Reducing plastic is a priority for many today. Despite everything, it must be admitted that storage bags, mainly with zips, remain an essential in a home and in a family. So how to do it?
If they are of quality, they can be reused
To store leftovers to place in the freezer of course, but not only: transporting dried fruit, a snack, sorting ingredients, storing small household items… They are perfect. Result ? We consume a certain number of them, often for single use. But can we reuse these bags to avoid waste and pollution? Yes, according to the magazine Eating Well who looked into the issue and contacted experts. According to the Ziploc brand for example, “branded bags are made from high quality materials strong enough to be reused. But your use must still respect certain conditions, in particular careful cleaning.
How to properly clean a plastic bag?
You don’t empty a bag to fill it again without an intermediate step. To reuse storage bags, you will inevitably need to clean them between uses for sanitary reasons and to reduce lingering odors.
The method is simple: fill the bag with hot, soapy water, seal your bag and gently circulate the liquid over all sides. Then simply open it, shake off the excess water and keep the bag open so that it dries completely before reusing it on your draining board for example. Some put sticks there to allow complete opening. Others use clothespins to dry them. It’s up to you to find the method that dries the excess water quickly.
How can we extend the life of our bags?
According to experts, cleaning and drying your plastic bags properly is one of the best ways to extend their life. But how you use it is also important. Also be sure to handle the bags carefully to avoid tears or punctures during use. In the event of wear or damage, your bag will no longer guarantee optimal conservation. It must be thrown away.
When should you throw away your bags after just one use?
The condition of your bags is the first thing to look at, but then comes what you have stored inside. Therefore, to avoid a food safety problem, it is still advisable to throw away your bag after a single use if it contains:
- Raw meat;
- Eggs;
- Potentially allergenic foods.
Highly acidic ingredients like tomato sauce can also cause staining and shorten the life of any plastic product, including bags. In this case, it is also better to get rid of them.
To preserve your leftovers, there are also storage boxes, which are just as practical. But be careful, they also meet conditions of use.