Plastic silverware. But the convenience just doesn’t outweigh the personal and ecological impact of all this plastic. So here are 10 alternatives you can lean on if you’re clearing plastic out of your kitchen once and for all:

1. Stasher Silicone Bags

These reusable silicone bags can be used to steam or sous vide food, but they’re also perfectly handy to store snacks and lunches in.

Each bag is self-sealing, making it super easy to use.

As per one Amazon customer, “It will pay for itself in one month, and stores food in [the] refrigerator and freezer with no problem. And it’s dish-washable to boot…what’s not like?”

2. Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Storage

These wraps are made of beeswax, GOTS certified cotton, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, and they make a damn good alternative to plastic wrap.

Use them to keep your guacamole freshand to store leftovers, and feel good while doing it—then wipe ’em clean with a damp cloth when you’re done.

3. Jervis & George Glass Food Storage Containers

These 4-ounce glass jars are perfectly suited for storing herbs and sauces, plus they’re freezer-safe, so you can make a ton of baby food or pesto to have on hand for months.

According to Amazon commenters, the colorful lids are thick and well-fitted making them seal up perfectly without spillage.

4. Beehome Reusable Silicone Food Bag

These zip-top silicone bags are leak-proof and insulated.

Stick a sandwichin there and be on your merry way, or use them in the freezer like this reviewer: “[The bags] are very thick and sturdy, and close easily and securely. I used them to freeze blackberries for cobbler in the winter.” We can get behind that.

5. Pura Kiki Stainless Steel Bottles

Here’s a brilliant solution to the problem of plastic baby bottles.

These leak-proof stainless steel bottles are well-reviewed by parents. As one writes, “these bottles are a huge investment. From birth to age 5 they can be reused.”

6. U Konserve Leak-Proof Container

This 25-ounce reusable leak-proof container is made of food-grade stainless steel, and the removable divider means you can pack a main and a snack for your little ones to tote to lunch. (The lid is made of plastic, however, which might be a deal-breaker if you’re going 100% plastic-free.)

7. Bamboo Travel Utensil Set

These lightweight bamboo utensils solve the problem of grabbing food on the run and feeling guilty about all that plastic silverware.

They’re dishwasher safe, too, but if you hand-wash them they’ll have an even longer lifespan. Also, that carrying case is cute AF.

8. Soma Glass Water Bottle

It’s easy to grab a bottle of water when you’re running around all day—but, boy, is it detrimental to the environment.

Pick up one of these for you (and one for the kids) so you can stay hydrated without the harm.

9. Naturally Sensible Produce Bags

These lightweight mesh produce bags are designed to help reduce the use of infinite flimsy plastic bags while shopping the bulk-bins, farmers market, and produce department.

They are washable, durable, and have many uses.

As one Amazon reviewer mentioned, “These bags are the answer, and they work extremely well. I’ve also used them for things like 10 for $10 hand soap, individual cups of ice cream, etc.”

10. Stainless Steel Straw Set

Have you heard that of the eight million tons of plastic trash that accumulates in the ocean each year, the plastic drinking straw is a major contributor?

A stainless steel straw set—free of phthalates, lead, toxins, and BPA—will help with that and simply look nice with your beverage of choice. Plus, they include a cleaning brush.

Source: 10 Alternatives to Plastic for Your Kitchen | Epicurious.com