Hi. My name is Nicki and I use WAY TOO MANY sandwich bags. You know – the plastic resealable kind? Yeah, those. I use slightly less than I used to but I’m still pretty bad. You probably all think I’ve gone overboard with the frugal living. Now I’m picking on sandwich bags? Hear me out …
When I was working outside my home I packed lunches for both my daughter and I every day. Each lunch sack contained several of those bags. I probably used at least 6 a day, nevermind what my hubby used. I bought them in every size. They are just so handy I couldn’t help myself. Now I don’t work outside my home but I still toss Chloe’s snacks into them whenever we go anywhere.
Lately I’ve become more and more aware of the amount of trash that my family creates and I’m not too happy about it. Buying plastic bags at the rate that I do is something I no longer want to overlook. To add to my concern, it’s literally like throwing my money into the trash. I’m buying these bags for the convenience of throwing them out. Hmmm, doesn’t sound very frugal either.
I know what your first suggestion is going to be – just wash them out and reuse them. It’s a good idea for some people but just not something that’s for me. The time and annoyance is really not something I feel like adding to my life. Besides, there is a much simpler solution. I’ve decided to switch mostly to reusable containers
For more fantastic frugal tips visit Being Frugal for Tightwad Tuesday!
Why I do what I do ~ One of my favorite phrases that Chloe says right now is “after later.” For example, “Can we go to the park after later?”
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Great move, good for you. I too have given up purchasing bags. I see that you don’t like the idea of washing out bags and you’re not alone in that but something that may be useful for those occasions when a container won’t do – I reuse bread bags. Now I don’t buy bread often since I choose to make my own however when I do I keep the bag (to put my own bread in). I don’t feel the need to wash them as it’s just a shake and the crumbs are gone and an old kleenex box makes a very convenient holding place for spares. Might be something for you to consider as reuse is better than throw away any day!
LOL
I totally relate to this post. Ok, I’ll try too.
Angie’s last blog post..Here Comes the Sun
I reuse breadbags as well as a substitute for freezer bags. You just put the stuff in, twist, and double it over itself.
Another alternative to buying resealable containers is to just wash out plastic bowls that things like margarine, cool-whip, and parmesan cheese come in. I use them so much for freezing single-serving portions of leftovers that we don’t feel like eating right away. I hate throwing out food!
“I’m buying these bags for the convenience of throwing them out”
I busted out laughing when I read this…it doesn’t make sense but yet we do it!!!
I tried the washing out and drying…they didn’t look the same and it freaked me out.
Britt’s last blog post..Cloth Diapering Using Prefolds
Oh- Kelli M. We reuse those plastic tubby containers too!!! Cottage cheese, yogurt…they handle the dishwasher well too…well, top rack anyway
Britt’s last blog post..Cloth Diapering Using Prefolds
You are SO right! I’m trying to only use bags when I have stuff to freeze, but I still buy the little sandwich baggies – just in case. That truly makes no sense!
Great post, Nicki!
Amy’s last blog post..Memorial Day weekend
The main reason we use bags is so my daughter can carry her snack to school. If I thought she could eat out of one of these and not spill it all over the back of the car, I’d be all over these. In the mean time, I’ll have to keep using the bags. Luckily we don’t use but about 5 or so a week.
Tyler – Building Camelot’s last blog post..Father’s Day Gift Ideas From Twitter Dads
@Tyler – I hear ya with the snacks all over the back seat. One thing I’ve done for that is put her snacks in a cup and then the cup in the cup holder right next to her. Helps a little.
I use little containers usually, too, but I’ve been thinking about buying some of these: http://www.reusablebags.com/
There’s an expense, of course, but I would happily trade the one-time cost for that weekly purchase of plastic baggies.
Country-Fried Mama’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Birthday edition
Some things take containers, but am I the last person on the planet who uses wax paper to wrap sandwiches and cookies … like a deli would? A $2 roll is 75 feet — that’s at least 60 sandwiches. The price is only a little lower than sandwich bags, but it’s biodegradable.
@CarrieB – I’m glad you brought that up! Whenever I buy wax paper (usually because I need it for something else) I’m always glad I have it in the house. I find it very useful for wrapping things. Thanks for the reminder!