What do you put bulk stuff in?

[rgrindle]

Like cereal, trail mix, granola, etc. The grocery offers plastic bags, but I wondered if anyone had another option. I thought about using my cloth produce bags, but they let smaller stuff through, so I don't know how the granola, oats, etc. would work in that...

[Barcino]

I take it home on the smaller type plastic bags that they offer and then they get stored in my glass containers from IKEA. That is still a whole lot less wasteful than the prepackaged stuff at least for most prepackaged stuff.

[askew]

I have muslin type bags that I use for bulk items. I got them from Frontier through a coop here.

[rgrindle]

Originally Posted by angelika13

I have muslin type bags that I use for bulk items. I got them from Frontier through a coop here.

Which bags were they? How big are they? Thanks.

[russianthistle]

I use mason jars in various sizes.

[DBZ]

I've been reluctant to buy glass because of the cost issue and I'm afraid one of my kids will get hurt, so I bought plastic containers at Target. They are 1 pete so if they turn out to be a bad choice, I can at least recycle them. I also bought two sterilite containers because they are a local company to me, but I don't like them as much at the 1 pete containers.

Is there any reason why 1 pete would be bad for storing food?

[Gumby]

muslin bags at the store (thru frontier as well, they shrunk to be the size of a sheet of paper or so), and glass mason jars at home.

[Gumby]

Originally Posted by DBZ

Is there any reason why 1 pete would be bad for storing food?

I need to find the source, but I've read that #2, 4, and 5 plastics are much better than 1, 3, 6, and 7.

[russianthistle]

Originally Posted by DBZ

I've been reluctant to buy glass because of the cost issue and I'm afraid one of my kids will get hurt, so I bought plastic containers at Target. They are 1 pete so if they turn out to be a bad choice, I can at least recycle them. I also bought two sterilite containers because they are a local company to me, but I don't like them as much at the 1 pete containers.

Is there any reason why 1 pete would be bad for storing food?

1 PETE is believed by some to leach chemicals into food. It is suggested that PETE or PET be used for single use and recycled. This chemical leaching can be encouraged by environmental factors such as exposure to heat and sunlight.

I wouldn't use it...if I had to use plastic, I'd use 2.

[russianthistle]

Here is further plastics info:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=861625

[beanma]

I volunteer at our co-op HFS one night a week. I've seen a lot of different containers for foods from the bulk bin. We have paper and plastic bags available at the bulk bin and most folks do use those, but I've also seen plastic containers, pasta sauce jars brought from home, other glass and plastic containers, and the muslin bags a PP mentioned. I just got some new Chico bags and I was thinking they would be great for produce like a head of lettuce. Y'know the belt in the grocery store is really dirty. There are folks who just plop their meat up there w/o it being in a plastic bag and sometimes those meat trays do leak a little. Something to think about. Anyway, at our HFS if you want to bring in a container from home for your bulk goods you just need to get the TARE weight for it before filling it. Take it to the service desk or any cashier who's not too busy and they can weigh it for you so you're not charged for the weight of the container, too. I have some glass containers with the rubber seal and hinged glass lid. Can't remember the proper name for them, but I love them for storage at home.

hth

[russianthistle]

Originally Posted by DBZ

I've been reluctant to buy glass because of the cost issue

Go to your local thrift store...I'm sure they have canning jars up the wazoo. I have had no issue with the glass and my 2 yo. Then again, his access to those jars is very limited.

I need to get some of those muslin bags!!!

[jennymamame]

bags, jars and cans

For dry stuff I just reuse my plastic bags and then empty them into jars when we get home. For olive oil and wet stuff I use glass jars because they use the volume for pricing (don't wanna pay for my glass jars again.....)

[BurtsGirl]

Like the PP, I reuse the plastic bags near the bulk stuff and when I get home the dry stuff goes into glass canning jars or recycled food jars, ie pickle, mayo jars. If available we also use small paper bags.

[iamloved22]

Those are great ideas! I never thought about bringing a glass container & Having them weigh it! I shop at a Bulk food store and always just ended up using their plastic bags for my rice, flour, yeast, etc. since buying (especially my bread yeast) from there is WAY cheaper on most stuff (if I can keep the kids & hubby away from the candy section!)

[Pariah]

This blog post has instructions for a produce/bulk bag. It is really easy, just your basic drawstring bag. This is what we've been using now.

http://wisdomofthemoon.blogspot.com/...duce-bags.html

[marlyninla]

I buy my bulk items in cotton produce bags from reusablebags.com (I'd post the link but the page won't load for me right now). At home I transfer the stuff into mason jars. The flour is a little messy but I'm getting better at it!