storing meat in freezer

[applecider]

Hey everyone! As I was tossing out some plastic freezer bags today that had previously held frozen meat, I was wondering if there was a better, less wasteful way to store meat in the freezer? I usually buy in bulk and separate into bags, but I'd like to get away from doing that. And I don't really want to wash and reuse them, you know, raw meat and all. Anybody have any tips?

[cottontail]

Aaaargh.

I do the same thing, except I either double bag or use foil and a bag because of some nasty freezer burn incidences.

I tried using rubbermaid containers due to wash and reusable-ness, but the freezer burn permeated the food.

Glass jars have worked well for my stock, which is eaten rather quickly though.

I dunno. Subbing because this is an issue here, too!

[SusannahM]

We normally have the butcher re-package the meat before we buy it, they don't charge extra for that. I know it's not eco-friendly, but at least it's pocketbook friendly.

I wouldn't mind hearing more ideas, too!

[witchbaby]

d'oh, nevermind.

[grisandole]

We use freezer paper/butcher paper, and it has worked great for us! It's sold in the foil/ziploc section, all you need is a big roll of it, some masking tape, and a marker and you're set

[Prensa]

fwiw, I reuse the bags for my kitchen trashcan, it's a little countertop one that I use for all my compost pile waste...I still end up throwing the bags out afterwards, but I feel better knowing I used them twice.

I have some of that freezer paper, I should really try it!

[sportychicky]

We were given a foodsaver for christmas two years ago and we use that. It works well at keeping meat fresh. Before then I would double bag my meats before freezing.

[cottontail]

Originally Posted by grisandole

We use freezer paper/butcher paper, and it has worked great for us! It's sold in the foil/ziploc section, all you need is a big roll of it, some masking tape, and a marker and you're set

awezzzzome!

[applecider]

Originally Posted by grisandole

We use freezer paper/butcher paper, and it has worked great for us! It's sold in the foil/ziploc section, all you need is a big roll of it, some masking tape, and a marker and you're set

Ooh, thanks! Mostly I just want to feel better about throwing something away that is maybe more biodegradable.

[cottontail]

Originally Posted by cody'smomma

Ooh, thanks! Mostly I just want to feel better about throwing something away that is maybe more biodegradable.

I was assuming I could wipe clean and recycle???

[thomlynn]

Originally Posted by mollybeesmamma

I was assuming I could wipe clean and recycle???

I think you could do that especially if you unwrapped the food while still frozen and put it on a plate or something the thaw?? Then you wouldn't have the melted juices to clean off.

We use this stuff too but I've wondered about the plastic that coats one side. Is it like plastic wrap?? I'm hoping not but it's not like we have another option, at least not yet.

[cottontail]

I'm pretty sure now that I can't recycle the freezer paper where I live. It's best to check with your service provider. Oh well, still a better option than plastic freezer bags!