Here's a good question from Ayse, who is looking for a better way to pack her sandwiches.
Are there any eco-friendly sandwich bags out there? I was thinking something along the lines of the biobags that I use to collect compost in my kitchen.
As much as I would like to try to reuse my Ziploc sandwich bags, a smear of yesterday's avocado does not look very appetizing on today's sandwich. And nothing hold a messy sandwich together like a good baggie. If you think about it, this baggie would only have to remain waterproof for about 5 hours until lunch time and then it can start biodegrading right away!
Ayse, yes, there are some better plastic baggie options out there, but first we're going to redirect your question and give you some alternatives. We like baggies too, but when it comes to sandwiches, there are plenty of options.
• First of all, have you considered a washable, reusable container? You could use a plastic container or even a glass box with a lid, if you want to avoid plastic. Here's an Aladdin Lunchbox that is especially good for sandwiches.
• Secondly, did you know that you can wrap sandwiches very securely in wax paper or freezer paper? Here's a great tutorial at Tipnut on wrapping meat securely. It can also be applied to sandwiches. The Drugstore Wrap, at Tipnut.
• Wax paper is compostable, so even if you don't want to wrap your sandwiches, you could also just use wax paper bags, like these: Natural Value Unbleached Wax Paper Bags. You can also put a waxed paper bag inside of a plastic bag to make it more airtight and to let you reuse the plastic bag more easily.
• You can also buy reusable, machine-washable wraps for sandwiches, like this lined Wrap-N-Mat (also available at Whole Foods), or these oilcloth wraps at Etsy. Also check out these Kootsacs.
For better plastic alternatives, try cellulose bags:
• Cellulose Bags at Green Home. These can be recycled with other paper products and are not made of petroleum, and the biodegrade in 30-90 days.
And finally: did you know that Ziploc plastic bags are actually recyclable at some recycling centers? Check your local recycling guidelines to see if they accept plastic number 4. This is not very common in city recycling programs, but Lime.com says that Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and Wegman's Food Marts will also accept plastic bags for recycling.
Related: Gallery: 9 Cool Lunch Boxes and Bags
(Images: Lime.com; UnMaskIt; Etsy seller RickRackQueen)
Thanks for the list. I didn't know that wax paper is compostable. Although I take my sandwiches in reusable plastic containers, I (guiltily) use plastic bags for my typical raw lunch veggies. I like the possibility of using the wax paper bags for the veggies, nestled inside a plastic bag to guard against leakage. I can give the wax bags to a friend for composting.
view Pixie's profile
I also like the reusable sandwich sized tuperware thingy. I have some great soy based, unbleached wax paper that I recommend highly btw.
I'd love to find those wax paper bags!
view Dana McCauley's profile
Pixie, I use a small square reusable plastic container for my raw veggies and it keeps 'em nice and fresh till lunch (sometimes a drop a few water droplets over them so they don't get too dry). No leaks (just using gladware) and a good spot for some ranch dip if I am feeling not-so-good ;)
view STLcolleen's profile
STLcolleen - thanks. I've tried using plastic containers for the veggies, but I start packing too much weight into my bag, so I always seem to revert to the ziplocks. I'm on foot/public transportation, so I try to reduce that element as much as possible. As light as they are, it adds up.
view Pixie's profile
thanks for the list! Of course I've tried to put my sandwiches is tupperware, but the way my husband piles on the ingredients, they never stay together! Maybe I can put a frilly toothpick through like they do at delis, hmmmm... (i'd have to make my own frillies out of wax paper, of course!)
I will definitely give the wax paper wrapping/baggie a try! Yay for composting!
view benayse's profile
Am I the only one that reuses zip-lock bags? I just wash them with dish soap and let them dry in the rack. I haven't had to buy more in over a year!
view kfolks's profile
kfolks, I did this for years and finally couldn't take it anymore. It's become a speed and convenience thing. Just an excuse, I guess. I do plenty of other green things, but this currently isn't one.
view Pixie's profile
I had no idea I could throw in sandwich bags with grocery bags at the recycling box at the grocery store!
view Damfino's profile
nice list! i am a fan of anything wax-paper since it is compostable!
in spain, where i'm from, everyone wraps sandwiches in aluminum foil. it does a good job of keeping the sandwich tightly packed. i don't pack sandwiches for lunch but just going with one of the ideas in the post, the aluminum foil could be lined w/ wax paper, and re-used multiple times prior to recycling...
view ratita's profile
I got a set of 4 bags (2 small, 2 medium) from Plum Creek Mercantile at Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6070468).
I love them, I use at least two every day for a sandwich and fruit (berries usually). They seem really durable and you can rinse them between uses or just throw them in the washer. Highly recommended.
view Cheryl K's profile
I use Ikea's stackable square storage containers--they have a glass lid, lined with silicone. I used to worry that they'd come open, but I throw them in a big bag and they have never opened up. I think container store sells some, too.
view mckate's profile
I was looking for truely eco-friendly sandwich and snack bags and ended up making my own. The ones that I found were kind of hard to clean or contained vinyl. So I designed ones that are easy to clean and made with 100% organic cotton. I have sandwich wraps, snack bags and drawstring bags to carry snacks or lunches. I'll be adding new products in the coming months. If you have ideas for something you'd like to see, I'd love to hear from you. www.ecolunchgear.com
view Tina eco lunch gear's profile
I just posted and am new to this, I messed up the link to get to my site easier for eco sandwich and snack bags. http://www.ecolunchgear.com
view Tina eco lunch gear's profile
I have to say, I bought a lunchbag and three reusable baggies from rickrackqueen (pictured at the top), and I loooove them. They have been used every day for months.
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