WHY plastic Bags SUCK-IT!
Okay, we all know plastic bags are terrible. I hate them (and I don't use that word lightly). So come smoothie time of year I really, really, REALLY try to NOT purchase any frozen fruit in plastic bags. I mean, yes, it's difficult during the off season when fresh fruit (err, organic fresh fruit) is not in season. But during the summer it's everywhere. So no excuses.
The easiest way to avoid packaged frozen fruit is to purchase loose fruit and freeze it. When I say loose fruit I am talking about fruit that is not packaged in any plastic. This is how fruit is sold at my local Natural Foods Coops here in Northern California. Sometimes you can find a Farmer's Market that is really good about selling loose fruit. I use these Care Bags for my produce/loose fruit, again, NO plastic bags are used at any point in my purchasing process. Listen, I don't have a panic attack if I have to purchase fruit in plastic. For example, Costco has great deals on blueberries and raspberries. But at least those plastic containers ARE able to be recycled. Frozen fruit plastic bags are not - they go right into the landfill. So think about what will do less harm.
See below for some other suggestions on how to make a fabulous smoothie without the use of bagged frozen fruit.
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Here is how I freeze fruit. I wash, dry, and freeze on silicone mats. Then I store the fruit in air-tight glass containers in the freezer (not in plastic bags).
Here we have mango and bananas...
Bananas, apple and strawberries...
Bananas, blueberries, raspberries...
Strawberries are everywhere this time of year
Fresh, loose picked, frozen strawberries for a fraction of what the packaged frozen strawberries cost!
Okay, moving along...
See HERE for my bulk green drink.
I like to freeze little cubes of this green drink and use in smoothies. For the smoothie, add in the frozen green drink cubes, some nut milk (or coconut milk), fresh fruit, your choice protein powder, and blend. What a fabulous way to start the day.
I still have my old BPA/toxic free baby food containers (yes, I made all my kid's baby food from scratch). I knew these would be put to good use and below I have them full of homemade walnut milk for smoothies.
Homemade nut/seed milks from The Tasty Alternative:
We are surrounded by citrus here in California So when harvest time comes, I like to freeze lemon and orange juice for smoothies (or for like a million other uses).
These silicone (BPA free) ice cube trays are awesome. They make small portions of frozen nut milk or coconut milk.
Here I have some banana puree. I had four bananas that were ready for something (super ripe)...so I pureed them with a little water and made little frozen banana cubes for smoothies. With the banana you can also add in a handful of spinach or fresh fruit (such as an avocado or strawberries). Just make sure you add in some water so you can pour the mixture into the trays.
It is possible to create low-waste or no-waste smoothies. It depends on where you live and what you like, but it is possible. The point here is to become more mindful of the waste-free options and get creative.
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~Smoothie/Milkshake Recipes by The Tasty Alternative~
Top of post bags of fruit Image Source
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Shared on: Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Wellness Weekend, Tuesday Green
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Shared on: Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Wellness Weekend, Tuesday Green
What a great post. I also really hate plastic bags. So much of the packaging that goes into products nowadays is completely unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these helpful tips!
Thanks Quincy! I'm so glad you found this post helpful!
DeleteGreat tips as always Amber! I am guilty for buying frozen fruit bags at Whole Foods, but now that our Farmer's Market is finally in full swing, I have no excuses! I am also going to try to freeze more frozen fruit in the colder months too by remembering to plan ahead :)
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend.
DeleteI've been doing this for quite some time. I freeze all of my fruit I use in smoothies, as I prefer a more slushy/frozen smoothie. I also make coconut water and milk ice cubes. It is soooooo easy to do, and as you mentioned waaaaaay cheaper. I love it when I tell people about this and they say, "you are so smart"....no, just frugal. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Coconut water is lovely in smoothies. Thank you for being kind to the earth and being creative with how to decrease waste. Keep up the great work.
DeleteI've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be YOU! What an inspiring post! I do freeze fresh fruit when I find good deals in the summer or when I just can't bear that cherry season is ending. It's so easy, and I need to do it more regularly. You make it look so easy that I may need to give the silicone mats a try! (We'll see how big my NYC freezer is!) Thanks for the steps!!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Ha ha. You're just too sweet Heather. I'm tickled that you found this post inspiring. That just warms my heart. xoxo
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