5 Ways to Use Fewer Zip Lock Bags

source image courtesy of  Speak Up for Blue

Like many, I grew up making my own lunches - peanut butter and jelly in a zip lock bag. Since then, I've become much more conscious of the waste my daily meals create. While bringing your own lunch is much more cost-effective (and often more sustainable) than buying lunch, there are ways to streamline the lunch packing process to avoid adding to landfills. 

1. Glass food containers or BPA-free plastic food containers are your best friend. Especially at offices where there is a dishwasher or sink available so you don't have to carry home a dirty container. 
2. Eat less meat. Freezer bags are often used to preserve meats. Kill two birds with one stone by going vegetarian and eating fresh produce that doesn't need to be stored in a bag. 
3. Re-use your bags. If you must use plastic food-storage bags, wash them out and reuse them a couple times before throwing them away. 
4. Simply don't purchase plastic bags. You'd be surprised how creative you can be when you don't have them as an option at your home. 
5. Stock up on food-making supplies at the office. If you have space, keep a loaf of bread and your other lunch-making ingredients at work - that way you don't have to pack a lunch at all!