The Ziplock Challenge

Ziplock bags are such a useful invention. They keep food dry and air out so our food stays good longer. They are good for keeping something clean that needs to stay (nearly) germ-free. They are wonderful organizers, helping to keep small things in useful categories and not spread all over the house. For families with children under 3, they are great for popping choking hazards into so you don't have to throw away all your daughter's Barbie shoes. Even if the baby did gete a hold of the bag, the challenge of the zip gives you enough time to confiscate the item before there is any real danger. For air travel, ziplocks are a lifesaver when your shampoo and lotion explode inside your luggage.

But the use of ziplock bags in our world is growing, and it seems to be getting a bit excessive. For awhile, they were a regular item on my grocery list, and I began to wonder where all that plastic was going. In the trash, of course. I started to think that maybe there were some ways to diminish my use of the bags, without making this useful tool the enemy. Much like my thoughts on disposable diapers. Use them for when nothing else makes sense, but don't use them when you don't have to.

I think it's been about a month now since I stopped buying ziplocks at my normal grocery run. I've had to be creative on how to get some basic chores done.

Packing lunches without ziplocks. I've identified several very small reusable plastic containers in my house that my grade schooler can open unassisted. This seems to be working out great.

Storing food. Again, tupperware is the solution I've used mostly. Not keeping food I know I won't eat just to make myself feel better has also helped.

I still reserve the right to use the ziplock. My working guidelines are for 1. sanitatary reasons, 2. emergencies (a soiled set of clothes on the go), 3. packing for trips, 4. for teachers and educational purposes, and 5. the classic pet goldfish in a bag.

These are, of course, working guidelines, and I am encouraged that I have been able to diminish my consumption quite significantly.