Durbl Stories

10 Healthy Back-to-School Snacks for Brain Power
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  • Article tag: Sustainability
10 Healthy Back-to-School Snacks for Brain Power
This school season, use Durbl containers and bags to prepare some healthy, nutrient-rich snacks that not only support students' learning but also simplify your life. These snacks are packed with nutrients that boost memory and focus. They can all be prepped ahead of time in the fridge or pantry, making them easy to grab and go. Here are 10 healthy back-to-school snack ideas and an easy-to-make recipe. 1. Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium, which aid in brain development and mental health. Enjoy them plain or mix them with dried fruits and nuts for a trail mix. For added flavor, roast them with olive or coconut oil and spices like curry powder in the oven for 15-20 minutes to retain their health benefits. You can find raw pumpkin seeds in bulk at your local grocery store or co-op. 2. Blueberries Known as “brain berries,” blueberries are packed with antioxidants and help boost the immune system. Experts recommend a cup of blueberries a day. Enjoy them fresh or blend them into a smoothie for a convenient, on-the-go snack. 3. Avocados Avocados are loaded with healthy fats that regulate blood flow and pressure and keep brain cell membranes healthy. Slice avocados and sprinkle with a little salt, or add them to a chocolate pudding for a nutritious treat. 4. Walnuts Walnuts contain healthy fats and antioxidants, enhancing focus, improving memory, and regulating mood. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads for extra crunch and nutrition. 5. Strawberries Strawberries boost focus and memory, thanks to their antioxidants and vitamin C. They make a great lunchtime or afternoon snack, helping to overcome the inevitable 2 PM slump. Strawberries also support eye health, which is beneficial for students who spend hours looking at screens and books. 6. Apple Slices Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, which help stabilize blood sugar levels. Enjoy them plain or with a dollop of peanut butter for a delicious snack. 7. Carrot Sticks Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, supporting eye health. Enjoy them raw or with a yogurt dip for a healthy, crunchy snack. 8. Mixed Nuts Combine different nuts like almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts to provide a variety of nutrients. Mixed nuts are a convenient, portable snack. 9. Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. Add some fruit and honey for extra flavor. 10. Oats Oats are a great source of carbohydrates, providing sustained energy for the brain. Enjoy them as overnight oats, granola, or granola bars. For a wholesome homemade snack without single-use plastic packaging, try these blueberry walnut granola bars. Simple Recipe: Blueberry Walnut Granola Bars Ingredients 2 1/2 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt 3/4 cup dried blueberries Instructions If desired, lightly toast the oats and walnuts in a 350°F oven until the edges are slightly browned. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, coconut oil, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar is melted and the mixture is slightly thickened. Add salt, then pour the mixture over the oats and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir in the blueberries until all ingredients are well combined. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 8x8 pan and press it evenly with a spatula or well-greased hands (ensure the mixture has cooled enough!). Chill the granola bars overnight (or at least 2 hours), then cut into bars or squares and enjoy! These snacks are not only healthy and delicious but also provide students with the energy and nutrition they need to excel at school.
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Celebrate Our Planet Every Day with Durbl
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Celebrate Our Planet Every Day with Durbl
At Durbl, we're not just marking Earth Day; we're committing to it every day of the year. Our vision is to offer solutions that encourage sustainable living, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. We are excited to share how our durable, reusable bags can be part of your everyday efforts to protect our planet.Durbl bags are designed for versatility, suitable for any activity—from storing snacks in our reusable bags during a family picnic to carrying essentials on a hiking trip. They're crafted to stand up to daily use and help you "leave no trace" outdoors.Our commitment goes beyond just replacing plastic bags. Durbl offers a practical way to integrate eco-friendly practices into your lifestyle, whether you're grocery shopping, organizing your home, or planning an adventure. Each bag is a step towards a cleaner environment, supporting the idea that caring for our planet is a daily responsibility.This Earth Day, let Durbl help you make more sustainable choices. Our products are made with the environment in mind, using materials that are as kind to the earth as they are effective. By choosing Durbl, you're not only opting for high-quality, eco-friendly storage options but also joining a movement towards a greener tomorrow.Every day is an opportunity to make impactful choices that support our environment. With Durbl, you’re equipped to make those choices, turning Earth Day into a lifelong commitment to sustainability. Let's cherish and safeguard our planet, not just today, but every day. Join us in our mission to keep the earth thriving for future generations.
