Durbl Stories

Back-to-school season brings fresh routines — and fresh challenges. Between packing snacks, organizing school supplies, and keeping things tidy in your child’s backpack, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before 8 a.m. You want to make mornings easier. You want to send your kids off with healthy snacks and clean supplies. You want less waste, less clutter, and more confidence. That’s where Durbl’s Starter Set comes in. These durable, reusable silicone bags are a small shift that can simplify your school mornings in big ways — all while helping your kids stay organized and start learning sustainable habits early on. One Set, Many Uses — For Food & Beyond The Durbl Starter Set includes five BPA-free, food-safe silicone bags in a variety of sizes: 1. Snack Bags (2x) Perfect for: • Pretzels, fruit slices, crackers, trail mix • Yogurt or dip (they’re leak-resistant!) • Small, easy-to-open size for little hands 2. Sandwich Bags (2x) Best for: • Flat snacks like granola bars, tortillas, fruit leather • Organizing non-food items: crayons, pencils, wipes, masks • Keeping the backpack tidy and clutter-free Note: These bags are flat by design — for bulkier snacks like sandwiches or muffins, we recommend the Half Gallon Bag or Fold-up Containers for more room and structure. 3. Half Gallon Bag (1x) Great for: • Packing full lunches • Storing a spare outfit, wet wipes, or accident-ready items • Weekend field trips or after-school sports Empower Independence & Build Sustainable Habits With Durbl, kids can: • Pack their own snacks and supplies • Sort their things by type or color • Learn to reduce waste and take care of their belongings And for parents? • Less plastic • Less cleanup • Less stress It’s a simple, repeatable system — and a great first step toward a more organized school year. What Parents Are Saying “These bags changed how we pack for school. My daughter puts her snacks in her own bag now and even remembers to bring it home and rinse it out. She loves the colors and I love not buying boxes of plastic bags anymore.”— Danielle M., Illinois Small Change. Real Impact. Every snack packed in a Durbl bag is one less piece of plastic in the trash. Every organized backpack is one less stressful morning.This school year, give your kids something more than just lunch. Give them a head start on good habits. It all starts with one bag.

New semester, new routine — and let’s be honest, mornings can feel like chaos. You’re rushing to get everyone ready, find missing notebooks, and pack lunch before the school bell rings. That’s where one simple system can make a big difference. With just four sizes of the Durbl Fold-up Containers (400ml, 600ml, 900ml, 1200ml), you can plan and pack a full week of nutritious, no-waste lunches that are easy for kids to carry and even easier for parents to prep. Let’s break it down — five school days, five easy lunch ideas, and zero single-use plastic. Monday Start the week light and colorful Mini veggie cheese wraps (600ml)Whole wheat tortillas filled with sautéed peppers and shredded mozzarella, pan-toasted and sliced. Carrot sticks & amp; corn chips (400ml)Crunchy, dippable, and snackable. Tip: Durbl containers are non-divided. To separate sauces or snacks, use paper cups, silicone dividers, or condiment jars inside. Tuesday Leftovers, reimagined Fried rice with eggs & peas (900ml)Use last night’s rice, add scrambled eggs, diced carrots, and green peas — all in one hearty box. Apple slices + crushed almonds (400ml)Soak apples in lemon water to keep fresh; top with chopped nuts. Make extra and split into two containers if your child prefers lighter portions. Wednesday Midweek power salad day Quinoa veggie salad (1200ml) Layers of cooked quinoa, corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken. Dress with olive oil + lemon juice before sealing. Bonus: Small sauce jars fit snugly inside. Durbl containers are leak-resistant for wet dressings too. Thursday Snack-style, lunch-worthy Cheesy bean tortilla bites (600ml)Tortillas filled with black beans and shredded cheese, baked until crisp and sliced into triangles. Mandarin orange segments (400ml)Pre-peeled and packed, easy to grab and go. All containers are fridge- and freezer-safe, great for cold items and yogurt-based snacks. Friday End on a high note with kid-favorite flavors Pizza rice bowl (900ml)Stir cooked rice with tomato sauce, top with cheese, pepperoni slices, and veggies — bake 8 minutes, cool and pack. Strawberries + yogurt (in separate jar) (400ml)Pair with a spoon for a sweet finish. Durbl Packing Tips No dividers = more space, more freedom. Use internal paper cups or liners for texture separation if needed. Folds down after eating — saves backpack space. Food-grade silicone, leak-resistant, dishwasher & microwave safe. Color-coded organization: Use different sizes/colors for mains, sides, and snacks — kids learn to pack independently too. One Container. Real Change. Sustainable living doesn’t need to be complicated. A reusable container helps reduce waste, build habits, and teach responsibility. This semester, pack more than just lunch.Pack good habits with Durbl.

