Written by Are Silicone Storage Bags Sustainable?
The Dilemma
Are Silicone Storage Bags Sustainable? The answer is yes. But that’s only if you maintain them and use the same bags for a long time.
I used to buy approximately four boxes of 75 plastic bags for $11 a year. Costing me $44 annually. (It’s approximated because I didn’t think I’d be sharing my heedlessness with the world.)
My Not-at-all-high-tech Mission
The mission? To cut down on unnecessary waste while still having a durable way of freezing food, storing in-fridge leftovers and taking snacks on the road.
The Criteria:
I wanted to keep some convenience.
I like bags because, unlike rigid containers, they don’t take up the same amount of space empty or full.
The Outcome:
I spent $20 on twenty-four silicone bags and $27 on a bamboo drying rack. (After hand-washing to make them last longer, I ended up with bags air-drying all over the kitchen.)
Savings 150+ fewer bags and $0 for the First Year
There weren’t any savings dollar-wise. But it didn’t put me out of pocket, and it demonstrated two things:
Being more sustainable doesn’t have to be a huge project. Or a huge expense. This little change means that I avoided using over 150 plastic bags.
While plastic bags are technically recyclable, most don’t get processed properly. Meaning they contribute to pollution instead.
The FYI on Silicone bags
Silicone storage bags are often marketed as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags, but their sustainability depends on how they are used and disposed of. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons:
Pros
1. Reusable and Durable
• Designed to be reused for years, reducing waste compared to disposable plastic bags.
• Highly resistant to tears, cracks, and temperature changes, lasting much longer than plastic alternatives.
2. Non-Toxic and Food-Safe
• Made from food-grade silicone, free of BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals found in plastics.
• Safe for storing food, even at high or low temperatures.
3. Versatile
• Some can be used in the freezer and dishwasher and microwave. Check the product details before buying
4. Reduces Plastic Waste
• Helps cut down on single-use plastics, especially when used long-term.
5. Recyclable (in Theory)
• Some specialty recycling programs accept silicone, though local facilities may not.
Cons
1. Not Biodegradable
Silicone does not break down naturally like organic materials, so it remains in the environment if not properly recycled.
2. Limited Recycling Options
Silicone recycling is not widely available, and it can’t be recycled through regular municipal programs.
3. Resource-Intensive Production
Made from silica (a sand derivative), but requires energy-intensive processes and chemical treatments to convert it into silicone.
4. Higher Upfront Cost
More expensive than plastic bags, which could be an initial barrier for some consumers. The solution. Buy a few at a time.
5. Potential for Misuse
If not reused consistently, they may not offset their environmental impact from production.
Some Points and Tips
I don’t put mine in the dishwasher or the microwave. I intend them to last. I noticed that some say they are safe for both.
I wish I’d bought the ones with the flat bottoms.
My bags all look brand new, except the ones used to store and freeze spaghetti sauce. They’re reddish, so now I use them only for, well, spaghetti sauce.
So, Are silicone storage Bags sustainable? If judged by comparison to plastic, yes, Over time, because the longer you use them the more sustainable they are.
Because I give them extra care, I should be getting several more years of use. They look and function like new (other than the spaghetti bags).
Personally, I think this is a four-star project.