11 Smart Reusable Bags to Reduce Waste in Your Kitchen
If you're looking to cut down on waste in your kitchen, there are plenty of steps you can take, from getting in the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle (hello, Hydro Flask) to ditching plastic straws. Reusable bags are a great place to start, too—and that goes beyond just bringing totes to the grocery store. There are mesh (non-stick!) bags to help you cook smaller foods on the grill, and even reusable, washable decorating bags for baking that replace disposable ones. Read on for some of our favorite options.
The Brightly Colored Tote
These bags aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they’re also made of “super-strong ripstop nylon,” so they can stand up to a long shopping list. Pick from four different color schemes: electric blues, faded neutrals, yellow sky, and lavender mix.
Hay Six Color Reusable Grocery Bag, $45 at food52.com
The Baggu Set
This reusable bag set features three designs—a smiley face “Have a Nice Day!” bag (pictured), a pink bag with a rose, and a bag with a black-and-gold diagonal stripe pattern. Each can hold 30 pounds.
Baggu Set Of Three Reusable Bags in Thank You, $36 at needsupply.com or at nordstrom.com
The Market Tote
This canvas and vegan leather bag is divided into compartments, allowing you to stay organized while you shop. It also includes a brass key ring and phone pocket.
Market Tote, $50 at uncommongoods.com
Trolley Bags
These bags will rest right in your cart, so you can pack as you shop.
BergHOFF Trolley Bags Original Bags (Set of 4), $30 at bedbathandbeyond.com
Cotton Mesh Produce Bags
Sandstone & Sage's reusable produce bags have double-stitched hems for extra sturdiness, and are polyester-free, nylon-free, and unbleached.
Sandstone & Sage Reusable Produce Bags, $42 at walmart.com
Tagged Mesh Produce Bags
Each of these bags is marked with a different-colored tag, which makes for easy organization. As an added bonus, they’re machine-washable, too.
Produce Bags, $12 at crateandbarrel.com
Reusable Sandwich Bags
Stasher’s silicone storage bags are another Amazon favorite. They’re not just dishwasher- and microwave-safe—you can also put them in the freezer, boiling water, and in the oven (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag, Sandwich Storage Size, $12 at containerstore.com, bedbathandbeyond.com, or anthropologie.com
Stand-Up Storage Bags
Speaking of Stasher, the brand’s stand-up bag got great reviews, too. It fits in any Instant Pot, and can be used to store anything from cereal to ground coffee.
Stasher Reusable Stand-Up Bag, $20 at surlatable.com
Decorating Bags
Instead of using disposable plastic decorating bags, grab these Trudeau silicone bags instead. You can wash them in the dishwasher, and they’re also stain- and odor-resistant. Small and medium coupler adapters are included.
Trudeau 16” Reusable Silicone Decorating Bag, $15 at surlatable.com
Grilling Bags
These bags prevent small items from falling through the grate while you grill, such as shrimp and/or vegetables. They’re heat-resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit—once you're done, throw them in the dishwasher.
Williams Sonoma Nonstick Mesh Grilling Bags, Set of 2, $15 (was $30) at williams-sonoma.com
Lunch Bag
Whether you need a bag to bring your lunch to work or take meals with you on road trips, Yeti is a good bet. Plus, this bag folds up when you’re done eating, so it saves space.
YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag, $80 at dickssportinggoods.com