Every new school year is a chance to start over — new books, new timetables, new goals. But here’s a simple question: Are we still packing school lunches, snacks, and fruit in disposable plastic bags? Real change doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes, it starts with a small choice — like switching to a reusable food container.At Durbl, we believe the back-to-school season is the perfect time for students and families to take one easy, meaningful step toward sustainability: say no to single-use plastic. How Bad Is the Plastic Problem at School? According to a 2024 report from Environment America, the average U.S. student generates 67 pounds of plastic waste per school year — mostly from disposable lunch items like plastic bags, cutlery, and wrappers. Across the country, that adds up to over 14,500 tons of school-related plastic waste every single day. Worse still, many of these plastics contain chemicals like styrene and BPA, which are linked to health risks in children. The good news? Students themselves are stepping up to lead change. In Texas, three fourth-graders at a public school led a successful campaign to ban Styrofoam trays — eliminating 22 million trays from landfills each year. Campus waste reduction is becoming a reality. Cutting back on plastic doesn’t have to be complicated. The best solution is one that’s easy, practical, and fits into a student’s daily routine. That’s exactly what Durbl is designed for.  Durbl: A Smarter, More Sustainable Way to Pack School Food Durbl offers a full lineup of food-grade, reusable silicone containers made to simplify school life — from breakfast prep to snack breaks, club lunches, and even dorm cooking. 1. Fold-up Containers (400 – 1200ml) ● Collapsible, lightweight, and space-saving● Safe for microwave, dishwasher, and freezer● Great for meal prep, lunches, or soups 2. Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags ● Perfect for cookies, nuts, toast, or fruit slices● Washable, resealable, and built to last for hundreds of uses● A smart alternative to plastic zipper bags 3. Large-Capacity Solutions: Half-Gallon Bag+ Quart Bag (Flexible Add-on) Half-Gallon Bag Ideal for full lunch sets, sandwich trays, cut fruit, or family-style meals Leak-resistant, crushproof — perfect for field trips and outdoor days  Doubles as a fridge/freezer-safe container for home or dorm use Quart Bag Great for single meals like salad, noodles, or yogurt Compact size fits easily in school bags Also ideal for drinks (iced tea, fruit water) or dividing snacks Pro Tip: Use the Half-Gallon Bag for main meals, and the Quart Bag for drinks or extras — a low-waste combo that works all year long. Durbl Back-to-School Starter Sets Scenario Recommended Combo Daily lunch packing 900ml + 1200ml fold-up containers + Half-Gallon Bag (meal + fruit) Snack breaks Snack Bag + Sandwich Bag + Quart Bag (for nuts, cookies, fruit) Club/field trips Half-Gallon Bag (salads/shared food) + Quart Bag (drinks, extras) Dorm prep Multiple Quart Bags (for frozen meals, iced tea) + Fold-up Containers Sustainability Can Be Simple — and Student-Friendly Durbl products aren’t just reusable — they’re built to become part of a young person’s everyday rhythm.From backpacks to lockers, from lunchrooms to dorm rooms, one food-safe, durable container can make a lasting difference. Whether it’s a Quart Bag full of salad or a Half-Gallon Bag of watermelon slices for a class picnic — every small choice adds up to a future with less plastic.

