I grew up with semi-hippie parents. My dad had every issue of "Mother Earth News", they gardened, raised chickens, goats and other animals, and my mom would grind her own wheat to make bread, can vegetables and make jam. They definitely lived by the motto "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without". Any plastic bag that entered the house was used to wrap up sandwiches for lunches or stuffed into snow boots for extra water proofing. It was bound to happen. I now have an enormous sense of guilt if I don't wash out and reuse a good Ziploc bag several times. When my kids started bringing their own lunches to school, I had to do something or end up with some psychological disorder. So here is my homemade solution...the reusable baggie. I call it the "ReSnackle Bag". I've made one for each of the kids and they love them. The inside is lined with PUL, a food safe, poly-coated fabric, so you can pack things like grapes or carrots. I usually use them for pretzels or cookies. It is machine washable. The strap opens so you can velcro it around a stroller or grocery cart for younger kids. I still use a plastic baggie every now and then, but this has cut down my waste and my guilt, tremendously.
When I travel, I just pack this small exercise tubing with handles so I can squeeze in a little conditioning wherever I am. I even use it in the car (in the passenger seat of course). Start holding handles with elbows close to the body and one foot on tubing. Contract your core muscles and keep your standing knee "soft" (slight bend). Next, contract your Glutes on the working leg and push your foot down and back. Move slowly, counting at least 2 counts out, 2 count in. For a more advanced alternative extend the arms at the same time, keeping wrists strong and straight. For an easier modification (not shown), place hands on a wall for balance.
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