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Plastic-Free July Challenge #6: Ditch the plastic sandwich bags 🥪

Writer's picture: OnePieceADayOnePieceADay

Updated: Jul 22, 2020

https://amzn.to/2Zq3Ok9

Cherries in a sandwich bag

3 days ago we asked everyone to refuse plastic bags. Along with plastic shopping bags, we should also refuse single-use sandwich bags.


According to onegreenplanet.org, the average American uses approximately 540 plastic sandwich bags a year.


That is 539 bags too many.


We commend every individual who is packing their lunch from home - that change in itself prevents a great load of single-use plastic from entering our environment! This change has likely been healthier for you and your wallet, no doubt; but have you ever stopped to consider how unhealthy the packaging you’re using has been for the planet?


Switch to reusable packaging alternatives and feel good about one more thing that you are saving! Sure it may add an item or two to your dish washing load, but the trade off is well worth it in the long run.


There are plenty of environmentally friendlier options available on the market:



Bento lunch box by Boho & Hobo

1. Lunch boxes / Containers


Not only are these reusable, but they will prevent your food from getting squished or broken in your travel bag. They can also be stacked over each other in the fridge. Boho and Hobo bento lunch boxes are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe!



Beeswax food bag and food wrap by Etee

2. Beeswax food bags and food wraps


If space is an issue, you can store your food in beeswax food bags and food wraps, which are reusable and biodegradable.


Beeswax food bags and food wraps can be purchased from merchants like Etee and Goldilocks, as well as through *Amazon.




Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag, Bundle, Clear
*Reusable silicone bags by Stasher

3. Reusable silicone bags (i.e. *Stasher bags)


The functionality of this item well surpasses the generic plastic sandwich bag. This item is BPA-free and can be tossed in a stove top, frozen, microwaved, thrown in the oven, and washed in the dishwasher to be reused over and over again.




(*As an Amazon Associate OnePieceADay earns from qualifying purchases)




What can I do if I have unused sandwich bags at home?

Locks of black hair donated in a sealed zip-top bag

Until we find feasible alternative solutions, there will still be some need for clear plastic bags in this world; so we recommend limiting your uses for such applications. This may include making hair donations or collecting crime scene evidence.


Collections of beads in sealed zip-top bags

Airports also require passengers to store any liquids they have in a zip-top bag - try to reuse the bag as much as possible.


You can use your bags for other reusable purposes such as containing or organizing your personal belongings.




Also check out the articles below for more ideas! (but try to limit your usage for re-usable purposes, or when no other alternatives are available):


Ricardo


BobVila.com:


 


Today’s Challenge:

  • Ditch the plastic sandwich bag! Use reusable containers, bags or wraps instead.

  • Share a photo of your reusable food storage, tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly to earn 1 ENTRY!


How can I win prizes?


Step 1: Follow @onepieceaday1

Step 2: Tag a friend! (optional)

Step 3: Share a photo (to your story OR your feed) of you completing each challenge for 1 ENTRY, tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly.

Step 4: Log your refusal on the OnePieceADay app!


Each day is a new opportunity to increase your chances. Your total entries will be counted at the end of the month and be entered into a draw to win a zero-waste prize pack. Be sure to stick around for more chances to win!


Questions? Drop them below!

 

Tomorrow carry a reusable drink bottle!


The OnePieceADay team with reusable water bottles

Not only are reusable water bottles more environmentally friendly than disposable plastic bottles, they retain temperature and freshness more effectively, and they are a healthier choice.


Despite the awareness of plastic pollution and the environmental impacts of using plastic water bottles, their usage has increased in the past decade. In Canada alone, we consume about 5.3 million plastic water bottles every single day. (Karr, Reader's Digest). Meanwhile, about 90% of plastic water bottles do not get recycled - including bottles disposed of in the blue bin!


Take the pledge and say NO to plastic bottles!


Tomorrow we will also have our next giveaway - stay tuned for details!


 

Associated Links:


 
 
 

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We wish to acknowledge the land on which One Piece A Day operates. For thousands of years, it has been under the care of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, it is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to carry on their legacy of care for the Earth on this land.

443 St. Germain Ave.

Toronto, Ontario

M5M 1W9

Canada

We are located in North York, just off of Avenue Rd.

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