That pot of warm chili still steaming on the stove—should you let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge? The answer may surprise you—and it matters more than you think. A Common Kitchen Habit That Deserves a Second Look After dinner, there's a bit of leftover mac and cheese or chicken stew still warm in the pot. Maybe you’ve been told, “Let it cool first—it’ll spoil if you put it in the fridge hot.” This advice is incredibly common—but also scientifically outdated. In fact, food safety experts now recommend the opposite: refrigerating hot food properly and promptly is actually the safest approach. Why Waiting Can Do More Harm Than Good Many people hesitate to refrigerate hot food out of two concerns:First, that it might “damage the fridge” or overwork the compressor.Second, that it could raise the temperature inside the fridge and spoil other items, like dairy or leftovers. These concerns stem from older appliance limitations and well-meaning family traditions—but today, they can do more harm than good. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food kept between 40°F and 140°F (4°C to 60°C)—the so-called “Danger Zone”—allows bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli to grow rapidly.Leaving cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if above 90°F) significantly increases the risk of foodborne illness. As food safety advisor Meredith Carothers (USDA FSIS) told Simply Recipes: “Waiting for food to fully cool before refrigeration can significantly raise the risk of bacterial contamination.” In short, the danger isn’t putting food in the fridge too soon—it’s waiting too long. Yes, You Can Put Hot Food in the Fridge—If You Do It Right Modern refrigerators are built to handle small amounts of hot food without issue, especially when you use the right method. The key is not whether the food is warm—it’s how you cool and store it. To refrigerate hot food safely: Portion it out into shallow containers or food-safe silicone bags to help it cool quickly. Let it steam off briefly (about 5–10 minutes), but don’t wait for it to cool completely. Leave the lid slightly ajar at first to allow excess moisture to escape. Place it in the fridge with space around it for air circulation. By using these simple practices, you help the food move quickly out of the “Danger Zone” and into safe storage conditions—preserving freshness and protecting health. The Right Tools Make All the Difference At Durbl, we believe storing food safely shouldn’t be complicated or wasteful. That’s why our platinum-grade silicone storage bags are designed to support modern food safety habits without compromising sustainability. Here’s how Durbl bags are built for hot food storage: Heat resistant (-40°C to 230°C / -40°F to 446°F) — perfect for chili, roasted veggies, meat sauce, and more Flat-bottom design for quick cooling — bags stand upright or lay flat to spread heat evenly Multiple sizes (Quart, Half Gallon, Gallon) — great for portioning leftovers Easy seal with optional venting — allows steam to escape before sealing tight Reusable & dishwasher safe — better for the planet, better for your wallet Cooked a batch of pasta Bolognese?Divide it into a few Durbl Half Gallon bags, let it sit open for a few minutes, then pop them in the fridge. Your sauce cools fast, your fridge stays efficient, and your next meal is just a warm-up away. Safe Storage Is Also a Sustainable Choice Refrigerating hot food the right way isn’t just a smart move for your health—it’s also a step toward a more sustainable kitchen. By switching from disposable plastic to long-lasting, non-toxic silicone, you're helping reduce waste and minimize the environmental footprint of everyday habits. And when you combine safe food storage with reusable containers, you’re not just protecting leftovers—you’re protecting what matters. Can hot food go directly into the fridge?Yes—and in most cases, it should. Outdated food myths can put your health at risk. With the right storage habits and the right tools, like Durbl bags, you can confidently preserve meals without compromising safety or sustainability. Your fridge can handle it. So can your food.And with Durbl, your kitchen just got a whole lot smarter.

Learn how to properly use and clean your Durbl bamboo drying rack with this simple, step-by-step guide. Discover easy care tips to keep your rack fresh, durable, and beautiful—while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.

As more people embrace low-waste living, reusable silicone storage bags have quickly become a kitchen essential. Safe, durable, and endlessly versatile, they’re ideal for everything from packing lunches to freezing soup to sous vide cooking. With many options on the market, how do you know which silicone bag is right for you? To help you make the best choice, we’ve compared popular silicone bags — including our own Durbl Half Gallon and Sandwich Bags — across six key dimensions: seal strength, material feel, ease of use, cleaning convenience, value, and temperature performance.   Seal Strength That Actually Holds Some silicone bags use press-and-pin seals or minimalist one-piece designs. While these may work well for dry snacks or kids’ lunches, they can struggle with leak resistance under pressure or tilt. Durbl bags feature a wide, double-layer seal with a satisfying “click” when closed — offering exceptional leak protection. Whether you're storing soups, marinated meats, or leftovers for the freezer, you can count on it to stay sealed.  Thickness & Feel: Structured vs. Foldable Not all silicone feels the same. Some bags are ultra-soft and thin, which makes them easy to fold — but also prone to stretching or even tearing over time. Others are thick and self-standing, but rigid and hard to store. Durbl strikes a thoughtful balance with medium-thick, platinum-grade silicone: soft and flexible enough to fold, yet sturdy enough to hold shape on your countertop. Ease of Use: Open, Grab, Go One frustration with some bags? Trying to hold open a collapsing pouch while your other hand fumbles with food. Some thinner designs require both hands to operate smoothly. Durbl bags naturally stay open just enough for you to add or remove food easily — even with one hand. That makes them especially handy in busy kitchens or during meal prep. Cleaning Made Easy Some silicone bags collapse in the dishwasher or develop cleaning dead zones. Others are hard to flip inside out, making hand-washing a hassle. Durbl bags are fully invertible, with a smooth interior that rinses clean quickly — and they dry fast, too. Whether you're scrubbing by hand or running the dishwasher, cleanup is always simple. Everyday Value, Without Compromise Premium silicone bags can be surprisingly expensive — especially if you want to buy several for your pantry, freezer, and lunch kits. And while some brands focus on color variety or aesthetics, that doesn’t always translate into durability. Durbl is built for daily, long-term use and priced for practical households. With bundled sets and generous sizing, it’s easy to replace your entire drawer of disposable plastic bags at a reasonable cost.  Ready for Heat, Cold, and Everything in Between All high-quality silicone bags should work in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. But in practice, some go soft and slippery when heated, while others become stiff and hard to grip. Durbl bags maintain a consistent, comfortable texture across temperature extremes — from frozen to microwaved. No slipping, no sagging, no stiffness. At a Glance: How Durbl Stands Out Feature Durbl Reusable Bags Leak Resistance ✅ Excellent for liquids and marinated foods Material Feel ✅ Soft, sturdy, foldable One-Hand Usability ✅ Easy to open and grab from Cleaning ✅ Invertible, quick-drying Value ✅ High performance, family-friendly price Heat/Freeze Durability ✅ Handles temperature changes with ease Choose What Works for You There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sustainable living. If you value a leak-proof seal, easy cleaning, and long-term performance at a practical price, Durbl may just be your perfect everyday solution. 👉 Ready to upgrade your storage routine?Explore Durbl Half Gallon and Sandwich Bags → [Shop Now]  

