If there's one thing we can easily do to take care of the environment -- it's using less plastic. I'm the queen of reusable bags at the grocery store but when it comes to single-use products for leftover dinner or waste bags, I didn't have a solution -- until now.
A new zero-waste company called HoldOn is working to combat plastic pollution by changing the way we store food and toss our rubbish.
About HoldOn
Based in Los Angeles, HoldOn produces fragrance-free, plant-based, non-toxic, and 100% compostable kitchen bags. The materials used to produce HoldOn bags include PBAT, PLA, and Cornstarch. HoldOn’s products are shipped using 100% FSC-certified recyclable packaging. So, what does this mean?
PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) is considered to be fully compostable, the material helps with the flexibility and resilience of the product.
PLA (polylactic acid) is usually made from sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and edible. "PLA requires 65% less energy than traditional plastics in production and emits 68% less greenhouse gases as it decomposes," according to HoldOn.
The packaging is made using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified recycled boxes - never plastic - using only minimal packing material to alleviate the impact of single-use waste on the environment. The certification means the product has come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Compost, One-Time Use, or Reusable, What Are My Options?
HoldOn food storage bags can be reused for a limited time before breaking down, however, it works best for dry items and it's recommended not to use if storing foods that can hold bacteria like meat. You simply can rise off the bag and let it fully dry inside out. See more FAQs on their website.
Otherwise, you can toss it or compost it at home. Once in the landfill, the bag will decompose within weeks as opposed to years!
About the Founders
Founders Sheeva Sairafi and Livio Bisterzo are on a mission to "Bring people together to make changes through small, everyday actions that have a big impact on our planet."
Sairafi is a Boston native and holds an M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson School of Business. In a recent interview with her alma mater, she says, "It is a really cool experience to start with nothing and show how you can create something from scratch." Sairafi is no stranger to the entrepreneur world, she's also the founder of Local+Lejos, which focuses on employing women in developing countries.
Bisterzo is the founder and CEO of Green Park, a holding company that creates, operates, and accelerates high-growth consumer brands in fast-moving categories. He's been an entrepreneur since 2003 with a passion for healthy living, design, brands, and consumer products.
Sizes
HoldOn offers both food storage and waste bags. For leftovers or packing a lunch, sandwich and gallon bags are available with zip seal closures. Waste bags come in 13 gallon and 4 gallon to accommodate the average kitchen or bathroom trash size.
Pricing
The pricing model is based on subscriptions and one-time purchases.
Tall Kitchen Waste Bags (25 count )
One-Time: $25.75
Subscription: $21.99
Small Space Trash (50 count)
One-Time: $13.00
Subscription: $10.99
Gallon Zip Seal (40 count)
One-Time: $10.60
Subscription: $8.99
Sandwich Zip Seal (100 count)
One-Time: $15.25
Subscription: $12.99
Waste Essential Set: $34.99
Includes 1 tall kitchen and 1 small space pack
Stash & Storage Set: $22.99
Includes 1-gallon zip seal and 1 sandwich zip-seal pack
Household Staples Set: $49.99
Includes 1 tall kitchen pack, 1 small space pack, 1-gallon zip-seal pack, and 1 sandwich zip-seal pack
Discount Code
If you want to try them out yourself, enter the discount code: NICOLEROSALES
The discount is valid for a free pack of sandwich bags with the purchase of the household staples set ($15 value).
Explore HoldOn's site, here.
Let me know what your thoughts are on this eco-friendly approach!