Reduce, reuse and then recycle.
But there is no denying the serious issues of overusing and improperly disposing of plastics.
One easy solution to cut back on plastic waste is to simply reuse your existing plastic bags.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
You will want to be careful to not be too aggressive with this process.
Avoid turning the bag inside out, as this could damage the seams.
Breaking the seams would, of course, make the bag less effective and will shorten its life.
I like to use magnetic bag clips and dry them on the side of my refrigerator.
Be sure to handle the bags carefully to avoid tears or punctures.
Depending on what you store inside the bags, it’s possible for you to reuse them several times.
However, there are some times youll want to dispose of a plastic bag after one use.
Silicone pouches and bags have gained popularity in recent years.
you’ve got the option to even clean them in the dishwasher.
Other similar reusable bag options include (re)zip, Stasher and Ello.
Consider other washable storage vessels like Mason jars or glass storage containers.
RecycleNation also has a lot of information about disposing of plastic bags.
Many grocery stores will accept all sorts of plastic recycling, including shopping bags and zip-top bags.
Be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before bringing them to the store to recycle.
World Wildlife Fund.How Americans View the Plastic Problem.