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6 Ingenious Uses for the Durbl Silicone Half-Gallon Bag
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6 Ingenious Uses for the Durbl Silicone Half-Gallon Bag
In modern life, we all seek practical and eco-friendly solutions to simplify daily tasks. Durbl's silicone half-gallon food storage bag is a fantastic tool that is not only versatile but also helps reduce plastic waste. Today, I’ll introduce six ingenious ways to use this storage bag in everyday life, making you fall in love with its convenience and sustainability.1. Storing Leftovers from Family Meals We’ve all experienced the dilemma of having lots of delicious leftovers after a family gathering and not knowing how to store them. Durbl’s half-gallon silicone bag easily solves this problem. Whether it’s soup, stew, or sauce, this large-capacity storage bag can hold it all, keeping your food fresh. Simply place the leftovers in the bag, seal it, and store it in the fridge.、 2. Packing Healthy Lunches Preparing healthy lunches for yourself or your family on busy workdays can be a hassle. Durbl’s half-gallon bag can hold a variety of lunches, including sandwiches, salads, fruits, and nuts, making it easy to carry a delicious and healthy meal. Its airtight design ensures your food stays fresh and leak-free. 3. Preserving Fresh Fruits and Vegetables For those who love healthy eating, keeping fruits and vegetables fresh is crucial. Durbl’s half-gallon bag is the perfect preservation tool. You can store washed lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and berries in the bag and place it in the fridge to keep your produce fresh for longer. 4. Travel Essential When traveling, we often need to organize various small items. Durbl’s half-gallon silicone bag can help you manage this effortlessly. It can hold toiletries, small electronic devices, and medications, and its waterproof and leak-proof design keeps your luggage neat and organized. Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s a travel must-have. 5. Organizing Kids’ Toys and Crafts For families with children, Durbl’s half-gallon bag is also great for organizing small toys and craft supplies. You can sort and store your kids’ building blocks, crayons, and craft papers, eliminating the mess. The transparent design makes it easy to find what you need. 6. Baking and Cooking Prep Baking and cooking enthusiasts will love Durbl’s half-gallon silicone bag. You can pre-measure and store ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices in the bag, making them easy to access when needed. The bag is heat-resistant, so you can use it for microwave heating or defrosting, making cooking more efficient. Durbl’s silicone half-gallon food storage bag is not only versatile and practical but also eco-friendly. Whether storing food at home, traveling, or organizing household items, it can handle it all. Let’s embrace this innovative storage solution to add convenience to our lives while contributing to environmental protection. Explore more uses for Durbl's silicone half-gallon food storage bag today and make your life simpler and greener!
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Babies vs Plastics What Every Parent Should Know
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Babies vs Plastics What Every Parent Should Know
In today’s world, one of the most alarming but least visible threats to our children’s well-being is their exposure to microplastics. According to the recent “Babies Vs. Plastics” report, released to coincide with Earth Day, children are ingesting microplastics at a rate almost ten times higher than adults. These tiny particles, stemming primarily from everyday objects like teething rings, synthetic clothing, and sippy cups, pose serious risks. Why This Is a Bigger Issue Than It Seems Microplastics are not merely a blight on our planet; they are a direct threat to health, especially for the very young. Research highlighted in the report suggests that these particles can travel into critical organs and interfere with essential biological processes, affecting everything from growth patterns to immune system function. Steps Toward a Healthier Tomorrow Acknowledging this danger is only the first step toward protecting our children. Immediate and determined action must follow. One effective way to diminish this exposure is to be thoughtful about the products we surround our children with on a daily basis. Focus on Everyday Choices Begin with an overhaul of the items closest to our children—starting with what they wear, play with, and sleep on. Moving beyond that, examine the broader household environment for potential sources of plastic. In the Kitchen: A Crucial Starting Point Food Preparation: Switch to alternatives such as wooden cutting boards and stainless steel measuring spoons to minimize plastic contact. Food Storage and Reheating: Adopt Durbl silicone containers for food storage and reheating, which unlike plastics, do not shed harmful microplastics. Personal Care and Household Cleaning: Opting for Sustainability Shift away from plastics in personal care by choosing products like solid conditioner bars and natural bristle toothbrushes. In cleaning, choose biodegradable cleaning tools and products, reducing daily plastic waste and exposure. Dining Solutions: Embracing Silicone At mealtime, transform your approach with Durbl silicone containers. Known for their durability and safety, these containers do not release microplastics and are ideal for both storing and serving food. Embrace Change By integrating these alternatives into your lifestyle, you not only protect your children but also align with a global shift towards environmental stewardship. Each step taken is a move towards a future where our children can live free from the burden of plastic pollution. This report calls for immediate action and further research into the impact of microplastics on human health, urging a careful approach to plastic use, particularly in items intended for child use. Our choices today will determine the health of future generations.
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BPA: The Big Story Behind a Small Molecule
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BPA: The Big Story Behind a Small Molecule
What is BPA? Why is it necessary, and why must we pay attention to it? Let's unveil the mystery of BPA together and see how it plays a vital role unconsciously and how we can respond.
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Silicone vs Plastic : What You Need to Know?
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Silicone vs Plastic : What You Need to Know?
Silicone and plastic are common for food storage containers. Silicone, being flexible, durable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and heat-resistant, outperforms plastic. Using reusable silicone food storage bags educes environmental impact compared to plastic. Choose silicone for better food protection and sustainability. Embrace the "silicone era"!
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What does BPA-Free mean?
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What does BPA-Free mean?
