I recently stopped by the household goods aisle at my local coop food store to see what’s new in reusables and sustainable products. I came away with 3 to try, and here’s my take.
If You Care Paper Snack and Sandwich Bags – Really like these wax free compostable bags made of unbleached, chlorine free paper. Good for taking snacks like crackers, cookies, nuts, or dried fruits. I did not try them with a sandwich, but they are supposed to keep bread soft for up to 6 hours. For snacks with small bits I used a rubber band to keep the bag closed. (I have a bunch that I have saved through the years.) You could also use tape. Made in Sweden of paper derived from Scandinavian spruce trees.
Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Sacks – These are lightweight and compact to keep in my “bag of bags” that I take shopping. (Our coop does not provide bags. You can bring your own or use one of the boxes they recycle from their products.) I like the drawstring closure; good for green beans or other loose veggies or fruits. They are about 12” X 13”, and a little too small to put in a head of leaf lettuce. Made in Cambodia.
Stasher reusable food storage bag you can cook in – Love this one. I bought the small size and have not actually tried cooking in it yet, but the silicone material is soft yet sturdy and seals very well. I transported mini-peppers and cherry tomatoes several times in my lunch box and they were well protected. The bag can go in the freezer, microwave, oven, or stovetop in boiling water. AND it goes right in the dishwasher! Women owned company, “responsibly made” in China. Recyclable packaging.
What interesting products have you been finding to help decrease plastic and trash?
© 2020 Kathleen Searles, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD