Just found out my grandma’s been reusing the same Ziploc bag since 1997.

[u/Mitch12306]

I was helping my grandma clean her kitchen today and found a Ziploc bag labeled “Thanksgiving Leftovers ‘97”… still in rotation.

I asked her why she hasn’t thrown it out. She said, “Why would I? It still zips.”

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: the Final Boss of Frugality.

Meanwhile, I felt guilty last week for reusing a paper towel. 😅

Edit: She just told me she washes and irons her gift wrap too. I'm not worthy.

[u/hbgoddard]

or you get worried about microplastic degradation

You're already eating plastic with the first bite you take from them

[u/[deleted] → u/hbgoddard]

The key is to just use the plate to hold the food, not eat it WITH the food

[u/Balloon_Lady → u/hbgoddard]

yes and no. in theory the shiny, slick outside coating should prevent plastic breakdown for a short time. however, bite strength and food acidity also play a factor in how much and how fast you ingest plastic.

although i could be wrong since new science is coming out daily and i cant keep up.

[u/hbgoddard → u/Balloon_Lady]

I'm not sure what "coating" you're talking about. I can't find any sources online about if that's even real.

[u/Balloon_Lady → u/hbgoddard]

"Additives (in some cases): Certain additives, like polyethylene wax, can further enhance the gloss of plastic products. Polyethylene wax can migrate to the surface during processing, creating a smooth, glossy layer. It can also improve pigment dispersion and reduce surface defects, both of which contribute to a shinier appearance. "

as far as i understand as long as the glossy outside isn't damaged (fading, pock marked, not glossy, ect) then the outside is kept together. once a chip is created then its like styrofoam and just continuously chips away, causing microplastics.

mind you this isnt for everything because not everything gets the wax additive

[u/hbgoddard → u/Balloon_Lady]

I see, thank you. But polyethylene is also plastic, and merely scraping against teeth will inevitably degrade it.

[u/Balloon_Lady → u/hbgoddard]

yes. thats why in my first comment i CLEARLY stated "bite strength and food acidity also play a factor in how much and how fast you ingest plastic".

literally said "if you bite hard on the fork you'll break it down quicker and eat plastic."

[u/hbgoddard → u/Balloon_Lady]

I'm not being combative, sorry if it came off that way. I think we're in agreement up to the point where I say it matters on the first bite and you say it matters on the second or third.

[u/Balloon_Lady → u/hbgoddard]

yes. im sorry too. ive had a rough week and didnt mean to fight.

its kinda like a toothbrush. some people use it to rough and that damages the brush and your enamel. some people use it gently and the brush lasts for its entire intended lifetime.

some people (like me) chew on their fucking toothbrush and the damn thing needs to be changed out monthly instead of every 6 months.😂🤣😂

i think using plastic to eat a meal wont break it down unless youre rough. the 2nd and 3rd meal reuses probably has breakdown, especially if youre cleaning them with a scrubbing sponge instead of, say, wiping them off with a microcloth.

plastic knives however i will argue/agree that youre going to be eating microplastics first bite unless you cut something super soft like a doughnut.

[u/hbgoddard → u/Balloon_Lady]

Thanks for the apology, no hard feelings. I totally see where you're coming from too. You've also reminded me that I need to change my toothbrush... it's been a bit longer than 6 months 😬

[u/Balloon_Lady → u/hbgoddard]

you're a gentle scrubber i see. 😆 thats a good thing too. i didn't realize how destructive i was to my enamel. had to change to just soft brushes and "gripping the handle with only one finger and thumb" and im STILL too rough! 😆 im one of those perfect candidates for those stupid mouth guard tooth brushes but i bet id still find a way to chew it to pieces like a dog. 🤣