We are now ten days into the #GLADFreshFoodChallenge and it really has been a challenge! It has been an adjustment to take even small amounts of leftovers and save them, rather then putting them in our green bin for composting. I think the logic I have always employed is that whether we save it or put it in the green bin we are at least not throwing it away to rot in a landfill somewhere. However, this week the #GLADFreshFoodChallenge has shown me that much of what we put out for composting can be turned into another meal.
Everyday we pack fresh veggies and fruit into our children’s lunches. Cut up cucumbers, peppers or carrots, and apple slices, bananas, cantaloupe and so on. Inevitably, every day something comes home uneaten. While that drives me nuts for health reasons, it also bothers me to throw out perfectly good snacks, no matter how little is left. This week I used the GLAD small zipper bags to store these leftovers and reused them the next day. They were perfectly good and the kids did not know the difference.
Another tip I learned is to save those small bits of left over fruit to put in salad. I started to do this awhile ago, but of course would cut up new fruit each time. Ya know what? Using the left over fruit was great! Equally tasty with no waste. Talk about saving “good food from going bad.” 🙂
I think my favorite thing to use this past week has been the GLAD Medium Quart Zipper Bags. They are larger then a sandwich zipper bag so you can get more into them! Earlier this week I was refilling the plastic container we keep cereal in, but there wasn’t enough room for all of it. I was able to put the “leftover” cereal into a GLAD Medium Quart bag to keep it fresh and accessible so we would use that cereal first.
I have also discovered the miracle that is GLAD Press’n Seal wrap. I had heard about this stuff before, just never tried it. What a fabulous find! The Press’n Seal wrap works like the GLAD Cling wrap I am familiar with in that you can wrap food in it. The Press’n Seal wrap adheres to containers to work like a lid so that they are sealed tight. That makes GLAD’s Press’n Seal wrap perfect for freezing things like chicken or steak. Just wrap them up tight and the Press’n Seal will do the rest. Say good bye to freezer burn and wasted food.
So how have you been doing with the #GLADFreshFoodChallenge this past week? Are you noticing a difference in your green bin?
FT&PD
Suz
saleago says
We always save our leftovers. That happens when your on a tight budget.
MapleMouseMama says
Very true..
kathy downey says
Yes,I have noticed a diffence
MapleMouseMama says
A good one, I hope!
kathy downey says
We had no waste since,all fruit and veggies were frozen for smoothies or soups.Cereals,crackers or breads we used in meatloafs/cassoroles.
MapleMouseMama says
Wow, these are great ideas Kathy! I will have to keep some of them in mind..
Jennifer Van Huss says
I haven’t heard of this challenge before! It sounds amazing! I hate throwing out good food, but I never know what to do with it! You have provided me with some amazing suggestions!
MapleMouseMama says
That’s great Jennifer!
mapleleafmommy says
I love those medium quart sized bags. They are just perfect for so many of my kitchen leftovers.
MapleMouseMama says
They are perfect Deanna!
Stephanie Keeping says
I am always using baggies. I have every size. I think they are perfect for more than food. I use them to organize stuff.
MapleMouseMama says
I use them for other things to Stephanie, they are great!
Jenna Em says
I’ve never tried Glad Press and Seal wrap, but I love that it adheres to containers. Over time, all over tupperware lids go wonky.
MapleMouseMama says
It is great stuff Jenna. I was surprised how well it clings!