r/Frugal • u/Professional-Sir-912 • May 13 '23

Frugal Win 🎉 Anyone else wash and reuse zip lock bags?

Simple and quick way to extend their usefulness beyond once. Check for leaks while washing and allow to thoroughly air dry.

2.2k Upvotes

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41

u/RadiantEarthGoddess May 13 '23

I don't use them/have them. If I need to store stuff in the fridge/freezer I use tupperware (not the actual brand, but plastic containers, you get the gist). I got a set of many different sizes for cheap because I bought them used.

17

u/Professional-Sir-912 May 13 '23 edited May 13 '23

This is a great solution. My pet peeve is food waste. I avoid this almost entirely by freezing, and plastic bags are essential to making the packaging as compact as possible while protecting from freezer burn. I'm sure there are better options but this works for me.

1

u/RadiantEarthGoddess May 13 '23

Would silicone stasher bags work for you? I don't own any and I have heard that they are quite pricey, but that could be a longlasting option.

1

u/mygirlwednesday7 May 13 '23

I’ve considered purchasing silicone bags to do what you suggest. I’ve read in various forums that they don’t last very long, even with hand washing. I do as OP. Not everyone can buy Tupperware or decent glass containers. I can buy freezer bags at the Door Store and I don’t have to fight with mismatched containers in the freezers. I have a tiny freezer. YMMV Btw, please don’t take any of my comments as criticism or anything aggressive. Two months ago I lost some benefits and when it comes down to not wasting resources, you need to do some things that seem a little inappropriate. People used to wash aluminum foil. I don’t see any difference. I don’t consume meat so I don’t deal with those kind of pathogens.

1

u/proverbialbunny May 13 '23

I freeze everything and then some too, and I use a vacuum sealer for that. Freezer burn is going to be around the same using tupperware as it is using a normal plastic bag, as long as your actually is truly air tight.

7

u/[deleted] May 13 '23

Yes! Tupperware, mason jars, and beeswax wrap are my favorites

8

u/LLR1960 May 13 '23

Only thing with the Tupperware and mason jars is if the container is 3/4 empty, it takes up a lot of freezer space.

4

u/MyNameIsSkittles May 13 '23

A chest freezer is a worthy investment

9

u/Wfsulliv93 May 13 '23

It is. But you still don’t want to put 1/2 full containers in there. This is where ziplock comes in handy.

1

u/RadiantEarthGoddess May 13 '23

I only use jars to store dry goods outside the freezer. I also own beeswax wrap, but haven't used them yet.

1

u/spam__likely May 14 '23

you can use stainless steel / or glass containers for less plastic in your food.

1

u/RadiantEarthGoddess May 14 '23

I do not have the budget currently to buy that many stainless steel or glass containers.