These Reusable Bags Will Banish Single-Use Plastics from Your Kitchen

I experimented with a zealously zero-waste lifestyle for about three months before burning out. What I learned was that it’s a lot more sustainable (wink) to make a series of small changes over the long haul, rather than canceling my garbage pickup in a fit of idealism — at least for me. 

If you, too, are looking to make a small change for the planet, there is nothing easier than swapping your single-use resealable plastic bags for Stasher Bags, a winner of Apartment Therapy’s first-ever Organization Awards. 

Stasher Bags are reusable silicone food storage bags. Just like their one-time-use cousin, they are resealable and leak-resistant, but they are also dishwasher-, microwave-, freezer-, and even stovetop- and oven-safe (up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit). You can feel great about using them in sous vide cooking, too, as the bags are made with food-grade silicone, and are free from lead, latex, BPA, and BPS. A four-pack includes one half-gallon (64 fluid ounces), one snack (12 fluid ounces), and two sandwich (28 fluid ounces) sized bags. 

According to Stasher, just one of their bags replaces 260 single-use plastic bags a year, and the Stasher bags can last much longer than that with proper care. The longevity of their product explains the price: A set of four bags costs $59.96, approximately $15 per bag. Compare that to a leading brand of single-use bags, which will cost around $40 for 260 freezer bags, or $10 for approximately the same number of sandwich bags, and it’s easy to see how Stasher bags are not only good for the planet, but they’re also saving customers money over the long term. 

Single-use plastic is popular for a reason. It’s a lot easier to throw something away than to clean it. Because Stasher bags are dishwasher-safe, cleaning them is a breeze. Some reviewers recommend turning the bags inside-out in the dishwasher, but don’t do this; it can damage the leak-free seal. To make this easy-to-use product even more effortless to clean, consider purchasing a drying rack, or use chopsticks or kitchen tongs to hold them open while they dry. 

I tried to give up food bags entirely during my zero-waste period, but it was too hard. They are perfect for travel, are lightweight in lunch boxes, and take up very little space in the refrigerator and freezer. Thanks to Stasher, I can enjoy the convenience of a food storage bag, with none of the guilt. 

Want to see more award-winning products? Explore our 2023 Organization Awards for our top picks.