Do you hate single-use plastics and love saving money? Here are some amazing zero-waste food storage options to replace plastic sandwich baggies, cling wrap, aluminum foil and other disposable items all while avoiding food waste.
These are some of the best plastic-free food storage ideas and will make going zero-waste super easy.
By switching to reusable products, you not only lower your environmental impact but also save a lot of money over time, making it a win-win!
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Here are some cheap and effective ways to store food the zero-waste way.
1. Glass Jars
One of the pantry staples in any zero-waste kitchen is glass jars and mason jars and for good reason. Not only are glass jars a practical, plastic-free way to store food, but they are also easy to recycle should they accidentally break.
Glass jars are one of the best zero-waste food storage containers and you can get them for free from any traditional grocery store when buying certain foods, and from thrift stores.
Jars can also be used for shopping for bulk food if you have access to bulk stores where you can bring your own containers.
The glass jars are also perfect for storing those dry foods such as cereal, grains, coffee beans, etc. and the clear glass is a great way to see what’s in the jar at a glance.
Covered glass jars are also one of the best ways to store food in the fridge like berries, as after a quick vinegar bath, storing the berries in glass jars extends the expiration date by a couple of days!
2. Glass Containers
The best zero waste food storage items are easily glass storage containers. These reusable containers are typically freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making them the perfect container for practicality.
Since the majority of glass containers are microwave safe and some even oven safe, it makes meal prep even easier since you don’t have to even worry about switching the food to a different container to heat it up.
Glass Containers with Bamboo Lid
Glass Container with Silicone Sleeve
Glass containers make storing leftovers ideal and help reduce food waste, since, like glass jars, you can easily see what’s inside.
Glass containers can also be used to store dry goods in the pantry and are easily stackable when you have multiple of the same brand. For extra convenience, invest in different sizes.
Glass is also endlessly recyclable, so it’s not a big deal should one accidentally break.
3. Stainless Steel Containers
Like glass containers, stainless steel makes a great alternative to plastic since you don’t have to worry about plastic leaching into your food.
Unlike glass containers, stainless steel can’t be used in the microwave, but it can be used in the oven.
You can get stainless steel containers with silicone lids, or you can get stainless steel containers with stainless steel lids that have more of an airtight steal, helping preserve freshness, and making food last longer.
Another thing that’s awesome with stainless steel is that, like glass, it’s infinitely recyclable, so if by some chance the container does get damaged, you can rest assured knowing the metal will be repurposed into something new through recycling.
If glass or stainless steel containers really don’t appeal to you and want to stick with plastic containers, see if you can get second hand plastic tupperware from friends and family, from your local buy and sell, or check out your local thrift store.
4. Beeswax Wraps
Instead of using plastic wrap to cover bowls, vegetables, cups, etc., make the switch to biodegradable beeswax wraps. Beeswax wraps are a great way to cover dishes, store cheese, wrap snacks and sandwiches, and more.
Beeswax food wraps are essentially a cloth covered in beeswax and tree resin, and when it warms up through the warmth of your hands, it can be applied to dishware to create a natural seal.
Beeswax wrap is currently the only reusable food wrap at this time, but vegan beeswax wrap options are available where plant-based materials are used instead of beeswax.
When the wrap has reached the end of its life (worn thin and doesn’t stick well anymore), you can simply pop it in your compost bin, or even cut it into strips and use them as ties in the garden or use them as a firestarter!
MN 7-Piece Beeswax Wraps
EH Beeswax Wraps
LWP Beeswax Wraps
5. Silicone Snack Bags
Ziploc bags are one of the worst single-use items, since they’re not meant to be reused, too flimsy to be recycled, and so lightweight that when they end up in landfills, are easily blown into the ocean.
Instead of using disposable plastic baggies, switch to reusable silicone bags. Reusable bags like Stasher bags can be reused forever with proper care since silicone is pretty much indestructible. You can also cook with Stasher bags.
If you prefer your snack and sandwich bags to have a zipper, check out these reusable sandwich bags by Full Circle Home!
6. Cloth Sandwich Bags
If you want to skip the silicone consider getting some reusable cloth snack and sandwich bags that have a zipper.
You can also easily make your own cloth sandwich bag! With some sewing skills, you can make your own reusable bag in different sizes and different patterns.
Alternatively, you can make a reusable sandwich bag with velcro instead of a zipper.
Check out these DIY zero-waste products for even more reusable items you can make yourself.
7. Reusable Silicone Covers
Another super-easy way to store food with zero waste is using silicone covers. Silicone Food Huggers is a great alternative to using plastic cling wrap for covering cans and some fruits and vegetables. Food Huggers are a must-have for a zero waste kitchen.
Compared to their single-use counterparts, these silicone lids are endlessly reusable, saving a lot of money in the long run.
Another type of reusable food cover that is a huge game-changer is silicone stretch lids. Reusable silicone lids make covering jars, cans, and bowls of leftovers extremely practical since it’s faster than using plastic cling wrap, it seals better, and of course, it’s less wasteful.
8. Cloth Bags
A better solution to plastic produce bags is simply a reusable cloth bag. Not only can you use them as shopping bags for fruits and vegetables instead of grabbing plastic bags in-store, but it’s also a practical way to store fresh produce like leafy greens or other food items like bread and grains.
The cloth bag can also absorb extra moisture, making it an additional alternative to paper towels. You can also use the bag to hold vegetable scraps in the freezer for future homemade vegetable stock.
You can also bring your own bags to bulk stores for collecting dry goods like rice and pasta, and you can find many cloth bags that also include the tare weight.
Check out these awesome organic cotton cloth bags from Eco Roots.
Final thoughts on these zero-waste food storage options
One of the biggest sources of household waste is food, so finding effective zero-waste food storage products that will help keep food fresh is essential.
And the best part, not only are there huge environmental benefits to these reusable, plastic-free food storage solutions, but it also saves a LOT of money over time since eventually you just don’t need to buy food storage products anymore.
If you need some recommendations on where to shop for the zero-waste food storage items mentioned in this post, check out these online stores:
- Life Without Plastic (Ships worldwide)
- Eco Roots (Ships worldwide)
- Package Free Shop – (Ships worldwide, use link for $10 off order)
- Zero Waste MVMT – (Ships to US & CAN, use coupon code MINDFULHOME for 10% off order)
- MightyNest (Ships to US & CAN, subscribe to MightyFix for up to 33% off)
- Zero Waste Outlet – (Ships to US only)
- EarthHero – (Ships to US only, use coupon code MINDFULHOME for 10% off order)
If you have plastic containers and single-use items like plastic baggies, you might as well use them up. The worst thing to do would be to throw away products unused. If you don’t want to use them, you can always donate them.
Don’t forget to take the food packaging into consideration when grocery shopping. Check out these tips to help reduce packaging waste shopping at your local grocery store.
All the products listed in this post can be found at Zero Waste MVMT. Use coupon code MINDFULHOME to take an extra 10% off your order!
