The Plastic Bag Dilemma: My Family's Journey to Find a Compostable Alternative
(A mere 2 Minute read or watch a longer video with side-banter posted below)
Listen, I know Seattle moved on from plastic bags like, a million years ago, but my fam's been holding onto the resealable bag obsession. We're talking leftovers, snacks, lunch, organizing – the works.
Sure, I was recycling them, but I started feeling like a bad eco-warrior for contributing to the 500 billion plastic bags used globally. So, this summer, I took matters into my own hands and test drove three different eco friendly zip lock bags.
Buckle up and read on to see which bag won the coveted spot in our pantry, and why *cough cough* Costco needs to up its eco-friendly game so more people can be inspired to make a small change that can amount to so much. No offense, Costco.
Convenient Single-Use Plastic Is Complicated
According to research, it turns out that the type of plastic used for resealable bags isn't the worst kind to use once, health wise. So, it's safe to store food in, but when it decomposes in the environment, it creates "microplastics" that screw over humans and wildlife alike. Since we use so many of these suckers worldwide, let's just focus on what we can do about it.
Sure, ditching plastic bags might cost a little more, but isn't investing in our future worth it? Plus, you can reuse spaghetti sauce and mustard glass jars to store your stuff. Making the switch to eco friendly zip lock bags and using more glass could be the game-changer we need. Ready to join the revolution? Consider...
The Great Compostable Bag Showdown
I decided to put three brands of eco friendly zip lock bags to the test. What I discovered was not pretty, folks. One bag allowed too much air in, turning my sandwich into a pile of sawdust.
Another bag leaked all over the place when I tried to stuff it with pickles.
But then there was the one true champion, the Ecoopts compostable, resealable bag. It kept my food fresh and even held a bag of veggies in water for an entire week without spilling a single drop. Needless to say, I've ditched those plastic Costco-purchased bags for good.
Now I can sleep soundly, knowing I'm doing my part to save the planet, one sandwich at a time. 🙂
In my house, once we use Ecoopts eco friendly zip lock bags for storing chili in the freezer or snacks on a hike, these Superhero bags help us collect food for yard waste, which the city of Seattle turns into mulch for our parks. It's a no-brainer! It's like getting two for the price of one – BAM!
Confession Time
Being a foodie, I'm quite particular about the texture of my food. I've experimented with various eco-friendly alternatives but most seem to let in too much air, making the food unappetizing. That's why I prefer to seal my food storage containers. But if texture isn't a big deal for you, you can always opt for the eco-friendly fabric storage bags widely available in the marketplace.
Still Curious?
World Wildlife: What do sea turtles eat? Unfortunately, plastic bags.
Thinking about using fewer water bottles? Check out my recommended water bottles and tap water quality article.
Center for Biological Diversity: 10 Facts About Single-Use Plastic Bags (includes an action item to speak up for wildlife)
