Seven Unexpected Uses for Ziploc Bags

Nearly every kitchen in America has a collection of Ziploc bags. Although Ziploc is the leading brand, there are actually many brands and styles of these plasic, "zipper-close" bags. They come in a variety of sizes, from tiny to absolutely huge. Most people use them for food storage. However, Ziploc bags are versatile and inexpensive. Why not repurpose them? Here are some Ziploc bag ideas:

Ziploc Bag Idea #1 - Use Ziploc bags for packing your suitcase. Use small bags to collect hosiery, underclothes, or jewelry. Seal up your toiletries in a Ziploc bag to prevent leakage. Larger bags can hold rolled outfits (less wrinkles) and then store the dirty clothes until you get home. Pack your shoes inside Ziploc bags to prevent the soles from dirtying other items. Place souvenirs in bags to protect them on your way home.

Ziploc Bag Idea #2 - You pack your child's lunch in a Ziplok bag, but that's not the only backpack possibility! Roll a complete outfit of clothing into a gallon-sized bag. Press the air out, and seal. This is also a good idea for gym clothes, which can be brought home in the bag as well (stinky!) Use a small bag to create an "emergency kit" for an older child - a sewing needle and thread, a stain stick, a small candy bar, and a few bandaids.

Ziploc Bag Idea #3 - If you and other family members take medicine, it's all too easy to confuse the bottles and accidentally get the wrong medicine or wrong dose. To avoid this danger, corral each person's medicine in their own Ziploc bag. Use one of the bags with a write-on label, so you can put names on the bags.

Ziploc Bag Idea #4 - Use a one or two gallon bag to hold an entire meal. Having meals in the freezer saves time and money on nights when you're too tired to cook. It's easy to make freezer meals - simply double (or triple) the recipe you're making for dinner tonight. Cool in the refrigerator, portion into Ziploc bags, and add label and date. There are a few foods which do not freeze well, and most meals need to be eaten within a month.