while contributing to reducing single-use plastics. We can't wait to see your creative solutions as we work together to make the Earth greener!

Discover 7 eco-friendly, waste-free snack ideas for kids’ school lunches. Learn how to use reusable silicone bags & Durbl containers to reduce plastic waste!

Marinating is one of the easiest ways to turn simple ingredients into bold, flavorful meals—but it often gets a bad rap for taking too long. The good news? With the Durbl Essentials Set, marinating becomes faster, cleaner, and more sustainable. Whether you're prepping weeknight dinners or planning a backyard cookout, these reusable silicone bags let you pack in flavor and cut down on prep time—while keeping your fridge organized and eco-friendly. Gallon Bag: Soy-Ginger Chicken Thighs The gallon-sized bag is your go-to for big-batch recipes—perfect for family dinners or meal prep. I used mine to marinate 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a rich, Asian-inspired marinade: Marinade: 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp honey 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger 1 tsp chili flakes (optional) Simply add all ingredients to the bag, toss in the chicken, and seal. Thanks to Durbl’s wide opening, there’s no mess, and you can easily massage the marinade into the meat through the soft silicone surface. I left mine in the fridge for just one hour—thanks to the vacuum-tight seal, the flavor penetration was deep and even. Grill or bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, and you’ve got a delicious, juicy main dish ready to go.  Half Gallon Bag: Mediterranean Herb Vegetables The half-gallon bag is ideal for sides or smaller batch mains. I filled mine with a colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions for a zesty grilled veggie platter. Marinade: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced These veggies only needed 20–30 minutes to soak up the Mediterranean flavors. The flat, flexible shape of the Durbl bag ensures the marinade coats everything evenly—no need for constant shaking or stirring. Afterward, I grilled the vegetables for 8–10 minutes on medium heat. They came out tender, vibrant, and perfectly seasoned. Quart Bag: Spicy Lime Shrimp Last but not least, the quart-size bag is perfect for single servings or delicate proteins like seafood. I tossed in a half-pound of peeled shrimp with a quick lime-chili marinade: Marinade: Juice of 1 lime 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp garlic powder Pinch of salt Because shrimp are so quick to absorb flavor, I only marinated them for 15 minutes. Then I pan-seared them on high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. The result? Zesty, spicy shrimp with just the right amount of kick—great for tacos, salads, or grain bowls.   Storage & Sustainability Tips After marinating, you can also store leftovers directly in the same bag, minimizing dishes and plastic waste. Durbl bags are freezer-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. They’re made from 100% platinum silicone, so there’s no BPA, no weird plastic smell, and no environmental guilt. If you're meal prepping, label each bag with a dry-erase marker or clip a tag to the tab. Want to keep food fresher longer? Squeeze out excess air before sealing. The tight seal prevents leaks and slows oxidation, keeping your food flavorful and safe. Final Thoughts The Durbl Essentials Set makes marinating and storing food not only easier but more enjoyable. With just three bags, I was able to whip up a full day’s worth of delicious, healthy meals—no plastic waste, no bulky containers, no mess. It’s kitchen efficiency and eco-conscious living, all in one. Whether you're a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who loves flavorful food fast, these bags are a game-changer. Ready to simplify your marinating routine? Try the Durbl Essentials Set and bring flavor and sustainability into your kitchen.