You’ve probably noticed our products are plastic-free and BPA-free, but what does "BPA-free" really mean? Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound commonly used in plastics, including items like reusable water bottles. While BPA strengthens plastic, it poses significant health risks, particularly for children. BPA can interfere with hormones, potentially affecting growth, and is linked to issues like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The absence of BPA in a product means it’s made without this harmful chemical, which has led many manufacturers to remove it. However, BPA-free doesn’t always mean a product is entirely safe. Other chemicals like Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF) can still be harmful. At Durbl, we are invested in your health. Our food storage products are made from food-grade, non-toxic silicone, a durable, odorless material that can withstand temperatures from -54°F to 480°F. It is safe for use in ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers. Ready to make the switch to safer food storage? Shop Durbl today for BPA-free, non-toxic silicone products that keep your food fresh and your family safe!
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Plastic, Silicone, Glass: which food storage container is best for you?
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  • Article tag: Sustainability
Plastic, Silicone, Glass: which food storage container is best for you?
If you enjoy cooking, packing lunches, or storing leftovers, you'll understand the importance of reliable food storage containers. Food storage containers are essential kitchen items in various sizes, materials, shapes, and designs. Choosing an eco-friendly, durable, and well-suited container or bag to your needs is your best bet. We've compiled this guide to help you save time and ease confusion. Keep reading! Safety of Food Storage Containers When choosing food storage containers, consider the following safety aspects: Material safety: Ensure that the containers are made from food-grade safe materials, avoiding those with harmful chemicals, phthalates, or lead. Heat resistance: Ensure they are heat-resistant and labelled as microwave or oven-safe. Some plastics may melt or release chemicals when heated. Sealability: Containers with good seals are preferable as they keep food fresh longer and prevent leaks and contamination. Freezer suitability: Ensure they are freezer-safe and capable of withstanding low temperatures without cracking. Easy to clean: Containers should be easy to clean, without intricate designs that can harbour bacteria. convenience. Transparency: Seeing the contents without opening the container reduces the chances of forgetting food and letting it spoil. Plastic Food Storage Bags or Containers Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry and store. Durable, less prone to breaking or shattering. Generally more affordable compared to glass, metal, or silicone containers. Cons: May contain chemicals that can leach into food, especially at high temperatures. Poor heat resistance, may melt or deform at high temperatures. Sealing performance of plastic containers may be subpar, affecting food freshness. Prone to staining and absorbing odors, challenging to clean thoroughly. If you genuinely prefer plastic containers for their affordability and durability, opt for BPA-free options to minimize health and environmental risks. Avoid using plastic containers in high-temperature environments like microwaves or ovens to reduce the release of microplastics into your food.  Glass Food Storage Containers Pros: Glass is a very safe material, free from harmful chemicals like BPA. Non-absorbent glass surfaces do not retain food odors or stains, making them easy to clean. Glass containers are typically heat-resistant and safe for use in microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers. Environmentally friendly and sustainable, as glass containers can be reused. Cons: Fragile and prone to breaking if dropped. Heavier than plastic or silicone, making them less portable. Higher cost compared to plastic or silicone containers. Some types of glass containers may be sensitive to rapid temperature changes, leading to breakage. Glass food storage containers are favoured by those seeking durability and sustainability. They also do not stain or retain any odour, a significant reason many choose them over plastic. However, they are more prone to breaking. Silicone Food Storage Bags or Containers MeaganPros: Eco-friendly and reusable, promoting environmental sustainability. Heat and cold-resistant, suitable for freezing and microwave heating. Excellent sealing capabilities, keeping food fresh longer. Flexible and space-saving, as silicone containers can be folded when empty. Chemically resistant, less likely to absorb odors or stains compared to plastics. Cons: Generally higher in price compared to plastics or fabric materials. Occasionally challenging to clean thoroughly, especially when dealing with oils and pigments. May not be as scratch-resistant as hard plastics or glass. In summary, silicone food storage bags or containers are popular for their eco-friendliness, durability, and versatility. However, for those who are sensitive to slight odour retention, they may not be the ideal choice.  Still, choosing silicone food storage containers has many benefits, allowing you to overlook minor drawbacks: Non-toxic materials, BPA-Free. Multi-functional, safe for use in the temperature range of -40°C to 230°C, safe for refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave. Durability can be reused multiple times. Aesthetically pleasing: Silicone containers come in various designs and colours, making them an excellent addition to any kitchen decor. How to Clean and Maintain Silicone Bags and Containers: Do not turn the durable bag inside out. To air dry, stand the bag up on a cup or mug. Wash with warm, soapy water. Eliminate smells by soaking in a 50/50 water and vinegar mixture. Gently scrub with a brush to remove built-up debris. Why Choose Durbl Silicone Food Containers and Bags?Our food storage sets are made from food-grade platinum silicone, safe for dishwasher use, suitable for heating in the oven and freezing in the refrigerator, and versatile for various purposes. They come in different sizes and designs to meet your kitchen and lifestyle needs. If you're interested in eco-friendly and sustainable kitchen aids, Durbl silicone bags and containers are your perfect choice.
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