Minimize, reuse, and subsequently recycle.
Regardless of whether you utilize them for storing leftovers or freezing portion sizes,
broth
or simplify meal prep, plastic bags are one of the kitchen’s most versatile products. But there is no denying the serious issues of overusing and improperly disposing of plastics. More Americans than ever believe plastic pollution is a serious problem, and while there are a number of good-quality plastic-free
storage options
, numerous people depend on their zip-top plastic bags as a cost-effective and easily accessible choice for use in the kitchen.
I utilize zip-top plastic bags to preserve specialty grains and whole nuts by sealing them before placing them in the freezer to prolong their freshness. These bags also assist me in organizing infrequently used kitchen items such as cookie cutters or popsicle molds, and they keep all my pie weights (which I refill with dried beans each time) together in one spot. Maybe you similarly employ zip-top plastic bags around your kitchen to divide snacks for your children’s lunchboxes or to hold large quantities of homemade treats.
maple granola
Even with our greatest attempts, we often discard those plastic bags when they still have much use remaining.
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A simple approach to reducing plastic waste involves repurposing your current collection of plastic bags instead of discarding them after one use. However, when it comes to using zipper seal plastic bags multiple times, is this practice truly safe? And if it is, how should they be cleaned effectively to prolong their lifespan? To find answers to these queries and others like them, we reached out to experts from Ziploc. The encouraging response was that indeed, their plastic bags can definitely be reused safely.
“A representative informed us that since Ziploc brand bags are crafted from premium materials sturdy enough for multiple uses, they can be reused numerous times,”
Ways to Clean a Plastic Bag
It is safe to use plastic bags again after they have been properly cleaned for hygiene reasons and to minimize persistent smells. According to a Ziploc spokesperson, cleaning a sandwich bag can be done easily with some lukewarm water mixed with dish detergent; simply seal the top and swirl the solution inside before rinsing thoroughly.
It’s important to proceed cautiously so you don’t become overly forceful during this procedure. Make sure not to invert the bag, since doing so might tear the stitching. Damaging the stitches would undoubtedly reduce the bag’s efficiency and decrease its lifespan.
“Rinse thoroughly, shake out excess water and prop the bag open to dry completely before reusing,” Ziploc told us. You don’t need to buy anything extra to dry your bags; simply use your dish rack or even chopsticks to keep the bags open and allow for some air flow. I like to use magnetic bag clips and dry them on the side of my refrigerator.
Ways to Prolong the Lifespan of a Plastic Bag
Effectively cleansing and thoroughly air-drying your plastic sacks can significantly prolong their usage period. Make certain to manipulate the bags delicately so as not to cause rips or perforations. The frequency with which these bags can be used again depends on their contents; nonetheless, at specific instances, it’s advisable to discard a plastic sack post first utilization.
“We advise against using any bags previously containing raw meats, fish, eggs, or potential allergens because this could lead to food safety concerns,” stated the Ziploc representative. Additionally, they mentioned that freezing contents inside a bag shouldn’t affect its longevity.
Apart from avoiding bags used for raw meats and typical food allergens, highly acidic components such as tomato sauce can lead to discoloration and reduce the lifespan of any plastic item, including bags.
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Plastic Bag Alternatives
If you’re prepared to completely ditch plastic bags, several budget-friendly alternatives are available. In recent times, silicone pouches and bags have become increasingly popular. The Ziploc Endurable range offers silicone pouches and containers that can transition seamlessly from your freezer to an oven up to 425°F, then directly onto the dining table. They’re also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Similar reusable bag choices include (re)zip, Stasher, and Ello. Additionally, consider using Bee’s Wrap, as this option is both reusable and biodegradable.
These items all serve as excellent substitutes for plastic bags; however, they tend to cost more. Think about using reusable options such as Mason jars or glass storage containers instead. Both Mason jars and numerous glass storage containers can be safely stored in freezers, yet one must exercise caution regarding sudden changes in temperature since this might cause them to crack.
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Regardless of which storage item you choose—a regular plastic bag or a premium silicone container—it’s crucial to handle their disposal correctly. Begin by reviewing your state’s guidelines on waste management and recycling; keep in mind that most often, plastic bags must be recycled apart from your standard curbside recyclables. Additionally, RecycleNation offers extensive resources on how to manage the disposal of plastic bags effectively.
A lot of grocery stores welcome various types of plastic recycling, such as shopping bags and zip-top bags. Make certain you clean and completely dry these items prior to dropping them off at the store for recycling. Personally, I prefer looking out for labels marked NexTrex, which gathers recyclables like plastic bags and transforms them into decking materials. Imagine this: those same plastic bags once held frozen fruits for smoothies but now have a new life as part of your backyard deck rather than ending up in a landfill.
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