[Peonie]

I use quite a few plastic bags for sandwiches and saving leftovers. Now we are trying to take our lunches to work the number is rising. Is there anything a bit more eco friendly I could make or buy?

[Jazboo]

I stopped using plastic bags last year when I saw an article about that "continent" of plastic garbage that's floating around in the Pacific. Now I use plastic containers for everything. It's a bit more work because they have to be washed everyday, but I feel a lot better about it. Whenever I buy something that comes in a container (sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, etc) I wash it and save it. They work well for the times when I don't want to break out a big tupperware container.

They also sell reusable bread shaped containers at Walmart. They're the perfect size for a sandwich.

[mommaB]

Plastic containers (tupperware), or anything recyclable like biodegradable paper products. We made the switch a couple years ago. I thought it was ridiculous to pay for these bags that are used for 2 hours and then thrown in the trash. It's cheaper and better for the environment to use an alternative.

[happymom]

Containers is right on. You can buy Rubbermaid ones for a lot cheaper than Tupperware. I buy them and use them all the time. My kids return them to me each day - wash them and they are ready to go again.

[Moongirl]

Have you saw the reusable sandwich bags.

Reusable Sandwich Wrap :: Lavish & Lime - Eco-friendly products for green living & giving

They are apparently easy to make as well as reusable snack bags and stuff like that, it is a creative way to use up little remnants of fabric.

[Here4U]

You could buy a few of those plastic sandwich cases. I used to use them growing up and that way you never have to use the baggies for sandwiches. You could even use them for other stuff too

[Peonie]

Wow thanks a million times over for all the tips and ideas. I can't believe I never knew about half of these things. I may even have a go at making some of those bags too.

[Fishtank]

Those are really neat. They seem fairly easy, I may have to try them myself, I wonder what type of fabric is best to use? Maybe some shower curtain fabric?

[Linda L.]

If you use plastic containers from cottage cheese and such, you want to be sure to NOT microwave leftovers in them, as that will give off a toxic substance you don't want to consume.

[Hacha]

I actually reuse my plastic freezer and sandwich bags. I rinse them out and then place them over a tumbler I've washed or use an old pop bottle to place them on to dry. I use them many, many times before they ever see the inside of a garbage can.