I am just starting to try to cut back on plastic use. Here are a few ways that fit easily into my life, in case you’re feeling puzzled about where to start. I am certainly not an expert, like the family I saw featured in Sunset who have a “zero-waste” home. That lifestyle is so dramatic and extreme that is seems out of reach. I started with a few small steps.
When I was planning to have a large gathering in my home a few years ago, I did not want to use plastic utensils. To be honest, it wasn’t the waste that bothered me at that time. I hate using those flimsy plastic forks and knives; they make any meal feel like fast food. I went to the Goodwill Store and picked out a random assortment of spoons, forks and knives. They weren’t exactly cheap–I think they were 50 cents per piece, and I bought about 50 sets of spoons and forks and 25 knives–so I spent over $60. I have used them so many times since, though, that I’m sure it’s been far less expensive than purchasing and tossing plastic utensils.
When I got the anti-plastic bug, I was in the plastic bag aisle at Target and I picked up my usual boxes of gallon and quart ziplock bags, but I put them back. I was weary of throwing bags away. I’ve tried washing them and hanging them out to dry around the kitchen, but it never worked well for me. People in my household try to recycle them–but the city recycling center does not take them. Putting plastic in the recycle bin–even though it can’t be recycled–because you hate putting it in the trash is “wish-cycling.”
I didn’t buy them that day, and I haven’t since. I have used some other things that I think are worth trying out:
A little pricier than generic ziplocks, so I’m more choosey about what I put in them. Also, not completely see-through, so I sometimes lose track of what’s in them.
I love these! They are easy to wash, seal tight, and are nice and thick. You can freeze them and even boil them, they come in fun, clear colors, and they are a local, woman-owned company. They even sell them on Amazon. Again, a little expensive, but worth it. I have I gallon size and 3 quart size and it’s working for me.
Waxed Cotton Food Wrap
I’ve used Bee’s Wrap, which comes in different sizes and patterns. It works well, molding to the item you are wrapping with the heat of your hands, but don’t make the mistake I did of washing it in hot water–the wax melts out and it doesn’t work anymore! They carry a cheaper version at Trader Joe’s, but it’s thicker fabric; I may prefer the thinner Bee’s Wax fabric. You can also make your own. This looks like an easy one, but there are several tutorials out there.
Biodegradable Wax Paper Sandwich Bags
Not all wax paper is biodegradable because it is coated with paraffin wax, a petroleum product. This brand uses soybean wax. These meet the need for stashing little leftovers or taking food with you. These also hide the contents, so it’s easy to lose food unless you write on the bag. They keep things fresh for a day or two, but let’s face it, they don’t seal as well as good ol’ plastic. It is comforting to have a disposable bag around, and they fill a need, but I don’t find I use them much.
Glass Containers with Lids for Leftovers
For some reason, glass containers are easier to maintain and match with their lid, so I actually use them. There are many brands, but I like these. My collection of plastic containers and ancient Tupperware was such a mess that I would grab a ziplock bag to store food rather that brave the chaotic cupboard where they were stored. Maybe the heaviness of glass makes a difference–they don’t get mixed around so much.
Once you start, you will find the products you like. The first step–for me, not buying those resealable plastic single-use bags–may be the hardest one, but there is life after ziplocks.
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