Why are Stasher Bags so expensive?
Stasher Bags launched in 2016 when founder, Kat Nouri realised how much plastic waste her family was producing. In that moment, she grabbed the opportunity and created an endlessly reusable, self-sealing platinum silicone storage bag that has eliminated the need for single-use plastic in the kitchen and on-the-go.
However, when researching Stasher Bags, quite often the price is an off-putting factor. We get it! They’re pretty pricey and the likes of zip-lock plastic bags are cheaper and easy to pick up at the supermarket.
Although there is a pricier upfront cost, their durability and adaptability mean that you’ll soon get your money back. We’re not saying you should splash out and buy the whole collection, but hopefully this article will help you see that by investing in just one Stasher Bag, it could make a huge positive difference to the environment and your everyday life, starting in the kitchen and going beyond.
Why is platinum silicone better than plastic?
At the very heart of Stasher’s mission is minimising environmental impact. Stasher was created to reduce plastic-waste, and every day since it has built a community around sustainable living and responsible sourcing.
Stasher Bags are made from food grade silicone which is a non-toxic material that doesn’t contain any chemicals or by-products, meaning it’s safe for food. A huge benefit is that food grade silicone is BPA and BPS free. Short for Bisphenol A, BPA is a chemical that is used in many everyday plastic products like water bottles and tupperware to strengthen the material. Studies have shown that BPA can lead to cancer, infertility, hormone disruption and immune disorders. Although the FDA has ruled it safe for food, the UK has banned BPA in certain products like baby bottles, indicating that it can be harmful.
However, many of the brands that claim they’re BPA-free, use Bisphenol S (BPS) instead, that has similar side effects. The safest option is to stay clear of plastic altogether, but we know that’s easier said than done.
Additionally, platinum silicone is a natural resource that is resilient and non-porous, hence why Stasher call it the “the Superman of silicones”. They’re highly resistant to damage and degradation caused by extreme temperatures.
What can I put in my Stasher Bag?
Stasher Bags are ten things in one. You can take it to shops and stock up in the bulk aisle, use it as a packed lunch, store your herbs inside, use it in your slow cooker and sous vide, store your soup and smoothies inside, freeze your leftovers and extra veggies and use it on the go for snacks, dog treats, travel essentials and gadgets.
Unlike any other storage bag, it can be transferred from the freezer to the oven at 200 degrees Celsius in a matter of seconds. So when you buy a Stasher bag, you’re buying a whole world of possibility.
Stasher Bags are popular for cooking and storing food as they’re microwave, oven and freezer safe. In most cases you don’t even have to take the food out of the bag which saves on time and energy.
What about the alternatives? Glass jars are great for plastic-free storage on your shelves and in your fridge but not everyone has the space. Plus, they’re not handy for on-the-go adventures. While plastic alternatives are cheap and handy, they are indeed made from plastic, which is enough said! Whereas Stasher Bags come in a range of shapes and sizes that can be neatly placed in your kitchen and handbag. Extra bonus, you don’t have to worry about any leakages.
We’re not biased I swear, we just genuinely believe in Stasher Bags mission. So do many others, hence why they’ve sold millions of bags. American business magazine, Forbes agrees too; “with over 9,000 reviews for a 4.6-star rating, it’s no surprise these silicone bags from Stasher are a favourite among users”.
Sure, you’re not going to save the planet on your own, but that shouldn’t deter you from making small changes that have the power to add up. We know that going 100% waste free and sustainable isn’t realistic for many of us, but making changes where you can, makes a difference. Purchasing just one Stasher Bag saves thousands of single-use plastic polluting landfill and killing marine life.
Looks aren’t everything, but…
Ok, this might not be the make-it-or-break-it factor, but Stasher Bags are colourful and fun! The supermarket shelves are full of clear plastic bags and tupperware, and that’s ok if that’s your style. But Stasher Bag allows you to bring a piece of your personality everywhere you go.
It’s clear that thought has gone into the whole process of Stasher. Choosing sustainable living can feel like a chore and a responsibility sometimes, so anything to make it fun and exciting can have a positive impact. Plus, they’re eye-catching which often sparks attention and conversation, which is a huge part of sustainable living – educating those around you.
Sara Weinreb told Stasher:
“nearly every time I pull a Stasher out of my bag or use it in the bulk section at the supermarket, someone comments on how cool they are. I love using this as an opportunity to share that they are eco-friendly reusable bags that are great for snacking, shopping in bulk, and so much more”.
Stasher’s creative director, Stacie Navarro, believes colour has played a part in Stasher’s success:
“a lot of personality comes through colour and it’s such a huge part of Stasher’s history”.
The dye used to colour Stasher Bags are also completely food safe, having passed all of the US, Canadian and European Union food safety standards.
You’ll be supporting an ethical female-founded company
The positive environmental benefits of Stasher are abundant. But more than that, Stasher practices ethics in every way from the material they use to how they care for employees. They’re a certified B Corporation which means they reach the highest standards of environmental performance, transparency and legal accountability.
The very fact it is a female-owned company is a huge benefit and sign of progress for equality. Supporting women-owned businesses challenges underrepresentation and inspires young women to think about business.
Furthermore, Stasher gives back to the planet. They’ve created a campaign called Save What Matters to raise awareness about the single-use plastic crisis and make sustainable swaps more accessible. Their 2021 mission is to give away more than 100,000 Stasher Bags, replacing up to 25 million single-use plastic bags. A portion of every Stasher bag sold also goes to Surfrider and 5 Gyers, two charities dedicated to saving the oceans and marine life.
Stasher isn’t all talk. They’re actively doing the work to save the planet and reduce plastic.
Live sustainably on a budget with Home Club
Like we said, living 100% sustainably isn’t always feasible and it can be pricey at times. Sustainable living won’t happen overnight. It’s important to prioritise and focus on what you can do rather than getting overwhelmed about all the things you can’t.
If you’re on a strict budget, there are a few things you can do to save money…
You can join our Home Club! Members can access all of our sustainable products at unbeatable prices – guaranteed. Choosing to live sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive with us, plus you’ll get access to our know-how guides, created by our carbon reduction experts and much more. We really do make it easy to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Another thing you can do is set yourself a weekly or monthly budget, whatever you have left at the end of it can go in a saving fund for your wish-list. Call it an ‘eco-living fund’ and save up little by little for the things you’d like instead of a meal out one day or buying a new dress. – perhaps you’ll use it to buy a Stasher Bag!