Are you worried about toxic BPA, BPS and other harmful plastics coming into contact with your food? I don’t want to be an alarmist but the chemicals in standard plastic containers could be harming your family, particularly after coming in contact with heat, like if you put them in your dishwasher or hand wash with hot water. Fortunately, there is a solution! Blue Avocado sent me a large sampling of their products, and I’ve been using them daily every since.
Around this time of year, I go a little crazy. It’s one thing with the kids home – food doesn’t last long and storage is not something I have to think much about.
Once the kids are back in school, though, and the holidays loom ahead, all I can think about is storing food: for lunches, for holidays, for leftovers. The girls may eat me out of house and home in the summer, but once the winter comes, they are too busy at school and pooped when they get home to eat as much.
The Downsides to Nontoxic Food Storage
That means, I need to wrap my mind around nontoxic food storage And I’ve tried everything, believe me. Here’s a rundown:
- Small glass containers: Wonderful! But not allowed in school, and what happens if they break? They are much too heavy to haul around for holiday events too.
- Food grade silicone containers: Well, these are fine but they can stain badly. I gave up using them after trashing a Silpat after just two uses.
- Stainless steel storage: They seem ideal, but they are a pain to clean in my opinion. If you get food stuck on there, good luck getting it off. Plus, they are expensive so when the kids use them and lose the lids or the whole set, Mama is NOT happy.
- Canvas sandwich and snack bags. Um, ok, is it just me, but is there something that feels COMPLETELY WRONG about the fabric on your food? And they get nasty too. You need to buy as many of these pricy buggers as you do buy underwear for your kids. Plus, who needs extra laundry?
It’s enough to make you want to run back to plastic sandwich baggies. So that leaves…well, not much else.
A Better Solution for Nontoxic Food Storage
That’s why I was psyched when I learned about Blue Avocado and their flagship product, (re)zips. These bags are made from PEVA. I will tell you right now that PEVA is not for everyone. I feel like this is similar to the argument people have with SLS, titanium dioxide, or food-grade silicone. People who are super green are not going to buy this, but I’ve asked a few green-but-not-strict experts I know and they are comfortable with PEVA and food.
(re)zips are made from FDA-grade PEVA are and PVC-, lead-, phthalate- and BPA- free. They are safe in your freezer and easy to clean. PEVA is made from petrochemicals, that is true. It is very low in toxins and is a non-chlorinated vinyl. It is commonly used in baby teethers and dog toys. According to this article from Clear + Well, The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) “recommends the avoidance of PVC and the alternative use of EVA AND PEVA as safer substitutes” in their campaign about the dangers of PVC.
Are they easy to clean? I’m happy to say yes! Soak in water and wipe with a cloth, and some of them can be washed with the laundry. (I know, I know, more laundry, but that’s just ONE option.)
What do I like about (re)zips and other Blue Avocado products? Check this out:
All kinds of sizes are available. Great for little snacks, like grapes, and wee tiny snacks, like toasted hemp seeds:
The machine washable package:
Now when the back to school list says, “Send in rain pants in a 1-gallon resealable bag,” you no longer have to waste money on that plastic disposable option that you don’t want in your home, tempting you to use them:
Look, they come color-coded! Awesome for separating gluten-free food from other foods, or just organizing the meat in one color.
FINALLY! A safe & easy way to carry my toothbrush when traveling. Fits perfect too.
My husband is super excited about these for meat storage, especially hot dogs and sausage. Yes, they are freezer-worthy!
I’m thrilled to be using (re)zips for my family’s needs.
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Learn why my mission is to help you remove toxins that can be harming your family, and why you also need to be careful with your deodorant!
Sarah Honey says
Very cool! I’m always trying to cut down on what we toss in the trash. I love that these are reuseable. Would be great for snacks and lunches too.
Gina says
I know, me too. Some days I get lazy with recycling, like when I don’t feel well, but I’m pretty good – we usually only get 1 garbage bag out per week!
Julia says
I love these, I hate having to buy plastic bags. Now if only there was a way to ensure my husband would not trash them.
Gina says
LOL, yes, I know what you mean? “Honey where’s my —?” is a common fill in the blank question around here!
Alissa says
THANK YOU for this post! I’m committed to staying green, even with kids’ lunches in the mix. We haven’t bought plastic bags in over two years. I’m looking forward to checking these out to add to our collection of food storage options. I love that they come in so many shapes and sizes, so there’s one for our every need.
Gina says
Good for you, Alissa! I bought Ziploc a year or two ago – we still have that box. I won’t use them because of toxins, except for nonedible things I’m sending out, like samples.
Tamara DeWire says
This is so cool! I especially love the meat freezing and toothbrush holder ideas!
Gina says
Right? Because the only other option is usually plastic for those things 🙁
Michael says
I know this article is old but surprised more research wasn’t provided. Like this article which suggests it is no better than PVC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/25242410/
Gina says
Hi Michael, thanks for your feedback. I’m aware of the conflicting data and will put this post on my list to update. Fact is, at this point, I very rarely use these types of products at all unless I’m really stuck for a solution. And I never use them in connection with heat.